Christmas

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Christmas

Christmas (IPA: /krɪsməs/), also referred to as Christmas Day or Christmastide, is an annual holiday celebrated on December 25 that marks and honors the birth of Jesus of Nazareth.^[2][3] The birth of Jesus, which is the basis for the anno Domini system of dating, is thought to have occurred between 7 and 2 BC.^[4] December 25 is not thought to be Jesus' actual date of birth, and the date may have been chosen to correspond with either a Roman festival,^[5] or with the winter solstice.^[6]

Modern customs of the holiday include gift-giving, church celebrations, and the display of various decorations—including the Christmas tree, lights, mistletoe, nativity scenes and holly. Santa Claus (also referred to as Father Christmas, although the two figures have different origins) is a popular mythological figure often associated with bringing gifts at Christmas. Santa is generally believed to be the result of a syncretization between St. Nicholas of Myra and elements from pagan Nordic and Christian mythology, and his modern appearance is believed to have originated in 19th century media.

Christmas is celebrated throughout the Christian population, but is also celebrated by many non-Christians as a secular, cultural festival. The holiday is celebrated around the world. Because gift-giving and several other aspects of the holiday involve heightened economic activity among both Christians and non-Christians, Christmas has become a major event for many retailers.

Contents [hide] 1 Etymology 2 History 3 Nativity of Jesus 4 Santa Claus and other bringers of gifts 5 Decorations 6 Christmas stamps 7 Economics of Christmas 8 Books 9 References 10 External links

Etymology

The word Christmas originated as a compound meaning "Christ's Mass". Since the mid-16th century Χ, or the similar Roman letter X, has been used as an abbreviation for Christ.^[7] Hence, Xmas is often used as an abbreviation for Christmas.

Adoration of the Magi by Bartolomé Esteban Murillo.

Nativity of Jesus

Main articles: Annunciation, Nativity of Jesus, and Child Jesus

German painting, 1457

The Nativity of Jesus refers to the Christian belief that the Messiah was born to the Virgin Mary. According to these accounts, Jesus was born to Mary, assisted by her husband Joseph, in the city of Bethlehem. According to popular tradition, the birth took place in a stable, surrounded by farm animals, though neither the stable nor the animals are mentioned in the Biblical accounts. However, a manger is mentioned in Luke 2:7 where it states "She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn." Early iconographic representations of the nativity placed the stable and manger within a cave (located, according to tradition, under the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem). Shepherds from the fields surrounding Bethlehem were told of the birth by an angel, and were the first to see the child.

Remembering is a central way that Christians celebrate Christmas. In some Christian denominations, children perform plays re-telling the events of the Nativity, or sing carols that reference the event. Some Christians also display a small re-creation of the Nativity, known as a Nativity scene, in their homes, using figurines to portray the key characters of the event. ^[36] Nativity scenes traditionally include the Three Wise Men, Balthazar, Melchior, and Caspar, although their names and number are not referred to in the Biblical narrative, who are said to have followed a star, known as the Star of Bethlehem, found Jesus, and presented gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.^[37]

Many Roman Catholics and Anglicans traditionally celebrate a midnight Mass (Eucharist) which begins sometime before midnight on Christmas Day; this ceremony, which is held in churches throughout the world, marks the beginning of Christmas Day.Santa Claus and other bringers of gifts

Originating from Western culture, where the holiday is characterized by the exchange of gifts among friends and family members, some of the gifts are attributed to a character called Santa Claus (also known as Father Christmas, Saint Nicholas or St. Nikolaus, Sinterklaas, Kris Kringle, Père Noël, Joulupukki, Babbo Natale, Weihnachtsmann, Saint Basil and Father Frost).

Santa Claus, also known as Saint Nicholas, Father Christmas, Kris Kringle, or simply "Santa", is the legendary and mythical figure who, in many Western cultures, brings gifts to good children on Christmas Eve, December 24^[1] or on his Feast Day, December 6 (Saint Nicholas Day).^[2] The legend may have part of its basis in hagiographical tales concerning the historical figure of Saint Nicholas.

In modern times, Santa Claus is depicted as a plump, jolly, white-bearded man wearing a red coat with white collar and cuffs, white-cuffed red trousers, and black leather belt and boots. This image became popular in the United States in the 19th century due to the significant influence of caricaturist and political cartoonist Thomas Nast.^[3] This image has been maintained and reinforced through song, radio, television, and films. In the United Kingdom and Europe, his depiction is often identical to the American Santa, but he is commonly called Father Christmas.

One legend associated with Santa says that he lives in the far north, in a land of perpetual snow. The American version of Santa Claus lives at the North Pole, while Father Christmas is said to reside in Lapland. Other details include: that he is married and lives with Mrs. Claus; that he makes a list of children throughout the world, categorizing them according to their behavior ("naughty" or "nice"); that he delivers presents, including toys, candy, and other presents to all of the good boys and girls in the world, and sometimes coal or sticks to the naughty children, in one night; and that he accomplishes this feat with the aid of magical elves who make the toys, and eight or nine flying reindeer who pull his sleigh.^[4][5]

There has long been opposition to teaching children to believe in Santa Claus. Some Christians say the Santa tradition detracts from the religious origins and purpose of Christmas. Other critics feel that Santa Claus is an elaborate lie, and that it is unethical for parents to teach their children to believe in his existence.^[6] Still others oppose Santa Claus as a symbol of the commercialization of the Christmas holiday, or as an intrusion upon their own national traditions.

Meals

Traditional Polish Christmas Eve meal.

Large feasts are common, often with turkey or ham as the main item. In traditional Orthodox and Catholic countries, Christmas Eve continues to be observed as a fast day, and the meal, though fasting has developed a rich symbolism. The Christmas Eve supper is usually held in candle light, in the evening after the first star appears in the sky.

It is also a common tradition throughout North America for children to leave milk and cookies for Santa Claus the night before on a plate before the fireplace.

Gift Giving

The United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, English Canada, South Africa, New Zealand and Australia mostly open gifts on the morning of Christmas Day, while other countries open gifts on Christmas Eve.

Children all over the world hang Christmas stockings above the fireplace in anticipation of finding them full of gifts from Santa.

Decorations

In many countries there are many different types of decorations used depending on the traditions and available resources.

A Christmas tree ornament.

The Christmas tree is often explained as a Christianization of pagan tradition and ritual surrounding the Winter Solstice, which included the use of evergreen boughs, and an adaptation of pagan tree worship.^[42] Christmas trees may be decorated with lights and ornaments.

Since the 19th century, the poinsettia, a native plant from Mexico, has been associated with Christmas. Other popular holiday plants include holly, mistletoe, red amaryllis, and Christmas cactus. Along with a Christmas tree, the interior of a home may be decorated with these plants, along with garlands and evergreen foliage.

In Australia, North and South America, and to a lesser extent Europe, it is traditional to decorate the outside of houses with lights and sometimes with illuminated sleighs, snowmen, and other Christmas figures. Municipalities often sponsor decorations as well. Christmas banners may be hung from street lights and Christmas trees placed in the town square.^[46]

In the Western world, rolls of brightly colored paper with secular or religious Christmas motifs are manufactured for the purpose of wrapping gifts. The display of Christmas villages has also become a tradition in many homes during this season. Other traditional decorations include bells, candles, candy canes, stockings, wreaths, and angels.

In many countries a representation of the Nativity Scene is very popular, and people are encouraged to compete and create most original or realistic ones. Within some families, the pieces used to make the representation are considered a valuable family heirloom.

Christmas decorations are traditionally taken down on Twelfth Night, the evening of January 5.

The traditional colours of Christmas are green, white and red.

Economics of Christmas

Christmas display in a Brazilian shopping mall.

Christmas is typically the largest annual economic stimulus for many nations. Sales increase dramatically in almost all retail areas and shops introduce new products as people purchase gifts, decorations, and supplies. In the U.S., the "Christmas shopping season" generally begins on Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, though many American stores begin selling Christmas items as early as October.^[47]

In most areas, Christmas Day is the least active day of the year for business and commerce; almost all retail, commercial and institutional businesses are closed, and almost all industries cease activity (more than any other day of the year). Film studios release many high-budget movies in the holiday season, including Christmas films, fantasy movies or high-tone dramas with high production values.

Books

• Christmas in America: A History, by Penne L. Restad (New York: Oxford University Press, 1995). ISBN 0-19-509300-3
• The Battle for Christmas, by Stephen Nissenbaum (1996; New York: Vintage Books, 1997). ISBN 0-679-74038-4
• The Origins of Christmas, by Joseph F. Kelly (August 2004: Liturgical Press) ISBN 978-0814629840
• Christmas Customs and Traditions, by Clement A. Miles (1976: Dover Publications) ISBN 978-0486233543
• The World Encyclopedia of Christmas, by Gerry Bowler (October 2004: McClelland & Stewart) ISBN 978-0771015359
• Santa Claus: A Biography, by Gerry Bowler (November 2007: McClelland & Stewart) ISBN 978-0771016684
• There Really Is a Santa Claus: The History of St. Nicholas & Christmas Holiday Traditions, by William J. Federer (December 2002: Amerisearch) ISBN 978-0965355742
• St. Nicholas: A Closer Look at Christmas, by Jim Rosenthal (July 2006: Nelson Reference) ISBN 1418504076
• Just say Noel: A History of Christmas from the Nativity to the Nineties, by David Comfort (November 1995: Fireside) ISBN 978-0684800578
• 4000 Years of Christmas: A Gift from the Ages, by Earl W. Count (November 1997: Ulysses Press) ISBN 978-1569750872
• The Birth of Christ", by Peter Sammons (May 2006: Glory to Glory Publications) (UK) ISBN 0-9551790-1-7

References

1. ^ Christmas as a Multi-faith Festival — BBC News. Retrieved September 30, 2008.
2. ^ Christmas, Merriam-Webster. Retrieved October 6, 2008.
   "Christmas," MSN Encarta. Retrieved October 6, 2008.
3. ^ ^{a b c d e f g h i j} "Christmas", The Catholic Encyclopedia, 1913.
4. ^ Smith, Mark D. "Of Jesus and Quirinius." Catholic Biblical Quarterly; Apr2000, Vol. 62 Issue 2, pp292-293.
   Pearson, Brook W. R. "The Lucan Censuses, Revisited." Catholic Biblical Quarterly; Apr99, Vol. 61 Issue 2, p282.
5. ^ ^{a b} "Christmas", Encarta
   Roll, Susan K., Toward the Origins of Christmas, (Peeters Publishers, 1995), p.130.
   Tighe, William J., "Calculating Christmas".
6. ^ ^{a b} Newton, Isaac, Observations on the Prophecies of Daniel, and the Apocalypse of St. John (1733). Ch. XI.
   A sun connection is possible because Christians consider Jesus to be the "sun of righteousness" prophesied in Malachi 4:2.
7. ^ Oxford English Dictionary
8. ^ For example, Pope Benedict XIV argued in 1761 that the church fathers would have known the correct date of birth from Roman census records. (Roll, Susan K., Toward the Origins of Christmas, (Peeters Publishers, 1995), p. 129.)
9. ^ "Bruma", Seasonal Festivals of the Greeks and Romans
   Pliny the Elder, Natural History, 18:59
10. ^ Roll, pp. 88–90.
    Duchesne, Louis, Les Origines du Culte Chrétien, Paris, 1902, 262 ff.
11. ^ Kelly, Joseph F., The Origins of Christmas, Liturgical Press, 2004, p. 67-69.
12. ^ ""Christmas – An Ancient Holiday", The History Channel, 2007.
13. ^ Coffman, Elesha. Why December 25? Christian History & Biography, Christianity Today, 2000.
14. ^ Yule. The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition. Retrieved December 3, 2006.
15. ^ ""Mithraism", The Catholic Encyclopedia, 1913.
16. ^ "Sol," Encyclopædia Britannica, Chicago (2006).
17. ^ William J. Tighe, "Calculating Christmas", [1]
18. ^ "Christmas, Encyclopædia Britannica Chicago: Encyclopædia Britannica, 2006.
19. ^ Roll, p. 78, citing calculations by Roger Beckworth. Roll, pp. 79-80, then cites Roland Bainton to say that Clement may have used two separate calendars and the discrepancies between them eventually "yields 6 January, in 2 CE".
20. ^ Roll, p. 79, 80. Only fragments of Chronographai survive. In one fragment, Africanus referred to "Pege in Bethlehem" and "Lady Pege, Spring-bearer." See "Narrative Narrative of Events Happening in Persia on the Birth of Christ Narrative."
21. ^ Bradt, Hale, Astronomy Methods, (2004), p. 69.
    Roll p. 87.
22. ^ Roll p.81f
23. ^ Origen, "Levit., Hom. VIII"; Migne P.G., XII, 495.
    "Natal Day", The Catholic Encyclopedia, 1911.
24. ^ This document was prepared privately for a Roman aristocrat. The reference in question states, "VIII kal. ian. natus Christus in Betleem Iudeæ".[2] It is in a section copied from an earlier manuscript produced in 336.[3] This document also contains the earliest known reference to the feast of Sol Invictus.[4]
25. ^ Pokhilko, Hieromonk Nicholas, "The Formation of Epiphany according to Different Traditions
26. ^ ^{a b c d e f} Murray, Alexander, "Medieval Christmas", History Today, December 1986, 36 (12), pp. 31 – 39.
27. ^ ^{a b} McGreevy, Patrick. "Place in the American Christmas," (JSTOR), Geographical Review, Vol. 80, No. 1. January 1990, pp. 32–42. Retrieved September 10, 2007.
28. ^ ^{a b c} Durston, Chris, "Lords of Misrule: The Puritan War on Christmas 1642–60", History Today, December 1985, 35 (12) pp. 7 – 14.
29. ^ Andrews, Peter (1975). Christmas in Colonial and Early America. USA: World Book Encyclopedia, Inc.. ISBN 7-166-2001-4.
30. ^ Rowell, Geoffrey, "Dickens and the Construction of Christmas", History Today, December 1993, 43 (12), pp. 17 – 24.
31. ^ Moore's poem transferred the genuine old Dutch traditions celebrated at New Year in New York, including the exchange of gifts, family feasting, and tales of “sinterklass” (a derivation in Dutch from “Saint Nicholas,” from whence comes the modern “Santa Claus”) to Christmas.The history of Christmas: Christmas history in America, 2006
32. ^ usinfo.state.gov “Americans Celebrate Christmas in Diverse Ways” November 26, 2006
33. ^ First Presbyterian Church of Watertown “Oh . . . and one more thing” December 11, 2005
34. ^ Luke 2:1–6
35. ^ Geza Vermes, The Nativity: History and Legend, London, Penguin, 2006, p22.; E. P. Sanders, The Historical Figure of Jesus, 1993, p.85.
36. ^ Krug, Nora. "Little Towns of Bethlehem", The New York Times, November 25, 2005.
37. ^ Matthew 2:1–11
38. ^ Lynch vs. Donnelly (1984)
39. ^ Mikkelson, Barbara and David P., "The Claus That Refreshes", Snopes.com, 2006.
40. ^ ^{a b} Harper, Douglas, Christ, Online Etymology Dictionary, 2001.
41. ^ Santa: The First Great Lie, essay by Mariane Matera, Citybeat issue 304
42. ^ ^{a b} van Renterghem, Tony. When Santa was a shaman. St. Paul: Llewellyn Publications, 1995. ISBN 1-56718-765-X
43. ^ "The Chronological History of the Christmas Tree". The Christmas Archives. Retrieved on 2007-12-18.
44. ^ "Christmas Tradition - The Christmas Tree Custom". Fashion Era. Retrieved on 2007-12-18.
45. ^ Morris, Desmond. Christmas Watching. London: Mackays of Chatham, 1992. ISBN 0-224-03598-3
46. ^ Murray, Brian. "Christmas lights and community building in America," History Matters, Spring 2006.
47. ^ Varga, Melody. "Black Friday, About:Retail Industry.
48. ^ "The Deadweight Loss of Christmas", American Economic Review, December 1993, 83 (5)
49. ^ "Is Santa a deadweight loss?" The Economist December 20, 2001
50. ^ Reuters. "Christmas is Damaging the Environment, Report Says" December 16, 2005.