Meriweather
Not all who wander are lost
- Oct 21, 2014
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Yes, kind of like the number of birthdays in the US on any given day is over 800,000. Pure coincidence. Speaking of birthdays...they weren't celebrated in Biblical times. That came later. When birthday celebrations became the custom, it was natural that Christians wanted to celebrate Jesus' birthday. Early on, Christians believed Jesus died on the same day he was conceived, and they marked that day as March 25. (Keep in mind, I am not saying Jesus died on March 25, I am merely reporting what early Christians believed). They were also celebrating the Feast of the Magi, who they believed arrived 12 days (note the number 12) after Jesus' birth. Nine months after March 25...December 25. Twelve days before the gift-bringing Magi...December 25.Funny how it ended up around the northern hemisphere winter solstice, the pagan festival celebrating the rebirth of the sun. Must be a coincidence.
As far as bringing fir trees and wreaths inside. Houses were small; no bathrooms; very little bathing in the winter, so trees, wreaths, and branches underfoot freshened things up during winter months.
I have forgotten exactly which pieces, but "copying" what was going on in other celebrations was a two-way street. In other words, what Christians were doing found the way into Pagan celebrations as well. We never have lived in a vacuum. Christmas is a great day for reflection. It reminds me that while I live in a sweet-smelling, temperature controlled house all year 'round, my ancestors did not. I am quite sure my family tree branches out to include Christians, atheists, pagans, etc. It appears we all come together, and I believe that is the wish of all down through the ages...that there is a time where all of mankind can simply come together. Even if it is for a very short while.