Merry Christmas!
All of the protests surrounding the usage or banning of religious Christmas symbols in public displays would be highly amusing, if they weren’t kind of sad. Christmas is a religious holiday for a minority of the people in this world, and for maybe half of the people in America. Ironically, Christmas is not being secularized, it is simply reverting to its natural pagan origins.
Christians who protest or demonstrate in favor of Christian symbolism in association with public places and events are actually arguing for the recognition of pagan symbols! If you look hard enough, you can see the origins of nearly all “sacred” Christmas symbols in pagan rites that go back literally thousands of years.
The so-called “secular” symbols of Christmas– the snowman, Santa-Claus, reindeer, bells, Christmas lights on houses, and eggnog, to name a few– have their roots in pagan practices, too. Santa-Claus is particularly interesting because his name, derived from “Saint Nicholas,” represents a Christianization of a pagan myth that didn’t “take.” In other words, that one started off pagan or “secular,” got re-mapped as “sacred” by the medieval church, and lately has be re-secularized.
Speaking of names, the word “Christmas” itself has an interesting origin. The earliest root-usage is “Cristes Maesse“ (late Old English), the Mass of Christ, first found in 1038. That’s right, the Church itself didn’t get around to having the birthday party until 1,038 years after the event.
There is one organization– the so-called Liberty Council– which sees itself as a defender of Christian Christmas traditions against what it calls the “parade of horribles:” the ACLU, the Freedom From Religion Foundation, and Americans United For Separation of Church and State. The Liberty Council recommends the exploitation of a “loophole” in the law– it’s ok for a civic display to include a nativity scene, so long as it includes at least one secular Christmas symbol. They offer to sell you a 19-page “Memorandum on Nativity Scenes and Other Religious Symbols on Public Property” which they say is “perfect for sharing with public school officials in your area.” Heck, everybody else is making money off of Christmas, why not these guys?
Setting aside arguments as to which Christmas symbols are secular, which are sacred, and the convenience of having a few that could go either way, the “activist Christians” are acknowledging that there are two Christmasses, a sacred one and a secular one. With that acknowledgement they’ve lost the battle, because if there are two Christmasses they should obviously be kept apart and celebrated separately in appropriate venues.
Christmas trees, wreaths, Yule logs, mistletoe, wassailing, and candles or lights, are all known to have come from pre-Christian or pagan origins. The virgin birth itself is said to be a leftover of the “Goddess cult” going back to the ancient Egyptians and Isis. The idea of a nativity or symbolic birth/rebirth is fundamental to the Roman Saturnalia and the idea that the sun is “reborn” with the Winter equinox and the beginning of the new solar year.
A similar Babylonian celebration of the equinoctial death and rebirth of Tammuz might have given us the word Yule (Chaldean for infant), and the ritual included the burning of a special log one night, and replacing it the next morning with a decorated, freshly cut tree.
For that matter, we don’t have to look back very far at all to see the connection between Christmas and New Year– the Soviet Union banned the former and promoted the latter in its place, with most of the non-religious traditions and celebrations being interchangeable.
Christmas itself was literally banned in Boston, in 1659. A Puritan judge ruled:
“For preventing disorders, arising in several places within this jurisdiction by reason of some still observing such festivals as were superstitiously kept in other communities, to the great dishonor of God and offense of others, that whosoever shall be found observing any such day as Christmas or the like, either by forbearing of labor, feasting, or any other way, upon any such account as aforesaid, every such person so offending shall pay for every such offence five shillings as a fine to the county.”
Christmas as we know it is a very recent phenomenon, historically speaking. It really didn’t begin to coalesce as a traditional holiday until the middle of the 19th Century. The first Christmas cards were sent in 1843, two years after the introduction of the first postage stamp (Christmas stamps weren’t issued in the U.S. until 1962, and now there are four each year– religious, secular, Hanukkha, and Kwaanza, go figure). Franklin Pierce was the first President (1853-57) to have a Christmas tree in the White House. A “National Christmas Tree” on the White House Lawn dates from 1923. Christmas became a National Holiday by order of Ulysses S. Grant in 1870.
Most of the traditional trappings of Christmas arrived in the U.S. with immigrants from Northern Europe, most particularly Germans and Scandinavians.
Freedom of Religion in the U.S. means that you can defend any religious practice, even if you invented it last week. But few defenders of a “religious Christian Christmas” have any idea of what they are defending or how it became so thoroughly entrenched in their system of beliefs. For that, we have the Propaganda to thank.
By “the Propaganda,” we are of course referring to the formal Catholic organization tasked with propagating the Faith to heathens around the world. In the Middle Ages, Northern Europe had an incredible variety of local or regional governments and religions. In order to facilitate the “conversion” of heathens, the Catholic Church had a long-standing policy of co-opting the local celebrations. After all, the conversion of Rome itself had depended on the adaptation of many pagan festivals– notably the Saturnalia– many of which were psychological, cathartic, and therapeutic outlets for populations during periods of seasonal depression.
Two excellent examples of Catholic conversion of German pagan myth are the Christmas tree itself, and the silver and gold strands of tinsel that decorate it.
As legend has it, St. Boniface, who was attempting to win over the pagan Germans, one Christmas Eve came upon a human sacrifice taking place under a sacred oak tree. Boniface took an ax and with one blow toppled the tree and at its foot was a tiny evergreen. Pointing at the tiny tree he explained that Christ was like this tree, bringer of life, and ever green.
We can’t have people decorating trees with strands of silver and gold to represent the sun and the moon, so some clever Monk or Nun made up this story: The spiders got chased out of the house when the Christmas tree was set up and decorated, and were sad that they didn’t have any gifts for Baby Jesus. So they sneaked in and added their own decorations to the tree.
But even Christians as a group can’t keep their Christmas tree stories straight– Catholics embraced the tree as a sacred symbol of Christ, but some modern Protestants have declared it to be a “secular symbol” (possibly so that it can be used to legitimize a nativity scene in a public school) and a radical few want it banned. After all, the only mention of a “Christmas tree” in the Bible is a negative recognition of it as a pagan practice: “Learn not the way of the heathen…for the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest…they deck it with silver and gold” — Jeremiah 10:2-4
We need ceremonies and rituals, and therapeutic outlets for seasonal depression. There’s nothing wrong with myths and legends and practices that many call “pagan,” so long as we don’t try to force our individual beliefs on others. Maybe what we really need is a Festivus for the rest of us.
See the links page for more information about our Christmas traditions. And Festivus.
–SG
What do you think? Please enter a comment below.
December 5th, 2004 at 9:54 pm
I have not been converted to a pagan by your words but they sure did make me think. Because right after I read your article I got this letter from our Pastor. If I had not read your article I would of just taken it at face value, but now I think he is the one who is hateful and intolerant and I am going to look for a new Church. Here is what he said.
“This year, more than ever, I’m hearing advertisers and others in the media saying “Happy Holidays” in stead of saying “Merry Christmas”. I know that they are trying to be politically correct. I’ve even heard on “Good Morning America” this morning the idea of phrasing the Holidays as “Merry Christhanukkah”, to be politically correct with both Jews and Christians. Lets be very clear; Christmas is the celebration of the birth of the Savior of the world, the greatest event in human history. Hannukkah is simply a celebration of the time when Judas Maccabeus threw out the pagans from the Jewish Temple in 165 BC. Christianity is under assault everywhere, most visibly right here in America by the Godless ones who want to be politically correct and avoid offending anyone.
Those who are offended by the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ or those who are afraid of speaking the name of GOD or Jesus can leave and go somewhere else. As for me and my house, Christ is still the reason for Christmas and God Bless America” Pastor Dave
December 6th, 2004 at 11:23 am
Thank you for your comments, and if you really did stop and think about these issues we can drag out the “Mission Accomplished” banner. The letter from “Pastor Dave” is fascinating. Typically, those who refer to themselves as “Pastor Dave” tend to be self-proclaimed “ministers” and their lack of education is pretty obvious. THIS Pastor Dave is even onfused in his theology and should consult his own spiritual advisor (though he may not have one or think he needs one).
Any “reputable” Christian theologian will tell you that Christ dying on the cross for our sins was the “greatest event in human history,” not His birth!
He should also do a little fact checking– GMA was carrying an AP story about the Christmas card dillema for families with both Christian and Jewish members. One family was delighted to have found a card that says “Merry Chrismukkah!” And it is from N.C.-based MixedBlessing, a card company devoted to interfaith holiday greetings. “And it’s an expression of people understanding the people around them,” according to one of its owners. Hardly an attempt at “political correctness,” besides which it wouldn’t be politically correct to leave out Ramadan, would it? Well, there’s no point in arguing with guy, because we can predict his response– anybody who doesn’t agree with him must perforce be under Satan’s sway. But we loved his conclusion– which could be put a little more succinctly as “My way or the highway.” How Christian is that?
–SG
December 6th, 2004 at 3:22 pm
Hey…try being a non-xtian in this “secular” state of ours! Everyone wishes you a cheery “merry Xmas!”…and if you make mention of the fact that you don’t observe this holiday, or that it would be better kept to the home and church, you are informed, “oh, it’s not a religious thing…it’s just XMAS!” Cheerily. As if, you know…EVERYONE needs to just lighten up and get in the mood…get the kids a xmas tree…The level of incomprehension is staggering.
December 6th, 2004 at 4:10 pm
We remember when as kids we were told Jews can’t have Christmas Trees because that would be blasphemy. We admit saying Merry Christmas unthinkingly, but we mean Merry Solstice and if we said that we’d get a bunch of blank looks. Or maybe a bunch of rocks thrown at us. Maybe we ALL need to lighten up. Pastor Dave should go back to biting snakes and speaking in tongues, or whatever floats his boat OTHER than hate-mongering. After all, WE’re not his enemy. The Catholics are.
December 6th, 2004 at 5:57 pm
“Pastor” Dave said: “Hannukkah is simply a celebration of the time when Judas Maccabeus threw out the pagans from the Jewish Temple in 165 BC.” Actually, this holiday commemorates not only the victory of a small, determined group over their enemies, but it celebrates a miracle - the burning of one day’s supply of oil for eight days, providing time for more consecrated oil to be made ready.
This “pastor” would not like it if I were to tell him that his entire religion, pretty much, is based on a bad fairytale, dreamed up long after the alleged facts of the story were supposed to have taken place. He’d probably agree, though, that in order to swallow this fabulous tale, it requires “faith which passeth understanding.” Haww!
Here’s the scoop: it’s ok to have and practice any religion, in your home, your church and your heart. But it’s not ok to berate others, telling them you have the Truth, and they are damned if they don’t follow along…or, worse, to kill them if they don’t believe you. You need to accept the fact that you made a personal decision to accept the Bible as factual…but you had that decision to make. You must grant others the right to reject it…or the concept of it being a personal choice is revealed to be crap.
This killing of infidels has been practiced for generations by Christians and Muslims. Not Jews. Jews don’t try to convert followers. Jews also don’t pick and choose from a “menu” of proscriptions found in the Scriptures, but accept it all as a whole. Xtians, somehow, like to pick and choose: being gay is an abomination, but eating shrimp is fine! Adultery? Not a problem.
And Christmas, by the way…is a complete and total fabrication…the virgin birth, the magi, the gifts, the manger…the whole nine yards. And this is the stuff of your holy beliefs. And there’s a lot of you. Religion for the moronic masses. What utter nonsense. Humbug city.
December 7th, 2004 at 11:57 am
Rereading the timeless words of “Pastor” Dave, “Those who are offended by the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ or those who are afraid of speaking the name of GOD or Jesus can leave and go somewhere else. As for me and my house, Christ is still the reason for Christmas and God Bless America”
I had these thoughts:
Offended by a fairytale? Not me!
“God or Jesus?” Whoa! I thought the story went…Jesus IS God! Right? You know, Pastor…”jesus is lord…? and all that? Am I confused here? Are you?
Also, I’ve always wondered: If Jesus was God, then he knew in advance that he’d not actually die, but go bodily up to heaven…so why is his “death” viewed as a sacrifice? What’s the big deal? He planned the whole thing!
“Christ is still the reason for Christmas” Right on! Let’s get rid of all the goddam tinsel, santas, reindeer, candy canes, trees, etc!
Oh, and don’t forget: America is the country that welcomes people of all persuasions to become full citizens…as happened with your ancestors and with mine. Let’s keep all this secular religious prattle…I mean, solemn observance, in the heart, the home and the church, and out of the faces of people like me, who wish nothing to do with the whole ball of dung.
December 8th, 2004 at 4:59 pm
Some clarification to “Chelm resident’s”: To stay accurate with the fairytale, Jesus was God’s son. They are not one in the same. God sent his son to earth as a mortal man. A man who’s fleshly body could parish. To fulfill a prophecy, Jesus supposedly had the option to die at the hands of men and therefore save mankind, or just go back to heaven and chill with the angels and God in the spiritual world. So the Passion of Christ was his decision to endure the pain of the torturous death and save man. It was all God’s plan, but as far as I can tell, Jesus didn’t have to follow the plan.
Poor pastor Dave. I hope he doesn’t have his own facts wrong. Christmas is the time that SOME Christians, not all, choose to celebrate Christ’s birth. The only problem is, it is not logical that the man known as Jesus of Nazareth, was actually born on December 25th. Shepards were not out sheparding during that part of the year. The Christians clearly chose the date of December 25th in order to compete with the pagans. If Christians want to celebrate Christmas as Christ’s birth, that is fine as long as they don’t believe that was the actual date.
I prefer to celebrate Christmas as a time of year to wish good will to all men. I hope pastor Dave’s God will truly bless America. I hope “Just a nobody in Texas” doesn’t let this all discourage his quest for knowledge and inner spiritual peace. I hope the Jew’s savior shows up someday soon. They’ve been waiting a long time and good things come to those who wait.
December 10th, 2004 at 5:00 pm
“To stay accurate with the fairytale, Jesus was God’s son. They are not one in the same. God sent his son to earth as a mortal man. A man who’s fleshly body could parish. To fulfill a prophecy, Jesus supposedly had the option to die at the hands of men and therefore save mankind, or just go back to heaven and chill with the angels and God in the spiritual world. So the Passion of Christ was his decision to endure the pain of the torturous death and save man. It was all God’s plan, but as far as I can tell, Jesus didn’t have to follow the plan.”
Thanks for the attempt at explanation, but I’m just as confused as I ever was. The central prayer of Judaism is: “Hear, O Israel: The Lord, our God, the Lord is One.” The one-ness of God is the central tenet of our monotheistic religion, the first one ever, if we believe the old stories. Now, most xtians agree that “Jesus is Lord.” They pray to Jesus, or God, as though they were the same. God is god. You can’t have Mr. and Mrs. God and little baby god. Jesus is either god or he isn’t. If he isn’t, there’s a whole lot of wasted effort and lives going on…and if he is, he planned the whole “passion” thing, the torture, the death, everything…so it’s a sham, a show. Nonsense.
December 14th, 2005 at 7:22 pm
Both Cristianity and Judaism are based on borrowed beliefs creating a history and mythos around them. Christmas is the celebration of a pagan festival which could not be destroyed by the church so it adopted it and gave it a snazzy name. Today it is more to do with making money than any true religious belief but it beats going to work for a couple of days and everybody likes presents. I actuallly think modern Christmas is more to do with the Coca Cola company than Christ/ Jesus or sorry Joseph which was his real name after all Jesus the Christ is just a double barrelled title. father christmas was originally green until Coca Cola got their hands on him and turned him red and white. Anyway I digress where I come from we have nessie why not believe in a man in a red suit that gives presents eat drink and be merry earn double or treble time because some day not that far away the guys in charge are going to wake up smell the coffee and do away with the whole thing. Any merry winter solstice and a happy new year to you all or live long and prosper .
December 14th, 2005 at 7:35 pm
Sorry just read what I typed I must apologise for the bad grammar etc. PS if you want to believe in someting believe in mother earth she is the one that looks after us on a daily basis and this planet is the only one we’ve got and we screw with it on a daily basis if were not careful we really could create a hell on earth so everytime you think about worshiping some unseen deity think twice and instead just respect your home planet until we can terraform. PSS I am not some mad green freak I am just as bad as everybody else but I do try.