The origins and traditions of Christmas
Every year, on 25 December, Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. Originally Pagan, then Christian and now becoming beyond of religious and community boundaries, Christmas is a unique moment in sharing and usability with the family.
The year or the day of the birth of Jesus are historically known. But the birth of Christ is traditionally celebrated on December 25.
The origins of Christmas
Photo: Alice Popkorn
Traditionally, the winter solstice was celebrated in most countries of the northern hemisphere. In ancient Rome for example, Christians celebrating the Saturnalia originally from 17 to 21 December and later, from 17 to December 24. They already offered gifts, in particular to children, and decorated their homes for the occasion. In the continuity of the Saturnalia, the Romans had used to celebrate sigillaires, a moment of sharing large feasts.
In the 2nd and 3rd centuries BC, the cult of Mithras, from the ancient Iranian and widespread religion in the Roman Empire was celebrated on December 25. It is in the 4th century Christian Church decided to advance the feast of the birth of Christ from 6 January to December 25, to stop the development of this pagan cult. The symbolism was strong: the birth of Christ corresponded at the time when the light began to overcome darkness.
The great traditions of Christmas
Today, Christmas is also celebrated by non-believers. This is your chance to share a moment of conviviality family is making fun of many rituals, customs and symbols:
Christmas Eve. It is held on the evening of December 24th in the family home. The greatest symbol of Christmas Eve is festive, accompanied by the traditional Turkey dinner and bûche de Noël. In Provence, the meal is special importance with the famous tradition of the 13 desserts.
The Christmas tree and gifts. This is the 12th century the tradition of the Christmas tree appears in Alsace, from spreading across the continent. To the middle of the 16th century, the town of Sélestat was the first to allow cut green tree for Christmas night. It is at the foot of the tree that are deposited for large and small gifts.
The mass of midnight. Traditionally, mass began at midnight, but nowadays, first mass is given in the early evening. In many parts of France, on Christmas night, Christians relive the history of the Nativity in singing, mimicking the Gospels and by featuring live crèche.
Markets of Christmas. On the margins of the Festival, Christmas markets are regional or artisanal products dedicated to Christmas. These markets, France first appeared in 1570 in Strasbourg, persist over time and are a growing success. The Alsatian Christmas market model to exports in Asia.
Santa Claus. It is the Santa Claus anglo-saxon, himself emanation of Saint Nicolas, patron saint of children celebrated on 6 December. With his reindeer sled, it is through the stack, on the night of Christmas, he brings children from around the world toys manufactured by Santa in his refuge from the North Pole.
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