The United States and Christmas

by pjetimages in Holidays, November 11, 2009

While not an official phrase, a geologic ladder of time represents the different sections of history in rising rock layers that may be exposed due to weatherization, by excavation. Scientists segment the different eras of earth’s time based on major events that occurred, such as mass extinctions, climate shifts or appearances of major plant and animal groups.

Significance

Christmas is the celebration of the birth of the Christian Savior, Jesus Christ. The stars commonly placed upon the tops of the Christmas Trees represent the star that appeared over Bethlehem during Jesus’ birth.

Functions

The traditional functions occurring during Christmas include a patchwork of traditions from other nations, including caroling from Great Britain, Christmas trees from Germany, Santa Claus from Scandinavia who delivers presents by dropping through your chimney (Netherlands).

Time Frame

The Christmas holiday in the United States dates back to the early 1800’s, brought across the Atlantic by European immigrants. Several European countries celebrated the holiday, including the Czech Republic and Germany, and their people brought the tradition with them as they settled in America.

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Features

The two most prominent features of Christmas are the wrapped presents, often in red, green, or decorated paper and the Christmas Tree, an evergreen decorated with bulbs, lights, garland and a star.

Misconceptions

Although the world, including the United States, celebrates December 25th as Jesus’ birthday, the Bible does not specifically state what day Jesus was born. In an effort to help convert the pagans to Christianity, Jesus’ birthday was assigned to the same day that the pagans worshipped their Saturnalia festival, in the 4th Century AD.

REFERENCES

National Christmas Tree Association History of Christmas

http://www.christmastree.org/history.cfm

Christmas in the United States

http://christmas-gifts.indiangiftsportal.com/christmas-in-united-states.html

History of the Christmas Tree

http://www.allabouthistory.org/history-of-the-christmas-tree.htm

Origin of Christmas

http://www.simpletoremember.com/vitals/Christmas_TheRealStory.htm

The Real Story of Christmas

http://www.simpletoremember.com/vitals/Christmas_TheRealStory.htm

Holiday Traditions – United States of America