When Christmas comes to your mind, what do you think of? Do you
think of snow or a large, decorated pine tree? Do you imagine sledding, a
family dinner, or the beautiful glow of Christmas lights? Even though the
holiday has been made out to be holly and jolly, Christmas is not just the
sacred holiday everyone thinks it is.
Early Traditions
Before Christmas, many countries admired the middle of winter and
rejoiced with at winter solstice. The worst parts of winter were behind
them, and they now got to take in the long days and extended hours of sunlight.
In Scandinavia, the celebration among the people would start December 21, and last through January. In celebration of the sunlight, the men brought home large logs, commonly known as Yule logs, to light a large fire, and the community would feast until the fire stopped. These celebrations could last up to twelve days, or more. The people of Scandinavia believed that with each spark that came from the fire, a new calf or pig would be born in the mating season.
In Germany, people honored a Pagan God named Oden. They feared the god because he would take flight through the sky, looking for his people. Then, Oden would decide on whether those people would perish or not. Therefore, out of fright, they kept inside and hid.
Rome Gets in on the Party
In Rome, they celebrated Saturnalia. Saturnalia was a celebration pertaining to Saturn and the God of Agriculture. It began the beginning of the week, leading to winter solstice. It lasted an entire month. Romans also hosted Juvenalia, a feast that honored the children of Rome.
In the early Christianity years, Easter was Rome's main holiday,
and Jesus’ birthday was not celebrated. It was not until the 4th century that
the church declared Jesus’ birthday as a holiday. In early times, the Bible did not mention
his birth, and it was not until the Puritans denied the legitimacy of the
holiday that people started to wonder when Jesus' true birth date was. Some say Jesus
was born in the spring, but most left the date to be a mystery.
Pope Julius was the person who declared Christmas to be on the 25th of December. Many people believe he chose this date because it was an opportunity to absorb and attend the Pagan Saturnalia Festival, combining the beliefs of followers into one. By the 8th century, the celebration of Christmas became widespread through Scandinavia, and during the middle ages, the Pagan religion no longer existed in its original form.
"Bring me some figgy pudding... We won't go until we get some."
Around Christmas time, the lower class would go to the high-class
houses and demand their best drinks and food. If they did not comply, the poor
would terrorize the rich with mischief. Christmas became a time of year where
the upper class had to pay their “debt” to the poor.
Today
It wasn't until the 19th century that Americans began to celebrate Christmas as the holiday we now know. In the 1800’s, many Americans decided that Christmas was to be a season for families to lavish attention and gifts on those they love. Throughout time, the traditions of decorating trees, gift giving, and sending holiday cards became known around the country.
These traditions that were created over time are now shared by many today. Even the opportunity to gather together with those they love -- that is the greatest gift.
_________________________
Kyliegh Johnson, a senior Veterinary Assistant student, is a true animal lover. In her spare time, she enjoys photography, "loving up" on fur-babies, and spending time with family and friends. When she graduates, she plans to continue her education and one day work as a Vet Tech.
Early Traditions
 |
| Winter solstice was a magical time for early celebrators. |
In Scandinavia, the celebration among the people would start December 21, and last through January. In celebration of the sunlight, the men brought home large logs, commonly known as Yule logs, to light a large fire, and the community would feast until the fire stopped. These celebrations could last up to twelve days, or more. The people of Scandinavia believed that with each spark that came from the fire, a new calf or pig would be born in the mating season.
 |
| Today, many families give nod to the early traditions of the yule log. This treat, similar to a pumpkin roll, is typically made of chocolate cake and becomes the centerpiece of many a table during the season. |
In Germany, people honored a Pagan God named Oden. They feared the god because he would take flight through the sky, looking for his people. Then, Oden would decide on whether those people would perish or not. Therefore, out of fright, they kept inside and hid.
Rome Gets in on the Party
In Rome, they celebrated Saturnalia. Saturnalia was a celebration pertaining to Saturn and the God of Agriculture. It began the beginning of the week, leading to winter solstice. It lasted an entire month. Romans also hosted Juvenalia, a feast that honored the children of Rome.
 |
| Cypress and laurel wreaths would "deck the halls" in the city in early Rome, thus changing a "house into a home." |
Pope Julius was the person who declared Christmas to be on the 25th of December. Many people believe he chose this date because it was an opportunity to absorb and attend the Pagan Saturnalia Festival, combining the beliefs of followers into one. By the 8th century, the celebration of Christmas became widespread through Scandinavia, and during the middle ages, the Pagan religion no longer existed in its original form.
"Bring me some figgy pudding... We won't go until we get some."
 |
| Carolers receive a look of scorn by Scrooge in A Christmas Carol |
Today
It wasn't until the 19th century that Americans began to celebrate Christmas as the holiday we now know. In the 1800’s, many Americans decided that Christmas was to be a season for families to lavish attention and gifts on those they love. Throughout time, the traditions of decorating trees, gift giving, and sending holiday cards became known around the country.
These traditions that were created over time are now shared by many today. Even the opportunity to gather together with those they love -- that is the greatest gift.
_________________________
"If having a soul means being able to feel love and loyalty and gratitude, then animals are better off than a lot of humans."―James Herriot
Kyliegh Johnson, a senior Veterinary Assistant student, is a true animal lover. In her spare time, she enjoys photography, "loving up" on fur-babies, and spending time with family and friends. When she graduates, she plans to continue her education and one day work as a Vet Tech.
