The early Christians absorbed certain pagan practices into observances of Christmas.
The consolidation of cultures that resulted from invasion, migration and proliferation of certain religions is no where more evident than in the example of ancient Rome and the burgeoning new faith of Christianity. While the Romans often incorporated into their worship gods of conquered nations, one of their major holidays was eventually to be entirely absorbed by the observance of Christ’s nativity. The exact birth date of Jesus is unknown, but estimated to be between 8 and 4 BC. December 25 was selected circa 336 AD because that coincided with the culmination of the celebration of the Winter Solstice in ancient Rome, and church officials saw the date as expedient for promoting Christianity. The Winter Solstice marked the shortest day of the year, as well as the point at which the days gradually grew longer, and symbolized for the Romans re-birth, new growth, and the abundance of nature.
Saturnalia, which originally ran from the 17th to the 23rd of December, probably contributed most to modern Christmas traditions, and was observed by feasting, merry making, gambling and gift giving. Saturnalia was but one-third of a three-part holiday, and was preceded by Consualia, which honored Consus, the god of storage bins, and followed by Opalia, which honored Ops, Saturn’s wife (Sophistes).
The beginning of Saturnalia was marked by the dedication of the harvest god’s temple. Worshippers passed around lit candles while a priest made sacrifices, and ceremonially cut away strips of wool binding the legs of an idol of the god. After the preliminaries came a great feast, during which the celebrants would wish one another “Bona Saturnalia!” much like Christians today say “Merry Christmas.” Following the seven-day festival, the priest would once again bind the legs of the Saturn doll until the following year (ibid.)
Saturnalia centered on giving thanks for the fruits of the earth, for plentiful crops, and praying for the same in the coming year. Business transactions were forbidden. Even slaves in Roman households were allowed to relax, to the point of having their masters wait on them instead. The tradition of decorating Christmas trees grew in part from the practice of hanging tiny ceramic dolls called “sigillaria” on the branches of pine trees. Even the pointed felt hats worn by department store Santas are similar to the pileus –a brimless hat worn by the Romans, especially during Saturnalia. In 17th century America, the Puritans viewed Christmas celebrations with great distaste, believing that such practices were blasphemous, pagan activities, and outlawing them. Not until the 1800’s did celebrating Christmas become widely-accepted in America(A&E).
Sources
Grout, James. “Saturnalia.” Notae: Essays on the History and Culture of Rome. 7 Dec. 2007.
Sophistes, Apollonius. “Saturnalia or Brumalia: A Winter Solstice Ritual.” Biblioteca Arcana:
12 Dec. 2006. University of Tennessee College of Arts and Sciences. 7 Dec. 2007.
Fox, Selena. “Saturnalia: Winter Solstice in Ancient Rome.” About.com. 7 Dec. 2007.
“The History of Christmas.” History.com. 1996-2007. A&E Television Networks.
8 Dec. 2007.
