The feast of Christ Mass is unknown to the Fathers of the first three centuries. And there is no authoritative tradition about the date of its establishment. It is believed to be of Roman origin and is inevitable in Rome. Towards the middle of the 4th century, it was celebrated on December 25th. The Roman civil calendar influenced the choice from the end of the 3rd century. On that day, he observed the winter solstice and the birth of the ‘unconquered sun’: the Christians wanted to oppose and superimpose the feast of the conception of the actual sun, Christ, on the pagan feast. In just under a century, the feast spread throughout Christianity and was also adopted in the Eastern Churches. It was celebrated on January 6., united with the Epiphany.
The Christ Mass cycle of the liturgical year is linked to Advent, the period of preparation, the time of N. (from December 24 to January 5), and Epiphany (from January 6 to 13). N.’s feast lasts for eight days ( eighth ); the eighth day (1 January) in the new calendar takes the name of Festum sanctae Dei Genetricis Mariae in octave Domini.
We must remember the log, the fires, and bonfires among the domestic and popular celebrations. (Survival of those lit in ancient times for the solstice). The crib, and, derived from central-northern Europe, the tree. (also surviving agrarian rites), which is generally a fir tree, the exchange of greetings and gifts, gifts to children by Santa, the older man with a white beard, called Santa Claus in the Germanic and Anglo-Saxon countries. (Corruption of Sanctus Nicolaus).
Origins of Christ Mass
Christ Mass, for Western culture,e is perhaps the most important holiday of the year. This is the best time to enjoy the company of friends and family. But in addition to the symbols we know well, such as gifts, Christ Mass also has a religious meaning. On Christ Mass day, we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. The one who would later be identified by most of the members of the Jewish religion as the prophesied Messiah. From the Holy Scriptures.
The birth of Jesus Christ dates back to around 0-4. And his delivery on Earth is celebrated on December 25th. However, for the Eastern Orthodox Church, this holiday falls on January 6, the day the Western Christian Church celebrates the Epiphany, the manifestation of Jesus before the Magi.
Representation of Christ Mass
Source: Wikipedia