Today is the day when we celebrate the birth of Our Lord Jesus Christ, a title identifying him as the divine Son of God and King/Lord of all creation. A Saviour who offers grace, forgiveness and eternal life through his life. The word Christmas originates from the old English term Cristes Mæsse, first recorded in 1038 and meaning Christ’s Mass.
The Christian celebration of Christmas was invented by the Romans as a way to co-opt and tame the raucous pagan holiday of Saturnalia, which was a celebration of days getting longer after the winter solstice. The tradition started around AD 312 after Roman Emperor Augustine converted to Christianity. Candle lighting, carolling and wassailing – toasting and drinking to someone’s health – were all common practices that survived the transition from Saturnalia to Christmas.
The first recorded celebration of a Christian Christmas on 25 December was in 336 AD under Constantine’s rule. One theory as to how 25 December was chosen is that Christian scholars determined the date of Jesus’ birth by calculating the time from his death. This was nine months after 25 March, which was his conception date.
Our current Christmas traditions originated in England, exemplified perhaps no more so than by Charles Dickens. His book A Christmas Carol champions the core values of generosity, compassion and family (the Cratchits) and redemption (Scrooge’s journey from greed to kindness). The book is very much about the things that go towards creating the ‘Christmas spirit’.
Published on 19 December 1843 during a time of poverty, it is a call to the wealthy to assist the needy and tells us that true Christmas joy comes from love and giving, not wealth. Dickens helped solidify traditions such as decorating the Christmas tree, sending cards and carol singing. Dickens wrote the book – an instant hit – in order to reach people’s hearts and inspire a spirit of charity and togetherness.
Here are some facts about Christmas you may not know:
TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS – This originally represented the 12 days between Christmas Day and Epiphany (6 January), when the Magi are said to have visited Jesus.
If you were to buy all the gifts mentioned, the price tag today would be $40,000.
HANGING STOCKINGS – Legend has it that the tradition of hanging stockings came from St Nicholas, who threw coins down a chimney to help a poor man’s daughters marry. The coins landed in their stockings drying by the fire.
CHRISTMAS TREES – The Christmas tree tradition traces back to ancient civilisations. Egyptians honoured Ra, their sun god, with great palm leaves. At the same time, Romans used evergreen boughs during Saturnalia to signify life amidst the darkest days of winter. Germany popularised the decorating of trees in the 16th century. Prince Albert, Queen Victoria’s husband, brought the custom to England in 1848.
CHRISTMAS CRACKERS – Dating back to the 1840s, Christmas crackers were introduced by a British confectioner to add surprise and laughter to the holiday. Also introduced were the small gifts, paper hats and iconic jokes.
EARLY CHRISTMAS FEASTS – Turkey wasn’t always the centrepiece of the Christmas dinner. In mediaeval England, a boar’s head was often served, while peacocks and swans were considered luxury dishes. It wasn’t until the 16th century that turkey became popular due to its availability and size.
CHRISTMAS CARDS: A VICTORIAN INVENTION – The first Christmas card was sent in 1843 by Sir Henry Cole, a British civil servant. Featuring a family celebrating the holiday, it sparked a trend that still continues. America alone sends over three billion Christmas cards annually.
THE WORLD’S LARGEST CHRISTMAS GIFT – The Statue of Liberty is often considered the largest Christmas gift ever given. France gifted it to the United States in 1886, symbolising friendship and freedom.
NORWAY’S GIFT TO LONDON – Ever since 1947, Norway has gifted a majestic spruce tree to London’s Trafalgar Square. This tradition honors Britain’s support during World War ll. The tree is adorned with lights and serves as a symbol of gratitude and unity.
THE CHRISTMAS TRUCE OF 1914 – British and German soldiers declared an unofficial truce during World War I on Christmas Eve. They sang carols, exchanged gifts and even played soccer in no man’s land, showcasing the spirit of peace.
A LIFE-SAVING CHRISTMAS GIFT – Playing cards were distributed to Allied POW’S during World War ll. These cards contained hidden maps that were revealed when wet to help prisoners escape from German camps.
To all the contributors at the Good Oil and especially Lyn, who knocks my articles into shape, we wish you a very Merry Christmas and all the joys of the festive season.
As a postscript, my next article, using the same four words, is entitled ‘Is Today The Day’, a headline with sombre connotations. On this day, however, we can rejoice as ‘Today Is The Day’. Enjoy it.
