. When celebrating Christmas, we rarely think about why this particular date falls on December 25. No liturgical writings mention the exact date of birth of Jesus Christ. It turns out that it is related to pagan holidays that were celebrated in December.
Pagan lineage
There are several pre-Christian holidays that were celebrated in December. In many European cultures Winter Solstice was celebrated from December 21st to December 22nd. The Polish celebrations were celebrated at the same time grandfathersand in Ancient Rome it was celebrated from December 17 to December 24 Saturnalia. Set December 25 as the day Christmas however, it is most likely associated with the Persian god Mithra.
Christmas
The latter beliefs are especially worth looking at. It turns out that, according to the Persians, on 25st of December the god of the sun was born - Mithra. What's more - his birth took place in a poor grotto. This similarity is not accidental, but the modern official holiday date is nonetheless Christmas is associated with yet another holiday.
Undefeated Sun
Emperor Constantine the Great, in the face of the inevitable collapse of the Roman Empire, wanted to appease religious conflicts. The best way seemed to be to establish one common celebration that would bring together the dates and rites of all the other cultures that inhabited the Ancient Rome. For this reason the day 25st of December has become the day of celebration Undefeated Sun. It combined both the Roman beliefs and rites, the Persian cult of Mithras, and the sun deities - Sol.
Christian holiday since 353
Both Sol Invictus and the worship of the sun god Mithra were very popular in Ancient Rome. Once Christianity became official state religionit was intended to weaken pagan beliefs. For this purpose, it was established that 25st of December was the day he was born Jesus Christ. Although various theologians have given different dates Christmas - for example, Clement of Alexandria gave the dates of April 19 or May 20.
Roots are irrelevant
Regardless of whether the most anticipated Christian holiday is of pagan origin or not - it does not change the fact that it is an occasion for family gatherings. Christmas is distinguished by a unique atmosphere conducive to celebration. For many families, this is the only occasion a year to meet the loved ones who live and work abroad on a daily basis.
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