What is the dark story behind Christmas?

From ancient times, the season that we now know as Christmas was a midwinter celebration called The Winter Solstice, or Yule. A pagan festival, The Winter Solstice was a time to celebrate the fact that the worst of winter was over, and the people could look forward to longer days with more sunlight in the near future.

What is the real truth behind Christmas?

Christians celebrate Christmas Day as the anniversary of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth, a spiritual leader whose teachings form the basis of their religion.

What's the dark side of Christmas?

The Krampus is a seldom taught part of the Christmas holiday in the United States. In the Alpine region though, the story of the Krampus keeps children on their toes and makes sure they behave. This devil travels with Santa on his yearly journey and punishes the wicked just as easily at Santa gives his gifts.

What was Christmas like for slaves?

More than any other time of year, Christmas provided slaves with the latitude and prosperity that made a formal wedding possible. On the plantation, the transfer of Christmas gifts from master to slave was often accompanied by a curious ritual.

What does the Christmas tree symbolize in the Bible?

Meaning Of Christmas Tree In The Bible And Its Significance. The Christmas tree represents Jesus Christ's birth in Christianity. The tree's branches and bushes are thought to express Christ's crown of thorns while also serving as a symbol of immortality and eternal life.

THE DARK TRUTH BEHIND CHRISTMAS

What does a Christmas tree have to do with Jesus?

Then legend has it that a fir tree grew out of the fallen oak. "That became a symbol of Christ — being triangular in shape it represents the trinity — and from there came the idea that the tree should be a symbol of Christ and new life," Dr Wilson said.

What was the original purpose of the Christmas tree?

Where did the modern Christmas tree originate? The modern Christmas tree originated in Germany, where families set up a paradise tree in their homes on December 24, the religious feast day of Adam and Eve. They hung wafers on it (symbolizing the Eucharistic host, the Christian sign of redemption).

Why did the Pilgrims ban Christmas?

The Pilgrims actually felt that Christmas had become a pagan holiday, as it commonly entailed feasting and drinking to excess. In fact, Christmas was banned in Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1659, and anyone caught celebrating the holiday would be subject to a 5-shilling fine.

Is Christmas a pagan holiday?

Now, as Christmas applies to the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, Christmas is decidedly not pagan. However, there are some differences of opinion when it comes to the selection of day of celebration. On the Roman calendar, December 25 was the date of the winter solstice (December 21 on the modern calendar).

What did the poor have to do on Christmas Day?

By the middle of the century, Christmas Day (or more often Boxing Day, December 26th) had a became a regular occasion for the Guardians to visit the workhouse and dispense food and largesse. The workhouse dining-hall would be decorated and entertainments organised.

What is the scariest Christmas tradition?

Santa's scary helper, Krampus, has ancient roots and is making a cultural comeback. Find out about the origins of this strange figure and his connections to our more familiar St. Nick.

What parts of Christmas are pagan?

Things like kissing under a mistletoe, carolling, wreaths, and even gift-giving were all aspects of pagan holidays that were adapted into Christmas celebrations in the early years.

Why don t Christians believe in Christmas?

Why would any Christian be against the celebration of the birth of Christ? The answer lies in interpretations of the Bible, and a rejection of the pagan origins of the holiday. One of the main arguments against Christmas is that early Jews and Christians did not celebrate birthdays.

Why is Christmas not in the Bible?

Dec. 25 is not the date mentioned in the Bible as the day of Jesus's birth; the Bible is actually silent on the day or the time of year when Mary was said to have given birth to him in Bethlehem. The earliest Christians did not celebrate his birth.

What month was Jesus actually born?

Theories based on the Star of Bethlehem

University of Cambridge Professor Colin Humphreys has argued in the Quarterly Journal of the Royal Astronomical Society that a comet in the early 5 BC was likely the "Star of Bethlehem", putting Jesus' birth in or near April, 5 BC.

What religion does not follow Christmas?

Most religions like Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism don't recognize Christmas and Easter as they are ancient Christian festivals so the only religion to celebrate Christmas and Easter is Christianity.

Is Christmas mentioned in the Bible?

The New Testament contains two Christmas stories, not one. They appear in Matthew 1–2 and Luke 1–2.

What Bible verses talk about Christmas?

Who started Christmas in America?

Louisiana was the first state to make the move in 1837. By 1860, 14 other states had followed. It was not until 1870 that President Ulysses Grant made Christmas a federal holiday. Americans already knew old Christmas songs that came from England and other areas of Europe.

What 14 countries do not celebrate Christmas?

Afghanistan, Algeria, Bhutan, North Korea, Libya, Mauritania, Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Tajikistan, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Yemen do not recognize Christmas as a public holiday.

Do Puritans still exist?

Puritanical thinking has arisen, zombie-like, until it is now a bedrock of modern life. Puritans live and thrive in every area of society — in our churches, our governments, and our homes.

Why were Christmas trees hung from the ceiling?

Later on, in the 12th century, it's said that Eastern European Christians hung their trees from the ceiling at Christmas to symbolize the shape of the crucifix.

Why do we decorate Christmas trees pagan?

Pagans would bring fir trees into their homes at Yuletide because it represented everlasting life and fertility. The Yule tree is decorated with lights, candles, and other festive ornaments to celebrate the return of light after dark days.

What religion started the Christmas tree?

Germany is credited with starting the Christmas tree tradition as we now know it in the 16th century when devout Christians brought decorated trees into their homes. Some built Christmas pyramids of wood and decorated them with evergreens and candles if wood was scarce.

What does the Bible say about Christmas decorations?

Jeremiah 10:1-25 says:

They decorate it with silver and gold; they fasten it with hammer and nails so that it cannot move. Their idols are like scarecrows in a cucumber field, and they cannot speak; they have to be carried, for they cannot walk.