the iranian origin of christmas
IndianSummer
Posts: 854
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yalda
The Persian traditions merged in ancient Rome, in a festival to the ancient god of seed time, Saturn. The Romans exchanged gifts, partied and decorated their homes with greenery. Following the Persian tradition, the usual order of the year was suspended. Grudges and quarrels forgotten, wars would be interrupted or postponed. Businesses, courts and schools were closed. Rich and poor became equal, masters served slaves, and children headed the family. Cross-dressing and masquerades, merriment of all kinds prevailed. A mock king, the Lord of Misrule, was crowned. Candles and lamps chased away the spirits of darkness.
Another related Roman festival celebrated at the same time was dedicated to Sol Invictus ("the invincible sun"), originally known as Mithra Originally a Persian deity, this cult was imported by Emperor Elagabalus into Rome and Sol was made god of the state. With the spread of Christianity, Christmas celebration became the most important Christian festival.
In the third century various dates, from December to April, were celebrated by Christians as Christmas. January 6 was the most favored day because it was thought to be Jesus' baptismal day (in the Greek Orthodox Church this continues to be the day to celebrate Christmas). In year 350, December 25 was adopted in Rome and gradually almost the entire Christian Church agreed to that date, which coincided, with Winter Solstice and the festivals, Sol Invicta and Saturnalia. Many of the rituals and traditions of the pagan festivals were incorporated into the Christmas celebration and are still observed today.
The Persian traditions merged in ancient Rome, in a festival to the ancient god of seed time, Saturn. The Romans exchanged gifts, partied and decorated their homes with greenery. Following the Persian tradition, the usual order of the year was suspended. Grudges and quarrels forgotten, wars would be interrupted or postponed. Businesses, courts and schools were closed. Rich and poor became equal, masters served slaves, and children headed the family. Cross-dressing and masquerades, merriment of all kinds prevailed. A mock king, the Lord of Misrule, was crowned. Candles and lamps chased away the spirits of darkness.
Another related Roman festival celebrated at the same time was dedicated to Sol Invictus ("the invincible sun"), originally known as Mithra Originally a Persian deity, this cult was imported by Emperor Elagabalus into Rome and Sol was made god of the state. With the spread of Christianity, Christmas celebration became the most important Christian festival.
In the third century various dates, from December to April, were celebrated by Christians as Christmas. January 6 was the most favored day because it was thought to be Jesus' baptismal day (in the Greek Orthodox Church this continues to be the day to celebrate Christmas). In year 350, December 25 was adopted in Rome and gradually almost the entire Christian Church agreed to that date, which coincided, with Winter Solstice and the festivals, Sol Invicta and Saturnalia. Many of the rituals and traditions of the pagan festivals were incorporated into the Christmas celebration and are still observed today.
I have faced it, A life wasted...
Take my hand, my child of love
Come step inside my tears
Swim the magic ocean,
I've been crying all these years
Take my hand, my child of love
Come step inside my tears
Swim the magic ocean,
I've been crying all these years
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Comments
Many of the traditions surrounding both Christmas and Easter revolve around ancient Pagan festivals... the Winter Solstice and the Vernal Equinox. The early Christian Church used these festivals to bring the heathens into the fold.
Every wonder why Easter falls on the first Sunday after the first Full Moon after the Spring Equinox? Jesus' resurrection wasn't a floating date... but, the Spring celebrations were a great vehicle to celebrate His re-birth. Bunnies and Eggs as fertility symbols... as are the bals and fruit associated with Christmas... nothing to do with Jesus.
Nothing wrong with that... bring olks into your religion. I just think it's kind of foolish to deny yourself the truth... in a religion that emphasises 'The Truth'.
Hail, Hail!!!
Also, The traditions spread across the Hellenistic world long before the Romans took over.
Well... I don't know about the people currently living there... but, Persia used to be where Iran currently sits.
Hail, Hail!!!
I always assumed that Easter followed the Jewish calander, and so his death and reserection was closely tied to passover.
Who knows... could be. Does Passover move around, too? I do know that Easter does fall on the first Sunday after the First Full Moon after the Equinox... but, have no idea about Passover.
Hail, Hail!!!
hey, Thorns, we were at two shows together.
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No, Cosmo is correct, although a couple of years ago, Easter here in Australia was a week off the full moon, so someone cocked up that year.
Bells Beach surf comp was alweays held at Easter to take advantage of full moon swells as well as the 4 day break.
Plus it nearly always pisses down rain on the generalised camping orgy that occurs annually here in Oz.