Christmas
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| Christmas | |
|---|---|
| Holiday name | Christmas |
| Caption | A decorated Christmas tree with wrapped gifts. |
| Observedby | Christians, many non-Christians |
| Type | Christian, cultural |
| Significance | Commemoration of the Nativity of Jesus |
| Date | December 25 (Gregorian, Julian) |
| Relatedto | Advent, Epiphany, Christmastide, Yule |
| Frequency | Annual |
Christmas. It is an annual festival commemorating the Nativity of Jesus, observed primarily on December 25 as a religious and cultural celebration among billions of people around the world. A central fixture of the Christmastide season, it is preceded by the period of Advent and initiates the Twelve Days of Christmas, culminating in Epiphany. While a core holy day in Christian liturgy, its widespread observance incorporates a multitude of pre-Christian and secular traditions, making it a significant cultural and economic event globally.
History_of_Christmas
The establishment of December 25 as the date of celebration is linked to early Christian traditions in Rome, possibly chosen to coincide with existing pagan festivals like the Roman Sol Invictus or the Saturnalia. The earliest known reference to its observance on this date appears in a 354 manuscript, the Chronography of 354. The feast's significance was solidified by the early 4th century, notably during the reign of Constantine the Great. The medieval period saw the holiday develop with practices such as mystery plays depicting the Nativity of Jesus, while the Protestant Reformation led to periods of suppression, particularly under Oliver Cromwell in England. The modern, more secularized conception of the holiday began to take shape in the 19th century, influenced by literary works like A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens and the popularization of figures like Santa Claus, whose origins blend the historical Saint Nicholas with other folklore.
Christmas_Traditions
Common traditions involve both religious and secular customs. The Christmas tree, a German tradition popularized in Britain by Prince Albert, is a central decorative element, often topped with a star or angel. Exchanging greeting cards became widespread after initiatives by Sir Henry Cole. Gift-giving is associated with the legendary figure of Santa Claus, known by other names like Father Christmas and Kris Kringle, who is said to deliver presents from his workshop at the North Pole. Other widespread customs include singing carols, such as "Silent Night" and "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing", decorating with holly and mistletoe, and preparing special meals like Christmas pudding and gingerbread.
Christmas_Around_the_World
Observance varies significantly by culture and region. In Mexico and parts of Latin America, celebrations focus on Las Posadas and Nacimientos. In Sweden and other Nordic countries, the festival incorporates elements of Yule, with the Jultomte as a gift-bringer. Ethiopian Christians, following the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, celebrate Genna on January 7. In the Philippines, the world's longest Christmas season features the Simbang Gabi masses. Japan has adopted many secular customs, with a popular tradition of eating KFC on the day, while in Australia and New Zealand, celebrations often include beach barbecues due to the summer season.
Christmas_Celebrations
Key celebrations include religious services such as Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve and services on Christmas Day. Family gatherings are common, often centered on a festive meal featuring dishes like roast turkey, ham, or regional specialties like Italian panettone. Public celebrations include the lighting of community trees, such as the one at Rockefeller Center, and festive markets like those in Vienna and Strasbourg. Parades are also popular, such as the annual Santa Claus Parade in Toronto and the spectacle at Walt Disney World.
Cultural_Significance_of_Christmas
The holiday has a profound impact beyond its religious origins, serving as a major cultural and commercial period. It significantly influences retail economics, with the preceding shopping season culminating in events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday. The holiday period is a focal point for travel and tourism, while also being a time associated with charitable giving and volunteer work for organizations like The Salvation Army. Its themes of peace, goodwill, and family have made it a powerful symbol in Western culture, though its pervasiveness also sparks annual debates on topics like the so-called "War on Christmas" and inclusive seasonal greetings.
Christmas_in_Media_and_Arts
The holiday is a perennial subject in entertainment and the arts. Classic films such as It's a Wonderful Life, Miracle on 34th Street, and Home Alone are broadcast annually. In music, albums like Bing Crosby's "Merry Christmas" and Mariah Carey's "All I Want for Christmas Is You" are seasonal staples. Ballet productions of The Nutcracker by Tchaikovsky are performed worldwide. Literature is rich with Christmas stories, from The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry to modern tales, and television has created enduring specials like A Charlie Brown Christmas and How the Grinch Stole Christmas!.