Christmas Pagan Holiday

Christmas is a festival celebrated from many years throughout many countries. The modern traditions that we celebrate today have their origins dated back to hundreds of years before Christ was born. Some of them are as old as thousands of years. Until 1800's Christmas was not celebrated in winter season. In many western countries, Christmas is all about party and enjoyment. They love to enjoy Christmas in a merry way.

Many people question about Christmas being celebrated in winter season. People argue that when the angel told the shepherds that Christ is born they were tending their cattle and sheep at night. If it was a cold wintry night then what were the shepherds doing at that time; they should have been seen in their houses sleeping under a warm blanket. This means that was not winter season.

The answer for this lies in Christmas being celebrated as a pagan festival. Even before Christ was known, a festival was being celebrated in the winter season. During that festival, people enjoyed themselves with wine and meat. Later, when Christmas was introduced, people started celebrating it in the month of December.

Before we understand Christmas as a pagan festival, we must understand that what pagan festivals are. The term "pagan" is of Latin origin. It has no generally accepted meaning but most accept it as "country dweller" or rustic". The other popular pagan festivals are Halloween, Yule and the first full moon in Aquarius. If you notice that, they all are being celebrated in the winter season. Most of the important pagan festivals are celebrated in winter season. The people who follow old traditions and rituals celebrate the pagan festivals.

There is no solid proof that Christ was born on 25th of December. The date has been fixed arbitrarily. The church accepted Christmas as a Christian festival and it was first celebrated in the church of Jerusalem. They said that the date and month of Christ's birth is no longer important because Christ is not present on earth anymore but is raised into heaven. He is no more a baby but a redeemer for everyone.

Christmas was recognized as a pagan festival in the fourth century, when Rome was converted to Christianity. Initially, people did not accept this as they found that the thought that Christianity and paganism are two different terms and cannot be mingled. However, later when it was made an official religion of Rome and all the pagans were baptized to Christians they had to accept it.

Modifications were made in such a way that their old customs and beliefs could be followed a bit. One of the most important changes made was demolishing of idol system from paganism. That is not worshipping idols; this is the striking feature of Christianity.

Even today, the debate continues that whether Christmas is a pagan festival or not. However, this does not affect the traditions and practices of Christmas. What matters is coming together and enjoying with your family in the name of the lord.