Everyone enjoys the hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping and decorating. Children love writing letters to Santa and receive a reply with an envelope stamped "North Pole". But even more fascinating is the origin of many of our beloved Christmas traditions.
The exchange of gifts: In ancient times holiday meals were shared with family, friends, and the poor. It was believed that to be a year of prosperity, one must not be selfish to hoard what they already have guaranteed that never was blessed with more. That's why we exchange gifts today.
Tree decoration: In ancient times trees represented life on death triumph. The Romans cut trees with trinkets, candles and toys. The Druids tied shiny apples and other offerings on the branches of trees. In Monaco of Bavaria, the trees in cemeteries were decorated with holly and mistletoe. Therefore, the evergreen tree, decorating our homes today, has come to mean the ever living Christ.
Yule Log: The Druids and other ancient cultures believed that sparks from a burning log carried their wishes for a prosperous New Year to the gods. Today, with log burning fireplaces recapture this ancient custom, believing that the light of the fire is the symbol of light came from heaven when Christ was born.
Candles: In England, candles were burned together with the strain of Christmas. In America today, the candles represent the Star of Bethlehem.
Holly: The Druids believed that holly was favored by the sun, because it was always green. Today holly represents the ever living Christ. The white flowers, the purity, the red berries, his blood, leaves, his crown of thorns, and the bitter bark, his pain.
Mistletoe: results from a Norse legend. Freyja, a goddess, had arranged for his son to be protected from any danger on earth. When he was struck by an arrow made from mistletoe, Freyja mistletoe made me promise not to hurt anybody again. So today, mistletoe is a symbol of peace and love. And 'winter blossoms bring promise of grace for next spring.
Carolingian: In Scandinavian custom, every Christmas, a feast was given to the god Thor, represented by a goat. After much singing and dancing the goat would pretend to die and come back to life. Today, carolers go from door to door singing and this is the life of Christ.
Santa Claus: Santa actually started as a version of Poseidon, the greek god of the sea. The sailors feared him because he could bring terrible storms or grant them safe travels. Because he could save them from the angry waters, became known as "giver of all good." Because of the rise of Christianity, the ancient custom was changed to honor Nicholas of Myra, a bishop of Asia. Nicholas wore red dresses, riding a white horse who can fly, and delivered gifts anonymously. Today is Santa with his flying reindeer!
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