Christmas, as we know it today, is a familial celebration and commercial phenomenon. For some, this holiday is all about exchanging gifts and quality time with family. While some may know the history behind this holiday, the origins of Christmas may be unknown to others. This article will dive into the rich origins of where Christmas began, and some insight on how different cultures celebrate this holiday.
Christmas is a Christian holiday that takes place on December 25th and which celebrates the birth of Jesus. The earlier term for Christmas was Yule, which was a Scandinavian Holiday the Nule celebrated, a word that Britanica explains refers to as “the feast of the winter solstice.” Other names for this holiday in different languages include: Navidad in Spanish, Natale in Italian, and Noël in French. As the centuries passed and the story of Jesus came to light, the name was changed to Christmas, which refers to the mass of Jesus Christ.
Santa Claus, who is the face of Christmas, is depicted as a big burly man with a long white beard who flies around in a sleigh delivering gifts to all of the children in the world in just one night. Rocking a red suit with a red hat, he is the jolly man who decides whether kids have been “naughty” or “nice”. The name Santa Claus can be “traced back to a monk named St. Nicholas who was born in Turkey around A. D. 280. St.” History goes on to explain that this monk gave away his wealth and traveled the countryside, caring for the poor and sick. By doing so, he became known as the protector of children and sailors. The origin of the Christmas tree was first recorded in Germany. German Lutherans decorated these trees in the 16th century. Around 25-30 million Christmas trees are sold yearly. Gifts have been given since the early days of the Yule’s winter solstice feast.
Traditions for Christmas vary from country to country. Some traditions in America include Christmas caroling, where groups of people go from house to house singing carols, whether it be for money or for the sole purpose of spreading holiday cheer. In Spain, “El Gordo” is the name for the Christmas Lottery. The Christmas Lottery is held on December 22nd and is the “first prize” of Christmas. In France, one tradition is the King Cake, also known as the Three Kings Cake, and it is used to celebrate the twelfth night after Christmas.
Christmas is a rich and intricate holiday with origins from all over the world. No matter where it came from, it has taken on a special meaning in every country, and it can be boiled down to a holiday that prioritizes love, happiness, and gratefulness for the friends and family in our lives. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
