Through the Festive Looking Glass

Christmas, or “Yule” as it is sometimes called from the Old English geol; meaning a time of midwinter feasting, is a time for giving presents, partying, the decorated tree, the holly, and the ivy. All pagan traditions.

Pagan cults

But why December 25th? December 25th was the birthday of the Sun. The festival of Natulis Invicti; the so-called Unconquerable One worshiped by most pagan cults. At that time the Romans worshipped the sun god Mithras, and it is believed a compromise was agreed upon between the Non-Christian cults who held their pagan festivals around the time Christians believed Jesus Christ was born. Over many years the celebrations have gradually merged, and many of the meanings have been lost.

The Xmas tree

Some of the ancient traditions at Christmas date back to hundreds of days before Christ, originating from part of the pagan festival of the winter solstice when heat and light from the Sun begin to grow stronger. The Christmas tree, center piece of the decorated home is a good example. It is believed this tradition derived from sacred religious ceremonies practiced by the ancient Druids, and other pagan societies. They regarded it as a symbol of fertility, which later, with other evergreens came to represent good fortune.

Many others are convinced the Christmas tree began it’s origins in Germany during the 8th century. It is also believed by some that the English missionary St Boniface, is said to have replaced the oak tree sacred to the pagan god Thor, with a fir tree upon which he hung offerings for the Christ- child.

Martin Luther, the German reformer is said to have illuminated the fir tree with candles thereby starting the present day custom of placing “Fairy Lights” on the Christmas tree. It was Albert, the husband of Queen Victoria who first introduced the Christmas tree to England in the 19th century, and early German settlers took the custom to the United States of America.

Many customs have been given new Christian meanings, such as the lighting of candles and lamps. A reminder of not only the Sun, but to Christians the coming of the Christ, who they believe to be the true Light of the World.

Father Christmas

Father Christmas himself, a bishop called Nicholas lived in the 3rd or 4th century. Children loved him, and his generosity to the poor is legend. It is said that he dropped bars of gold through the windows of the starving poor, and this was the beginnings of the now popular custom of secretly leaving presents for children the night before Christmas day, supposedly from Father Christmas.