God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen

This iconic 16th-century Christmas carol is recognized worldwide. It reminds us of the joy and peace of Christmas, but is it truly as restful as it seems

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Real Story of Christmas

Christmas may seem simple, but its history is rich and complex. The holiday isn’t just about December 25th. Did you know that Christmas wasn’t always celebrated on this day? Let’s dive into the true origins of this holiday.

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Birth of Jesus and Christmas

The common belief is that Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. However, this celebration began only in the 4th century, centuries after Jesus’ birth. Prior to this, Easter was the main Christian holiday!

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Early Roman Festivals

In third-century Rome, the winter solstice was celebrated with the Saturnalia festival. December 25th was also the birthday of the sun god, Sol Invictus. So, why did Christians adopt this day for Christ’s birth?

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St. Hippolytus and the December 25th Date

St. Hippolytus is one figure who suggested December 25th as Jesus’ birthdate. His work in the 3rd century, though debated by scholars, influenced the eventual decision to mark this day for Christmas.

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In the 4th century, Pope Julius I officially chose December 25th for Christmas. This was part of a broader effort to absorb pagan traditions, like Saturnalia, into Christian celebrations.

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The first recorded Christmas celebration took place on December 25, 336 AD. This date was chosen to align with the Annunciation, marking Christ's conception. It’s the perfect example of combining ancient traditions with new beliefs.

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Orthodox Christians, following the Julian calendar, celebrate Christmas on January 7th. Countries like Russia, Greece, and Egypt observe unique traditions, including lavish feasts and church gatherings, highlighting the global diversity of the holiday.

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