Also, the world book encyclopedia volume 3, page 416 states. This also started the cultural conflict between the holidays spiritual. A feast central to the christian liturgical year, it is preceded by the season of advent or the nativity fast and initiates the season of christmastide, which historically in the. The text and illustrations combine to show how people celebrate a favorite german holiday, from its roots in pagan rituals to its continued relevance in modern times. In its article on christmas, we uncover a treasure trove of research material on this holidays origins and history. History and origin of the name christmas celebrating. The illustrated encyclopedia of mythology, religion, and. The world book encyclopedia, 2019, is a general az lookup source in 22 hardcover volumes full of accurate and trustworthy facts. Founder and pastor general of the restored church of god, editorinchief of the real truth magazine, and voice of the world to come program, david c. History and origin of the name christmas celebrating holidays. Here let it be noted that most people think that the word, christmas means the birth of christ. Valentines day comes on the feast day of two different christian martyrs named valentine. Nimrod the lord of christmas nimrod started the great organized worldly apostasy from god that has dominated this world until now. On christmas, people exchange gifts based on the christian tradition associated with saint nicholas, and the gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh which were given.
New world encyclopedia writers and editors rewrote and completed the wikipedia article in accordance with new world encyclopedia standards. Christmas items and the mention of shopping for christmas may begin as early as the summer, with christmas tree displays appearing in retail stores in september and october. Apr 30, 2018 christmas means by definition death of christ. Nearly 200 alphabetically arranged entries covering all aspects of christmas, including folk customs, religious observances, history, legends, symbols, and related days from europe, america, and around the world. Search the history of over 418 billion web pages on the internet. While some assert a pagan origin for the christmas tree simply because evergreens were used in pagan ceremonies before the christmas tree became a widespread tradition, such theories are no more convincing than claiming that the pagan teaching that the false god tammuz resurrected from. The observance of christmas is not of divine appointment, nor is it of nt new testament origin. Christmas was not among the earliest festivals of the church. Does the word mass in christmas means death as per roman. By definition, it means death of christ, and i will prove it by using the world book encyclopedia, the catholic encyclopedia, and a book entitled, the mass in slow motion.
It displayed its unconquerability as sol invictus when it began to rise higher in the sky following the winter solsticehence december 25 was celebrated as the suns birthday. This was also the same fire god who came down the chimneys of the ancient pagans and the same fire god to whom infants were burned and eaten in human sacrifice among those who were once gods people. Oct 23, 2012 at last, a truly comprehensive look at christmas and all of its customs with its long history around the world. The entire article from the encyclopaedia britannica on christmas is reproduced, unedited and complete, below. Im not sure if the author is trying to be comprehensive in the coverage of christmas topics or is just hitting the high points. According to langers encyclopedia of world history, article santa, santa was a common name for nimrod throughout asia minor. Many are concerned about putting christ back into christmas. Pack has reached many millions around the globe with the most powerful truths of the bibleunknown to almost all. In the west it christmas has been celebrated on 25 dec since 336 ad, partly in order to replace the nonchristian sun worship on the. People all over the world celebrate the birth of christ on december 25th. Two theories have been advanced for the occurrence of the feast on december 25. Education is world books commitment and its editorial team is world books strength.
The first time the birth of jesus christ was attributed to the date december 25 was in the 4th century, according to early roman history. Most people assume that christmas had its origin in the events surrounding the birth of christ and was established in the early church as a memorial of these things to honor the son of god who came down to earth to save the world and was instituted as such by his early followers. The origin of christmas in december britannica editors december 23, 2011 christmas, the festival commemorating the birth of jesus christ, is celebrated by a majority of christians on december 25 on the gregorian calendar. Davis edited by avram yehoshua the if we were to ask several people the meaning of christmas, 80% of them would say, the birthday of christ, of course. The true origin of christmas restored church of god. This article abides by terms of the creative commons ccbysa 3. According to langers encyclopedia of world history, article santa, santa was a. The world encyclopedia of christmas contains articles on the history of christmas baking.
It includes entries on the evolution of the christmas tree and the christmas card, giftgiving, and decoration of church and home. There is no proof that jesus was born on that date. Dec 18, 2019 the truth is that all of the customs of christmas predate the birth of yeshua, and a study of this would reveal that christmas in our day is a collection of traditions and practices taken from. The word christmas comes from cristes maesse, an early english phrase that means. It is connected to the rise of a scientific way of thinking and to new attitudes about children and childhood. Christmas did not originate by the authority of god, christ, or the apostles. The appalling origin of christmas christmas is a holiday shared and celebrated by many religions. The first edition of the world book encyclopedia was published as simply the world book in 1917, by the hansonroachfowler company. According to the world book encyclopedia, the romans dedicated this day january 1 to janus, the god of gates, doors, and beginnings. The world encyclopedia of christmas contains articles on the history of christmas baking, drinking, and merrymaking, and christmas dramas, music, literature, art, and films.
This is the 3rd edition of the christmas encyclopedia originally published in 2001, adding 281 new entries. The time of the year, and the ceremonies with which it is still celebrated, prove its origin hislop, p. What is the real origin of santa clausmistletoechristmas treesholly wreathsand the custom of exchanging gifts. Christmas in italy by world book encyclopedia, inc. How grievous and sad that the people of natural knowledge in the world know more about the truth of this holiday than those who profess to be children of god. The holly wreath is derived from religious origins, which according to. Christmas or feast of the nativity is an annual festival commemorating the birth of jesus christ, observed primarily on december 25 as a religious and cultural celebration among billions of people around the world.
Regarding the period when catholicism originated christmas, the catholic encyclopedia says it was not among the early festivals of the church, because ireneus and tertullian, at the end of the second century, omit it from their list of feasts. Like sparkling lights and colorful ornaments on a holiday tree, encyclopedia of christmas offers myriad facts all in one place. Christmas has its origin in two ancient pagan festivals, the great yulefeast of the norsemen and the roman saturnalia. Christmas is a holiday shared and celebrated by many religions. The encyclopaedia britannica on christmas and epiphany. The world book encyclopedia is an encyclopedia published in the united states. World book awardwinning encyclopedias, childrens books.
As a rule, wrote oshea, the founding editor, in the preface of that first edition, encyclopedias are apt to be quite formal and technical. Christmas in ukraine by world book encyclopedia 199710. The celebration of christmas started in rome about 336 but it did not become a major christian festival until the 9th century. He is the author of the world encyclopedia of christmas, and the coauthor of europe in the sixteenth century. The early christians did not celebrate his the messiahs birth because they considered the celebration of anyones birth to be a pagan custom. There is no certain knowledge of the origin of the christmas feast. It may have been celebrated as early as the beginning of the fourth century in north africa, but certainly it was observed at rome by the middle of the same century.
Popular mechanics do it yourself encyclopedias set of 16 1968. The exchanging of gifts is one of the core aspects of the modern christmas celebration, making it the most profitable time of year for retailers and businesses throughout the world. World book is a leading publisher of nonfiction and mixedgenre childrens book series, reference materials, and digital learning platforms. This holiday was observed over a series of days beginning on. The bible does not give the date of jesus birth, nor does it say that we should celebrate his birthday. Instead, an examination of the history of christmas exposes its roots in pagan religious rites. The custom of hanging a christmas wreath on the front door of the home probably came from this practice. The english term christmas mass on christs day is of fairly recent origin. According to the world book encyclopedia, pope liberius of rome, in 354 a. The appalling origin of christmas creation calendar. Xmas is an abbreviation of christmas found particularly in print, based on the initial letter chi. Dec 02, 2004 new catholic encyclopedia on christmas. The month of january was named after janus, who had two facesone looking forward and the other looking backward.
The historical development of christmas is quite fascinating. The history of this feast coheres so closely with that of epiphany q. The book, the vindication of christmas london, 1652, argued against the. What is the real origin of santa clausmistletoechristmas treesholly. The word christmas comes from cristes maesse, an early english phrase that means mass of christ. The name christmas by the middle ages, christians were celebrating the remarkable event of jesus birth with an extended season that began with advent four sundays before christmas and continued for the 12 days after christmas up until epiphany on january 6th.
The name of the holiday is sometimes shortened to xmas because roman letter x resembles the greek letter. Before one gets carried away with christmas worship, there are a few things you should know. He has authored 80 books and booklets, personally established over 50 congregations, and appeared as a guest on the history. Harpers encyclopedia of us history complete 10 volume set 1905 woodrow wilson. The text and illustrations combine to show how people celebrate a favorite filipino holiday, from its roots in pagan rituals to its continued relevance in modern times. It had its origin in a prechristian age among the pagans. We read in werner kellers book the bible as history the following admission. The truth is that all of the customs of christmas predate the birth of yeshua, and a study of this would reveal that christmas in our day is a collection of traditions and practices taken from. The true meaning of christmass last trumpet ministries. Do you know the surprising origins of the christmas holiday. The article on epiphany follows immediately afterwards.
The name is derived from the medieval christes masse, the mass of christ encyclopedia americana. The term derives from middle english cristenmasse, meaning christian mass. The origin of christmas in december britannica blog. Hebrew rootsneglected commandmentsidolatrychristmas. Christmas, the catholic encyclopedia so, the catholic encyclopedia teaches that early leaders did not observe christmas, that it was impossible that the census of luke was done in the winter hence it is impossible that jesus was born on december 25 th, and that compromise with paganism is the strongest source for the date of december 25 th. For christians, believing that god came into the world in the form of man to. Christmas, the festival commemorating the birth of jesus christ, is celebrated by a majority of christians on december 25 on the gregorian calendar. It is a day that has an effect on the entire world. The word christmas 2 means the mass of christ and is the name for the. Nimrod the lord of christmas ahayahyashiya israelites.
It is one of a number of carols in which the holly and ivy carry over a prechristian symbolism of male and female principles. Many christmas traditions, such as decorating trees, started in germany and later spread to other parts of the world, notably england and the united states. Oct 05, 2004 with beautifully illustrated accounts ranging from the pagan roots of yuletide, through the birth of christ, and the long and fascinating history of the festival ever since, the world encyclopedia of christmas, is a rich and continually surprising array of religious and secular history, trivia, literature, and art. World book 2019 world book encyclopedia order today. World book s christmas in the philippines is a richly illustrated, 80page volume about christmas traditions in the philippines. The world book encyclopedia defines christmas as follows. Early celebrations of christmas are thought to have.
Publication of this book seemed to greatly enhance the popularity of santa claus. Lets take an honest and objective look at the origins of this holiday. Christmas is observed on december 25 in certain countries by the gregorian calendar and in others by the julian calendar, which coincides with january 7. The early christians did not celebrate jesus birth because they considered the celebration of anyones birth to be a pagan custom. In 274ce, emperor aurelian officially designated december 25 as the festival of sol invictus article. Down to the fourth century christianity rejected the birthday celebration as a pagan custom. Ancient origins articles related to christmas in the sections of history, archaeology, human origins, unexplained, artifacts, ancient places and myths and legends. Hillerbrand the editors of encyclopaedia britannica.
A tree if you will take the time to research the encyclopedia britannica, encyclopedia americanaor the world book encyclopedia, you will see each and every one of them give the historical beginning of christmas. Why, then, were december 25 and january 6 chosen for the celebration of the lords birth. After nimrods death, his socalled motherwife, semiramis, propagated the evil doctrine of the survival of nimrod as a spirit being. What tce does very well is in its coverage of historical and cultural customs. Christmas is an annual festival commemorating the birth of jesus christ, observed primarily on. The world encyclopedia of christmas by gerry bowler. Chrismas article about chrismas by the free dictionary. He has published works on topics ranging from renaissance monarchy and bloody mary to the simpsons, the spice girls, and the history of professional hockey. Nov 09, 2011 that christmas was originally a pagan festival is beyond all doubt. Merchants sell more of almost every kind of product during christmas season than at any other time of year.
The first mention of the celebration of christmas occurred in a. Nimrod married his own mother, whose name was semiramis. The world encyclopedia of christmas isbn 07710153 1. He probably chose this date because the people of rome already observed it as the feast of saturn, celebrating the birthday of the sun sechrist. But early christians did not celebrate his birth, and no one knows on which date jesus was actually born some scholars believe that the actual date was in the early spring, which would place the occurrence of the holiday closer to easter, the. The new catholic encyclopedia, in discussing the unlikelihood of a dec. Let us first read from the world book encyclopedia about this god saturn, saturnalia and the history of christmas origins. According to the company, its mission is to enhance learning and reading for children around the world by developing trustworthy, engaging content to create products that will engage children of all ages at home, on the go, in the classroom or in libraries worldwide. History summarized makes some of the world s major events and conflicts comprehensible. It includes entries on the evolution of the christmas tree and the christmas card, at last, a truly comprehensive look at christmas and all of its customs with its long. The earlier term yule may have derived from the germanic jol or the anglosaxon geol, which referred to the feast of the winter solstice.
The observance of christmas is not of divine appointment, nor is it of nt new testament origin instead, an examination of the history of christmas exposes its roots in pagan religious rites. Christmas, christian festival celebrating the birth of jesus. The word christmas is derived from middle english christemasse and from old english cristes m. Birthday the celebration of the anniversary of ones birth is a phenomenon of modern industrial society 1. The aforementioned tertullian, for one, disassociated himself from the roman church in an attempt to draw closer to the teachings of the bible. It includes entries on the evolution of the christmas tree and the christmas card, giftgiving, and decoration of. At last, a truly comprehensive look at christmas and all of its customs with its long history around the world.
Church leaders likely chose this date to coincide with pagan festivals held on or around the winter solstice. Oct 28, 2000 the world encyclopedia of christmas gerry bowler on. Most of the others would say, the day we celebrate the birthday of christ, since we really dont know just when he was born. World book s christmas in todays germany is a richly illustrated, 80page volume about christmas traditions in germany. To many people, it is a favorite time of the year involving gift giving, parties and feasting. This considerably expanded third edition of the christmas encyclopedia. Whether you are proving a point during a dinnertable discussion or checking a fact for a homework assignment, answers are here.
Christmas has become so important to the business world that some specialty stores dedicate their merchandise to promoting the business of christmas yearround. The world encyclopedia of christmas contains articles on the history of christmas baking, drinking, and merrymaking, and christmas dramas, music, literature, art. With beautifully illustrated accounts ranging from the pagan roots of yuletide, through the birth of christ, and the long and fascinating history of the festival ever since, the world encyclopedia of christmas, is a rich and continually surprising array of religious and secular history, trivia, literature, and art. The central events, principal causes, main players, and lasting outcomes are described through story and facts in concise text and wellchosen illustrations.