History of Christmas

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History of Christmas

Poll: 'We have a Christmas tree at home'

YES

NO

Early 16th century: Modern version the of Christmas tree

They used real candles

They used real candles

Earlier versions

Medieval play on the 24th of December: Trees of paradise 

Red balls depicts the forbidden fruit.

Or is it connected to Saint Boniface? (723 AD)

Christmas falls on what day this year?

1. Sunday
2. Monday
3. Tuesday
4. Wednesday

Why the 25th

• Earliest evidence from 336 AD where christians celebrate Chrit's birth on December 25.
• Romans celebrated Saturnalia on the 25. Maybe there is a connection. 

Saturnalia

Instead of working, Romans spent Saturnalia gambling, singing, playing music, feasting, socializing and giving each other gifts.

Charlemagne was crowned on the 25th (800 AD)

December 25 855 AD

King Edmund the Martyr

December 25 1066 AD

King William I of England

1843 Charles Dickens wrote A Christmas carol

Inspiration from Germanic Paganism: Wodan (Odin)

Inspiration from Saint Nicolas (Sinterklaas)