The origins of Christmas lie in the Christian faith, which celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ on December 25. This date was established in the fourth century by the Roman Emperor Constantine, possibly to unite Christian and pagan celebrations, since the Roman solstice festival "Sol Invictus" took place on this day.
Why We Celebrate Christmas
Originally, Christmas was a purely religious holiday with a strong emphasis on the birth of Christ and the liturgical celebrations associated with it. Over the centuries, the meaning of the holiday expanded through various cultural influences and customs, especially in Europe.
These include the Christmas tree, which originally comes from pagan traditions, and Santa Claus, who developed from Saint Nicholas. With the spread of Christianity and European colonization, Christmas spread worldwide and was adapted and reinterpreted in many cultures.
In modern times, Christmas has also become a secular celebration, often more focused on family gatherings, gifts, and festive decorations.
In many non-Christian countries, Christmas is celebrated as a cultural event without emphasising the religious aspects. The global commercialisation of Christmas has led to symbols such as Christmas trees, lights and presents being ubiquitous, regardless of religious backgrounds.
Overall, the evolution of Christmas demonstrates the adaptability and cultural integration of this festival, which has evolved from its religious origins into a cultural event celebrated worldwide.
Christmas in Europe
Christmas in Europe is celebrated differently in each country, although there are many common elements that stem from the Christian origins of the holiday. Here are some examples of how Christmas is celebrated in different European countries:
In Germany, the Christmas season traditionally begins with the first Advent on the fourth Sunday before Christmas. Many families have an Advent wreath with four candles, with one more lit each Sunday. The "Advent calendars," which have a small door with a surprise every day from December 1 to 24, are also very popular. Christmas markets, such as the famous Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt, offer festive food, drinks and handmade jewelry. On December 24, Christmas Eve, most Germans celebrate with a festive dinner and gift giving, with the presents often being brought by the "Christkind" or "Santa Claus." December 25 and 26 are public holidays and are usually spent with family.
In the UK, the festive season often begins with Advent calendars and Christmas parties. On Christmas Eve, children hang stockings or pillowcases on their beds or fireplaces for Father Christmas to fill with presents. On Christmas Day, December 25, there is a large feast, typically consisting of turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce and Christmas pudding. December 26, known as Boxing Day, is also a public holiday and is often used for shopping and sporting events. “How is Christmas celebrated in other countries?” read more