Christmas

Christmas
Name	Christmas
Type	Christian, cultural
Significance	Commemoration of the Nativity of Jesus
Date	25 December (Western), 7 January (Eastern), 6 January (Armenian)
Frequency	Annual
Related	Epiphany, Advent, Boxing Day, Saint Nicholas

Christmas is an annual festival originating within Christianity that commemorates the Nativity of Jesus as described in the Gospel of Matthew and the Gospel of Luke. It has been shaped by theological debates, liturgical reforms, political decisions, and cultural exchanges involving figures such as Pope Julius I, Emperor Constantine I, Saint Nicholas of Myra, and institutions like the Catholic Church, the Eastern Orthodox Church, and the Anglican Communion. Over centuries, observance of the festival has incorporated elements from Roman Empire customs, medieval Feast of Fools practices, and modern national traditions exemplified in societies such as the United Kingdom, the United States, and Germany.

Origins and religious significance

Early establishment of the festival involved interactions among leaders including Pope Leo I, Pope Gregory I, and Byzantine authorities such as Emperor Justinian I. The selection of 25 December intersected with preexisting observances like Sol Invictus and the Saturnalia, and theological positions debated by councils like the Council of Nicaea (325) and contested by sects such as the Arians. Scriptural accounts in the Gospel of Luke and the Gospel of Matthew have driven doctrinal emphases in traditions connected to Annunciation, Magi, and Herod the Great. The Nativity narrative influenced theological formulations by figures such as Athanasius of Alexandria and Augustine of Hippo, and informed liturgical calendars maintained by the Roman Rite and the Byzantine Rite.

Cultural and secular traditions

Secular customs evolved through interactions among regional practices in areas like Scandinavia, Central Europe, and the British Isles. Folklore around figures such as Saint Nicholas of Myra, Sinterklaas, Father Christmas (personification), and Santa Claus developed via cultural exchange involving authors like Washington Irving and illustrators like Thomas Nast. Seasonal symbols—including Christmas tree origins linked to Martin Luther and Yule practices from Norse mythology—spread through trade routes and diplomatic ties between monarchs such as Queen Victoria and Prince Albert and civic institutions in cities like London and New York City. Civic rituals including municipal lighting ceremonies, markets modeled on Nuremberg, and charitable customs like those associated with Charity of Saint Basil have been institutionalized by municipal governments and civic organizations such as Rotary International and Red Cross chapters.

Liturgical observances and church practices

Church calendars distinguish preparatory seasons such as Advent and concluding feasts like Epiphany and Feast of the Holy Family. Liturgies in rites such as the Tridentine Mass, the Divine Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom, and Anglican Common Worship articulate readings from the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament, with homiletic traditions shaped by preachers like John Chrysostom and Thomas Aquinas. Ecclesiastical music settings by composers including Johann Sebastian Bach, George Frideric Handel, and Charles Villiers Stanford are integrated into services in cathedrals such as St Paul's Cathedral (London), Notre-Dame de Paris, and Hagia Sophia. Ecclesial governance bodies like the World Council of Churches and national conferences such as the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops issue pastoral guidance on pastoral charity, liturgical norms, and ecumenical observances.

Music, art, and literature

Artistic expression tied to the festival includes iconography from Byzantine art, Renaissance altarpieces by artists like Giotto di Bondone and Sandro Botticelli, and Baroque works by Caravaggio. Musical forms encompass chant traditions such as Gregorian chant, choral works by Felix Mendelssohn and Ralph Vaughan Williams, and popular songs popularized by performers like Bing Crosby and Mariah Carey. Literary treatments range from medieval mystery plays staged in cities like York to novellas such as A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens and poems by Clement Clarke Moore. Visual culture expanded through prints and illustrations distributed by publishers like Harper & Brothers and galleries exhibiting works by Norman Rockwell.

Commercialization and modern celebrations

Economic and media developments involving corporations such as Coca-Cola Company, retailers like Harrods and Macy's, and broadcasters such as the BBC and NBC have transformed public expectations and practices. Advertising campaigns reinforced secular figures including Santa Claus (commercial image) and seasonal merchandising in shopping centers modeled on precincts such as Times Square. Labor movements and public holidays legislated by national bodies like the U.S. Congress and parliaments in Canada and Australia determine paid leave and civic observance dates, while nongovernmental organizations and charities like Oxfam coordinate seasonal relief and fundraising campaigns.

Dates, calendars, and related observances

Liturgical calendars produce variant dates: Western churches follow the Gregorian calendar fix of 25 December; many Eastern Orthodox Church jurisdictions observing the Julian calendar mark the feast on 7 January in civil calendars; the Armenian Apostolic Church often celebrates on 6 January. Related observances include Epiphany, Twelfth Night, and regional festivals such as Las Posadas in Mexico and Feast of the Nativity processions in places like Milan and Seville. Disputes over calendar reform engaged figures such as Pope Gregory XIII and astronomers associated with observatories like Greenwich Observatory.

Category:Christian festivals