As Christmas 2023 approaches, the spirit of joy and celebration fills the air. People come together to share love, kindness, and goodwill during this festive season, which is characterized by traditions and merriment. But have you ever wondered why we celebrate Christmas? How Coca-Cola made the image of Santa Clause we know today? What Indians eat during Christmas? What is the history behind it, and how did it develop into the colourful festival we see today? Keep reading as this blog will lead you through some of the lesser-known facts about Christmas—the origins, history, and significance of Christmas—delving into why people celebrate it and the customs that make it a special time worldwide. Scroll through to learn more about Christmas.
A Brief History of Christmas
Do you know why Christmas is celebrated on December 25th every year?
Although the Bible does not specify the exact date, many believe that Christmas marks the birth of Jesus Christ. While its true origins are unclear, it became a significant celebration.
In 336 AD, the Roman Church marked December 25th as the date to celebrate Christmas during the reign of Emperor Constantine. Pope Julius I later declared Christmas a civic holiday in 529 AD. This festival incorporates traditions from both pagan and Roman cultures, adapting rituals to celebrate the birth of Jesus. The Romans celebrated Saturnalia, a two-week festival honouring the god Saturn, and also observed the birth of Mithra, their sun god, on December 25th. On the other hand, during this time, pagan cultures lit bonfires and candles to dispel darkness.
Origin of the Christmas Tree
In ancient times, during solstice celebrations, pagan cultures decorated their homes with greens in excitement for the upcoming spring. Evergreen trees, which remained green even during the coldest and darkest days, were believed to possess special powers. The Romans also participated in this tradition by decorating their temples with fir trees during Saturnalia.
Historical records even indicate that the Greeks incorporated the tradition of decorating trees as a tribute to their gods. This practice eventually became intertwined with Christian celebrations in Germany during the 1500s. People began adorning trees in their homes with lights, and toys, adding religious significance to Christmas.
Origin of Santa Claus
St. Nicholas, a Christian figure who lived in southern Turkey around 280 AD, served as the model for Santa Claus. St. Nicholas, a bishop in the early Christian church, faced challenges for his faith but was known for his kindness to the poor. One famous tale tells how he saved three daughters from slavery by tossing gold through their windows.
December 6th became St. Nicholas Day to honour him, and various cultures adapted their versions of St. Nicholas. In the Netherlands and parts of Germany, he was known as Sinter Klaas, contributing to the origin of Santa Claus in its Americanised form.
Coca-Cola and Santa’s modern image
It is the story of a highly successful marketing campaign by Coca-Cola. In the 1930s, Coca-Cola commissioned artist Haddon Sundblom to create a series of images featuring Santa Claus for their holiday advertisements.
Sundblom’s portrayal of Santa Claus as a jolly, rosy-cheeked figure with a white beard, red suit, and black belt then became iconic and deeply ingrained in popular culture.
Different Christmas traditions
Celebrating Christmas 2023 comes with a variety of cherished traditions that bring joy and warmth to the season. Here are different popular Christmas traditions:
1. Indian traditional Christmas food
Different parts of India have special dishes that they enjoy during Christmas. A sumptuous feast becomes more inviting when served on a beautifully decorated table, enhancing the holiday atmosphere. Some of these dishes are:
- Bebinca from Goa
- Christmas Plum Cake from Kerala
- Allahabadi cake
- Guava cheese from Maharashtra
- Nga Atoiba Thongba from Manipur
- Kul Kuls from Maharashtra and Goa
2. Decorating Christmas trees
The custom of harvesting evergreen trees such as fir, pine or spurs, placing it indoors, and adorning it for Christmas is observed throughout the world. This practice is now adopted everywhere in the world during Christmas regardless of the climate of that place.
3. Singing Christmas Carols
The joy of singing Christmas songs, whether in tune or not, is a favourite tradition, especially when carolling with loved ones.
4. Giving Gifts
Giving and receiving presents is a heartwarming tradition that originated with the wise men’s gifts to baby Jesus. According to the account, these wise men, often depicted as kings, were astrologers or scholars from the East who followed a star to find the newborn Jesus.
5. Decorating Halls
Decorating homes and yards with lights and festive items adds a cheerful touch to the winter season.
Christmas promises a celebration filled with love, kindness, and goodwill. These cherished traditions bring warmth and joy to homes, creating lasting memories during this special time of the year. We at Narayana wish everyone a merry Christmas and hope you liked this little dive into the history of the festival.
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Is Santa Claus🎅 is alive
And it was very good lesson to us
Thank you🌹🌹…..
Thank u for information,,