15 things you didn’t know about the history of Christmas Holiday
Christmas is a time for family, friends, and celebrating. But where did this holiday come from?
Here are 15 things you may not have known about the history of Christmas.
1. The first recorded Christmas celebration was in Rome in 336 A.D.:
The first recorded Christmas celebration was in Rome in 336 A.D. Emperor Constantine had decreed that the holiday should be celebrated on December 25th, which coincided with the winter solstice celebrations of Mithraism, a religion popular among Roman soldiers.
2. Christmas wasn’t declared a federal holiday in the United States until 1870:
Christmas wasn’t declared a federal holiday in the United States until 1870. Prior to that, it was celebrated on a state-by-state basis.
3. The tradition of putting up a Christmas tree dates back to 16th-century Germany:
The tradition of putting up a Christmas tree dates back to 16th century Germany. It is believed that Martin Luther, the founder of the Protestant Reformation, was the first person to bring a tree into his home and decorate it.
4. The word “Christmas” comes from the Old English “Cristes maesse”, meaning “Christ’s Mass”:
The word “Christmas” comes from the Old English “Cristes maesse” means “Christ’s Mass”. Christmas is a Christian holiday that commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ.
5. Santa Claus is based on a real person:
Saint Nicholas was a 4th-century Greek bishop who was known for his generosity. He would secretly leave gifts for people in need, and this is where the legend of Santa Claus originated.
6. The tradition of giving gifts at Christmas dates back to the 4th century:
The tradition of giving gifts at Christmas dates back to the 4th century. Pope Julius I declared that December 25th should be celebrated as the birthday of Jesus, and gifts were given in his honor.
7. The first known Christmas card was sent in 1843:
The first known Christmas card was sent in 1843 by Sir Henry Cole. It featured a family drinking wine around a table, with the words “Merry Christmas” written on it.
8. The idea of Santa Claus coming down the chimney originated in America:
The idea of Santa Claus coming down the chimney originated in America. In 1823, Clement Clarke Moore wrote “A Visit from St. Nicholas”, which popularized the image of Santa Claus as a jolly old man who comes down chimneys to deliver toys to children.
9. The first commercial Christmas tree farm was started in 1901:
The first commercial Christmas tree farm was started in 1901 by Arthur Grey. He began selling trees out of his nursery in New Jersey, and the tradition quickly spread across the country.
10. The custom of decorating Christmas trees with lights dates back to the 17th century:
The custom of decorating Christmas trees with lights dates back to the 17th century. It is believed that Martin Luther was the first person to put candles on a tree, and the practice soon became popular in Germany.
11. The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree has been a tradition since 1931:
The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree has been a tradition since 1931. The first tree was put up as a construction workers’ morale booster during the Great Depression.
12. “Jingle Bells” was originally written as a Thanksgiving song:
“Jingle Bells” was originally written as a Thanksgiving song by James Lord Pierpont in 1857. It wasn’t until the 1930s that it became popular as a Christmas song.
13. “Silent Night” was written in 1818 by an Austrian priest:
“Silent Night” was written in 1818 by an Austrian priest, Joseph Mohr. The original lyrics were in German, but they were later translated into English and other languages.
14. “The 12 Days of Christmas” was written in England in the 18th century:
“The 12 Days of Christmas” was written in England in the 18th century. It is a cumulative song, meaning that each verse builds on the previous one.
15. “Auld Lang Syne” is sung at midnight on New Year’s Eve:
“Auld Lang Syne” is a Scottish ballad that is traditionally sung at midnight on New Year’s Eve. The lyrics were written by Robert Burns in 1788.
Conclusion:
Christmas is a holiday with many traditions that date back centuries. From the first Christmas card to the Rockefeller Center tree, these traditions have become an important part of our culture. As we ring in the New Year, let’s take a moment to reflect on the history of this special time of year.