Christmas 6237 225920063 2008-07-16T00:46:17Z Brisvegas 348154 /* Economics of Christmas */ more daughter articles {{Otheruses}} {{Infobox Holiday | |holiday_name=Christmas |image=Christmas collage.PNG |nickname=Christ's Mass<br>Nativity<br> [[Incarnation (Christianity)|Incarnation]] <br> [[Yule|Yule Tide]] <br> [[Noel]] <br>Winter [[Easter|Pascha]] |observedby=Christians around the world as well as many non-Christians |date='''[[December 25]]''' in [[Western Christianity]] and some [[Eastern Orthodox Church]]es <br>'''[[December 24]]''' in some countries<br>'''[[January 6]]''' in the [[Armenian Apostolic Church]]<br>'''[[January 7]]''' in most [[Eastern Orthodox|Eastern Orthodox Churches]]. |observances=Religious services, gift giving, family meetings, decorating trees |type=[[Christianity|Christian]], cultural |significance=[[Nativity of Jesus|Nativity]] of [[Jesus]] |relatedto= [[Annunciation]], [[Incarnation (Christianity)|Incarnation]], [[Advent]], [[Epiphany (holiday)|Epiphany]], [[Baptism of the Lord]], [[Winter solstice]]}} <!-- Please do not alter the opening sentence without reaching agreement on the discussion page. While Christmas celebrations are based on pagan traditions and the modern Holidays are often secular, by strict definition from reliable sources, "Christmas" itself is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. Altering the definition will probably get your edit reverted. Thank you. --> '''Christmas''' ({{IPAEng|krɪsməs}}) is an annual [[holiday]] that celebrates the birth of [[Jesus]]. It refers to both the day commemorating the birth, and also the [[Christmastide]] season which that day inaugurates, concluding with the Feast of the [[Epiphany (Christian)|Epiphany]]. The date of the celebration is traditional, and is not considered to be Jesus' actual [[Birthday|date of birth]]. Christmas festivities often combine the observation of [[Nativity of Jesus|the Nativity]] with various cultural customs, many of which have been influenced by earlier [[List of winter festivals|winter festivals]]. Although nominally a [[Christianity|Christian]] holiday, it is also observed as a cultural holiday by many non-Christians. In most places around the world, Christmas Day is celebrated on [[December 25]]. [[Christmas Eve]] is the preceding day, [[December 24]]. In Germany and some other countries, the main Christmas celebrations commence on the evening of the 24th. The day following Christmas Day, [[December 26]], is called [[Boxing Day]] in the [[United Kingdom]] and many countries of the [[Commonwealth of Nations|Commonwealth]], and called [[St. Stephen's Day]] or the Feast of [[Saint Stephen]] in Catholic countries. The [[Armenian Apostolic Church]] observes Christmas on [[January 6]]. [[Eastern Orthodox Church]]es that still use the [[Julian Calendar]] celebrate Christmas on the Julian version of [[25 December]], which is [[January 7]] on the more widely used [[Gregorian calendar]], because the two calendars are now 13 days apart. The prominence of Christmas Day increased gradually after [[Charlemagne]] was crowned on Christmas Day in 800. Around the 12th century, the remnants of the former [[Saturnalia]]n traditions of the [[Ancient Rome|Romans]] were transferred to the [[Twelve Days of Christmas]] ([[25 December]] – [[5 January]]). Christmas during the [[Middle Ages]] was a public festival, incorporating ivy, holly, and other evergreens, as well as gift-giving. Modern traditions have come to include the display of [[Nativity scene]]s, [[holly]] and [[Christmas trees]], the exchange of [[gift]]s and [[Christmas card|cards]], and the arrival of [[Father Christmas]] or [[Santa Claus]] on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning. Popular Christmas themes include the promotion of goodwill and peace. ==Etymology== The word ''Christmas'' originated as a contraction of "[[Christ]]'s [[Mass (liturgy)|mass]]". It is derived from the [[Middle English]] ''Christemasse'' and [[Old English language|Old English]] ''Cristes mæsse,'' a phrase first recorded in 1038, compounded from Old English derivatives of the Greek ''christos'' and the Latin ''missa''.<ref name="CathChrit">[http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/03724b.htm "Christmas"], ''[[The Catholic Encyclopedia]]'', 1913.</ref> In early [[Ancient Greek|Greek]] versions of the [[New Testament]], the letter [[Chi (letter)|''Χ'']] (chi), is the first letter of Christ. Since the mid-16th century ''Χ'', or the similar [[Latin alphabet|Roman]] letter ''[[X]]'', was used as an abbreviation for Christ.<ref>[http://www.askoxford.com/pressroom/archive/xmas Oxford English Dictionary]</ref> Hence, [[Xmas]] is often used as an abbreviation for Christmas. After the conversion of [[Anglo-Saxons|Anglo-Saxon]] Britain in the very early 7th century, Christmas was referred to as ''geol'',<ref name="CathChrit"/> the name of the pre-Christian winter festival from which the current English word '[[Yule]]' is derived.<ref>[http://www.crivoice.org/cyxmas.html "The Christmas Season"] ''The Voice,'' CRI/Voice, Institute, 2006.</ref> ==The Nativity== [[Image:Johann Koerbecke 002.jpg|thumb|German painting, 1457]] The [[Nativity of Jesus]] refers to the Christian belief that the [[Messiah]] was born to the [[Mary (mother of Jesus)|Virgin Mary]]. The story of Christmas is based on the [[bible|biblical accounts]] given in the [[Gospel of Matthew]], namely {{sourcetext|source=Bible|version=King James|book=Matthew|chapter=1|verse=18}}-{{sourcetext|source=Bible|version=King James|book=Matthew|chapter=2|verse=12}} and the [[Gospel of Luke]], specifically {{sourcetext|source=Bible|version=King James|book=Luke|chapter=1|verse=26}}-{{sourcetext|source=Bible|version=King James|book=Luke|chapter=2|verse=40}}. According to these accounts, Jesus was born to Mary, assisted by her husband [[Saint Joseph|Joseph]], in the city of [[Bethlehem]]. According to popular tradition, the birth took place in a "stable", surrounded by farm animals, though neither the “stable” nor the animals are mentioned in the Biblical accounts. However, a "manger" is mentioned in Luke 2:7 where it states "She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn." Early iconographic representations of the nativity confirm that the stable and manger were located within a cave (which still exists under the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem)<ref>http://images.google.com/images?svnum=10&um=1&hl=en&q=icon+of+the+nativity</ref>. Shepherds from the fields surrounding Bethlehem were told of the birth by an [[angel]], and were the first to see the child.<ref>[http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%202:1-16;&version=9; Luke 2:1–6]</ref> Christians believe that the birth of Jesus fulfilled many prophecies made hundreds of years before his birth.{{fact |date= April 2008}} Remembering or re-creating the Nativity is a central way that Christians celebrate Christmas. There is a very long tradition of the [[Nativity of Jesus in art]]. The Eastern Orthodox Church practices the [[Nativity Fast]] in anticipation of the birth of Jesus, while much of the [[Western Christianity|Western Church]] celebrates [[Advent]]. In some [[Christian denominations]], children perform plays re-telling the events of the Nativity, or sing carols that reference the event. Some Christians also display a small re-creation of the Nativity, known as a [[Nativity scene]], in their homes, using figurines to portray the key characters of the event. Live Nativity scenes, and [[tableau vivant|tableaux vivants]] are also performed, using actors and live animals to portray the event with more realism.<ref>Krug, Nora. [http://travel2.nytimes.com/2005/11/25/travel/escapes/25ahead.html?ex=1165381200&en=58ee42b3737ff438&ei=5070 "Little Towns of Bethlehem"], ''The New York Times'', [[November 25]], [[2005]].</ref> Nativity scenes traditionally include [[Biblical Magi|the Three Wise Men]], Balthazar, Melchior, and Caspar, although their names and number are not referred to in the Biblical narrative, who are said to have followed a star, known as the [[Star of Bethlehem]], found Jesus, and presented gifts of [[gold]], [[frankincense]], and [[myrrh]].<ref>[http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%202:1-11;&version=9; Matthew 2:1–11]</ref> In the U.S., Christmas decorations at [[Building|public buildings]] once commonly included Nativity scenes. This practice has led to many lawsuits, as groups such as the [[American Civil Liberties Union]] believe it amounts to the government endorsing a religion, which is prohibited by the [[United States Constitution]]. In 1984, the [[U.S. Supreme Court]] ruled in [[Lynch vs. Donnelly]] that a Christmas display (which included a Nativity scene) owned and displayed by the city of [[Pawtucket, Rhode Island]] did not violate the First Amendment.<ref name="Lynch">[http://www.belcherfoundation.org/lynch_v_donnelly.htm ''Lynch vs. Donnelly''] (1984)</ref> ==History== ===Pre-Christian origins=== {{Main|List of winter festivals}} A winter festival was traditionally the most popular festival of the year in many cultures. Reasons included less agricultural work needing to be done during the winter, as well as people expecting longer days and shorter nights after the [[winter solstice]] in the [[Northern Hemisphere]].<ref name=AncientHoliday>"[http://www.history.com/minisites/christmas/viewPage?pageId=1252 "Christmas – An Ancient Holiday"], ''The [[History Channel]]'', 2007.</ref> In part, the Christmas celebration was created by the early Church in order to entice pagan Romans to convert to [[Christianity]] without losing their own winter celebrations.<ref>"[http://www.history.com/minisite.do?content_type=Minisite_Generic&content_type_id=1253&display_order=1&sub_display_order=2&mini_id=1290 "Saturnalia"], ''The [[History Channel]]'', 2007.</ref><ref name=AncientHoliday /><!-- a link to http://de.essortment.com/christmaspagan_rece.htm was added in this diff: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Christmas&diff=prev&oldid=139585471 but I don't know if it was a mistake or not, I'll leave it to the regulars on this article... --> Certain prominent gods and goddesses of other religions in the region had their birthdays celebrated on [[December 25]], including [[Ishtar]], Babylonian goddess of fertility, love, and war, [[Sol Invictus]] and [[Mithras]]. Various traditions are considered to have been [[Syncretism|syncretised]] from winter festivals including the following: ====Natalis Solis Invicti==== {{Main|Sol Invictus}} [[Image:ChristAsSol.jpg|thumb|180px|Mosaic of Jesus Christ depicted as Sol (the Sun god) in Mausoleum M in the pre-fourth-century necropolis [http://www.saintpetersbasilica.org/Necropolis/Scavi.htm under] [[St Peter's Basilica]] in [[Rome]]. It is named ''Christo Sole'' (Christ the Sun) and is dated to the late 3rd century by the Italian archaeologists.<ref>Joseph F. Kelly, ''The Origins of Christmas'', Liturgical Press, 2004, p. 67-69.</ref>]] The Romans held a festival on [[December 25]] called ''[[Dies Natalis Solis Invicti]]'', "the birthday of the undefeated sun." The use of the title [[Sol Invictus]] allowed several [[Solar deity|solar deities]] to be worshipped collectively, including [[El (god)|Elah-Gabal]], a Syrian sun god; [[Sol]], the god of Emperor [[Aurelian]] (AD 270–274); and [[Mithras]], a soldiers' god of [[Persian mythology|Persian]] origin.<ref name="CathMithra">"[http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/10402a.htm "Mithraism"], ''The Catholic Encyclopedia'', 1913.</ref> Emperor [[Elagabalus]] (218–222) introduced the festival, and it reached the height of its popularity under Aurelian, who promoted it as an empire-wide holiday.<ref>"Sol." ''Encyclopædia Britannica'', Chicago (2006).</ref> December 25 was considered the day upon which the [[winter solstice]], which the Romans called ''bruma'', fell.<ref name="Bruma"> [http://www.cs.utk.edu/~mclennan/BA/SF/WinSol.html Bruma], University of Tennessee</ref> (When [[Julius Caesar]] introduced the [[Julian Calendar]] in 45 BC, [[December 25]] was approximately the date of the solstice. In modern times, the solstice falls on December 21 or 22.) It is the day the Sun proves itself to be "unconquered" and begins its movement toward the north on the horizon. The Sol Invictus festival has a "strong claim on the responsibility" for the date of Christmas, according to the ''Catholic Encyclopedia.''<ref name="CathChrit"/> Several early Christian writers connected the rebirth of the sun to the birth of Jesus<ref name="Britannica">[http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9082431/Christmas "Christmas], ''Encyclopædia Britannica'' Chicago: [[Encyclopædia Britannica]] 2006.</ref> "O, how wonderfully acted Providence that on that day on which that Sun was born . . . Christ should be born", [[Cyprian]] wrote.<ref name="CathChrit"/> ====Yule==== {{Main|Yule}} [[Germanic paganism|Pagan]] [[Scandinavia]] celebrated a winter festival called Yule, held in the late December to early January period. [[Yule log]]s were lit to honor [[Thor]], the god of thunder, with the belief that each spark from the fire represented a new pig or calf that would be born during the coming year. Feasting would continue until the log burned out, which could take as many as twelve days.<ref name=AncientHoliday /> In pagan [[Germania]] (not to be confused with [[Germany]]), the equivalent holiday was the [[Winter solstice|mid-winter night]] which was followed by 12 "''wild nights''", filled with eating, drinking and partying.<ref name="Reichmann">Reichmann, Ruth, [http://www.serve.com/shea/germusa/xmasintr.htm "Christmas"].</ref> As [[Northern Europe]] was the last part to Christianize, its pagan celebrations had a major influence on Christmas. Scandinavians still call Christmas ''Jul''. In English, the Germanic word Yule is synonymous with Christmas,<ref>[http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/Yule Yule]. ''The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language,'' Fourth Edition. Retrieved [[December 3]], [[2006]].</ref> a usage first recorded in 900. ===Christian origins=== [[Image:Origen3.jpg|thumb|180px|[[Origen]], a father of the Christian church, argued against the celebration of birthdays, including the birth of [[Christ]].]] It is unknown exactly when or why [[December 25]] became associated with Christ's birth. The [[New Testament]] does not give a specific date.<ref>[http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9082431/Christmas "Christmas], ''Encyclopædia Britannica'' Chicago: Encyclopædia Britannica, 2006.</ref> [[Sextus Julius Africanus]] popularized the idea that Christ was born on December 25 in his ''Chronographiai'', a [[Reference work|reference book]] for Christians written in AD 221.<ref name="Britannica"/> This date is nine months after the traditional date of the [[Incarnation (Christianity)|Incarnation]] ([[March 25]]), now celebrated as the [[Annunciation|Feast of the Annunciation]]. [[March 25]] was considered to be the date of the [[vernal equinox]] and early Christians believed this was also the date Christ was [[crucifixion|crucified]]. The Christian idea that Christ was conceived on the same date that he died on the cross is consistent with a Jewish belief that a prophet lived an integral number of years.<ref name="CathAnnun">[http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/01542a.htm "The Feast of the Annunciation"], ''Catholic Encyclopedia,'' 1998.</ref> The celebration of Christmas as a feast did not arise for some time after ''Chronographai'' was published. [[Tertullian]] does not mention it as a major [[Calendar of saints|feast day]] in the [[African Rite|Church of Roman Africa]]. In 245, the theologian [[Origen]] denounced the idea of celebrating Christ's birthday "as if he were a king [[pharaoh]]". He contended that only [[sin]]ners, not [[saint]]s, celebrated their birthdays.<ref>Origen, "Levit., Hom. VIII"; ''Migne P.G.'', XII, 495; quoted by [http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/10709a.htm Natal Day] ''The Catholic Encyclopedia'', 1911</ref> The earliest reference to the celebration of the nativity on December 25 is found in the [[Chronography of 354]], an [[illuminated manuscript]] compiled in Rome in 354.<ref name="CathChrit"/><ref>This document was prepared privately for a Roman aristocrat, The reference to Christmas states, "VIII kal. ian. natus Christus in Betleem Iudeæ". It is in a section based on an earlier manuscript produced in 336. This document also contains the earliest reference to the feast of Sol Invictus.</ref> In the East, early Christians celebrated the birth of Christ as part of [[Epiphany (Christian)|Epiphany]] (January 6), although this festival focused on the [[baptism of Jesus]].<ref>Pokhilko, Hieromonk Nicholas, [http://orthodoxeurope.org/page/12/4.aspx "The Formation of Epiphany according to Different Traditions]</ref> Christmas was promoted in the Christian East as part of the revival of [[Catholicism]] following the death of the pro-[[Arianism|Arian]] Emperor [[Valens]] at the [[Battle of Adrianople]] in 378. The feast was introduced to [[Constantinople]] in 379, and to [[Antioch]] in about 380. The feast disappeared after [[Gregory of Nazianzus]] resigned as [[bishop]] in 381, although it was reintroduced by [[John Chrysostom]] in about 400.<ref name="CathChrit" /> The [[Twelve Days of Christmas]] are the twelve days from the day after Christmas Day, December 26, which is [[St. Stephen's Day]], to the [[Epiphany (Christian)|Feast of Epiphany]] on [[January 6]] that encompass the major feasts surrounding the birth of Christ. In the Latin Rite, one week after Christmas Day, [[January 1]], has traditionally been the celebration the [[Circumcision of Christ|Feast of the Naming and Circumcision of Christ]], but since [[Vatican II]], this feast has been celebrated as the Solemnity of [[Mary, Mother of God]]. In some traditions the 12 days of Christmas start on Christmas Day (25 December) and the 12th day is therefore 5 January. ===Middle Ages=== [[Image:Don Lorenzo Monaco 001.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Adoration of the [[Biblical Magi|Magi]] by [[Don Lorenzo Monaco]] (1422).]] In the [[Early Middle Ages]], Christmas Day was overshadowed by Epiphany, which in the west focused on the visit of the [[Biblical Magi|magi]]. But the Medieval calendar was dominated by Christmas-related holidays. The forty days before Christmas became the "forty days of St. Martin" (which began on [[November 11]], the feast of [[St. Martin of Tours]]), now known as [[Advent]].<ref name="Murray">Murray, Alexander, [http://www.historytoday.com/dt_main_allatonce.asp?gid=13022&aid=&tgid=&amid=13022&g13022=x&g9142=x&g30026=x&g20991=x&g21010=x&g19965=x&g19963=x&e=true "Medieval Christmas"], ''History Today'', [[1986|December 1986]], '''36''' (12), pp. 31 – 39.</ref> In Italy, former Saturnalian traditions were attached to Advent.<ref name="Murray"/> Around the 12th century, these traditions transferred again to the [[Twelve Days of Christmas]] ([[December 26]] – [[January 6]]); a time that appears in the liturgical calendars as [[Christmastide]] or [[Twelve Holy Days]].<ref name="Murray"/> The prominence of Christmas Day increased gradually after [[Charlemagne]] was crowned Emperor on Christmas Day in 800, and King [[Edmund the Martyr]] was anointed on that day in 855. King [[William I of England]] was crowned on Christmas Day 1066. Christmas during the Middle Ages remained a public festival, incorporating [[ivy]], [[holly]], and other evergreens, as well as gift-giving.<ref name=mcgreevy/> Christmas gift-giving during the Middle Ages was practiced more often between people with legal relationships (i.e. tenant and landlord) than between close friends and relatives.<ref name=mcgreevy>McGreevy, Patrick. "Place in the American Christmas," ([http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0016-7428%28199001%2980%3A1%3C32%3APITAC%3E2.0.CO%3B2-2 JSTOR]), ''Geographical Review'', Vol. 80, No. 1. January 1990, pp. 32–42. Retrieved [[10 September]] [[2007]].</ref> By the [[High Middle Ages]], the holiday had become so prominent that chroniclers routinely noted where various magnates celebrated Christmas. [[Richard II of England|King Richard II]] of England hosted a Christmas feast in 1377 at which twenty-eight oxen and three hundred sheep were eaten.<ref name="Murray"/> The '''Yule boar''' was a common feature of medieval Christmas feasts. [[Christmas carol|Caroling]] also became popular, and was originally a group of dancers who sang. The group was composed of a lead singer and a ring of dancers that provided the chorus. Various writers of the time condemned caroling as lewd, indicating that the unruly traditions of Saturnalia and Yule may have continued in this form.<ref name="Murray"/> "Misrule" — drunkenness, promiscuity, gambling — was also an important aspect of the festival. In England, gifts were exchanged on [[New Year's Day]], and there was special Christmas ale.<ref name="Murray"/> [[Image:FatherChristmastrial.jpg|250px|thumb|Excerpt from [[Josiah King]]'s ''The Examination and Trial of Father Christmas'' (1686), published shortly after Christmas was reinstated as a holy day in [[England]].]] ===From the Reformation into the 1800s=== During the [[Reformation]], some [[Protestantism|Protestant]]s condemned Christmas celebration as "trappings of [[pope]]ry" and the "rags of the Beast". The [[Roman Catholic Church]] responded by promoting the festival in a more religiously oriented form. Following the Parliamentary victory over [[Charles I of England|King Charles I]] during [[English Civil War|the English Civil War]], England's [[Puritan]] rulers banned Christmas, in 1647. Pro-Christmas rioting broke out in several cities, and for several weeks [[Canterbury]] was controlled by the rioters, who decorated doorways with holly and shouted royalist slogans.<ref name="Durston">Durston, Chris, [http://www.historytoday.com/dt_main_allatonce.asp?gid=12890&aid=&tgid=&amid=12890&g12890=x&g9130=x&g30026=x&g20991=x&g21010=x&g19965=x&g19963=x "Lords of Misrule: The Puritan War on Christmas 1642–60"], ''History Today'', [[1985|December 1985]], '''35''' (12) pp. 7 – 14.</ref> The [[English Restoration|Restoration]] of Charles II in 1660 ended the ban, but many of the clergy still disapproved of Christmas celebrations. In [[Colonial America]], the [[Pilgrims|Puritans]] of [[New England]] disapproved of Christmas; its celebration was outlawed in [[Boston, Massachusetts|Boston]] from 1659 to 1681. At the same time, Christian residents of [[Virginia]] and [[New York]] observed the holiday freely. Christmas fell out of favor in the United States after the [[American Revolution]], when it was considered an English custom.<ref name="cinne">{{cite book | last =Andrews | first =Peter | authorlink = | coauthors = | title =Christmas in Colonial and Early America | publisher =World Book Encyclopedia, Inc. |date=1975 | location =USA | pages = | url = | doi = | id = | isbn = 7-166-2001-4}}</ref> Indeed, one of the American Revolutionaries' greatest successes was perpetuated by attacking Hessian mercenary troops on Christmas in the [[Battle of Trenton]]. By the 1820s, [[Sectarianism|sectarian]] tension in England had eased and British writers began to worry that Christmas was dying out, in particular the writer [[William Winstanley]] played a crucial role in popularising the festival again. They imagined [[Tudor period|Tudor]] Christmas as a time of heartfelt celebration, and efforts were made to revive the holiday. [[Charles Dickens]]'s book ''[[A Christmas Carol]]'', published in 1843, played a major role in reinventing Christmas as a holiday emphasizing [[family]], goodwill, and compassion over communal celebration and hedonistic excess.<ref name="Rowell">Rowell, Geoffrey, [http://www.historytoday.com/dt_main_allatonce.asp?gid=9784&aid=&tgid=&amid=9784&g9784=x&g9777=x&g30026=x&g20991=x&g21010=x&g19965=x&g19963=x "Dickens and the Construction of Christmas"], ''History Today,'' [[1993|December 1993]], '''43''' (12), pp. 17 – 24.</ref> Interest in Christmas in America was revived in the 1820s by several [[Short story|short stories]] by [[Washington Irving]] appearing in his ''[[The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon]]'' and "Old Christmas", and by [[Clement Clarke Moore]]'s (or, possibly, by [[Henry Beekman Livingston]]) 1822 poem ''[[A Visit From St. Nicholas]]'' (popularly known by its first line: ''Twas the Night Before Christmas''). Irving's stories depicted harmonious warm-hearted holiday traditions he claimed to have observed in England. Although some argue that Irving invented the traditions he describes, they were widely imitated by his American readers.<ref>Moore's poem transferred the genuine old Dutch traditions celebrated at New Year in New York, including the exchange of gifts, family feasting, and tales of “sinterklass” (a derivation in Dutch from “Saint Nicholas,” from whence comes the modern “Santa Claus”) to Christmas.[http://www.thehistoryofchristmas.com/ch/in_america.htm ''The history of Christmas: Christmas history in America''], 2006</ref> The poem ''A Visit from Saint Nicholas'' popularized the tradition of exchanging gifts and seasonal Christmas shopping began to assume economic importance.<ref>usinfo.state.gov [http://usinfo.state.gov/scv/Archive/2005/Dec/19-344398.html “Americans Celebrate Christmas in Diverse Ways” [[November 26]], [[2006]]]</ref> In her 1850 book "The First Christmas in New England", [[Harriet Beecher Stowe]] includes a character who complains that the true meaning of Christmas was lost in a shopping spree.<ref>First [[Presbyterianism|Presbyterian Church]] of Watertown [http://www.watertownfirstpres.org/sermons/12-11-05.html “Oh . . . and one more thing”] [[December 11]], [[2005]]</ref> Christmas was declared a United States [[Federal holiday]] in 1870, signed into law by President [[Ulysses S. Grant]]. ==Santa Claus and other bringers of gifts== [[Image:1863 harpers.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Santa Claus hands out gifts during the [[US Civil War]] in [[Thomas Nast]]'s first Santa Claus [[cartoon]], ''[[Harper's Weekly]]'', 1863.]] {{main|Santa Claus}} Originating from [[Western culture]], where the [[holiday]] is characterized by the exchange of [[gifts]] among friends and family members, some of the gifts are attributed to a character called [[Santa Claus]] (also known as [[Father Christmas]], [[Saint Nicholas]] or St. Nikolaus, [[Sinterklaas]], Kris Kringle, Père Noël, [[Joulupukki]], [[Babbo Natale]], [[Weihnachtsmann]], [[Basil of Caesarea|Saint Basil]] and [[Ded Moroz|Father Frost]]). The popular image of [[Santa Claus]] was created by the [[German American|German-American]] cartoonist [[Thomas Nast]] (1840–1902), who drew a new image annually, beginning in 1863. By the 1880s, Nast's Santa had evolved into the form we now recognize. The image was standardized by advertisers in the 1920s.<ref name="Mikkelson">Mikkelson, Barbara and David P., [http://www.snopes.com/cokelore/santa.asp "The Claus That Refreshes"], ''Snopes.com,'' 2006.</ref> Father Christmas, who predates the Santa Claus character, was first recorded in the 15th century, but was associated with holiday [[merrymaking]] and [[drunkenness]].<ref name=Harper/> In [[Victorian Britain]], his image was remade to match that of Santa. The [[French language|French]] [[Père Noël]] evolved along similar lines, eventually adopting the Santa image. In [[Italy]], Babbo Natale acts as Santa Claus, while [[La Befana]] is the bringer of gifts and arrives on the eve of the [[Epiphany (Christian)|Epiphany]]. It is said that La Befana set out to bring the baby [[Jesus]] gifts, but got lost along the way. Now, she brings gifts to all [[children]]. In some cultures Santa Claus is accompanied by [[Knecht Ruprecht]], or [[Black Peter]]. In other versions, [[elf|elves]] make the [[toys]]. His wife is referred to as [[Mrs. Claus]]. The current [[tradition]] in several [[Latin American]] countries (such as [[Venezuela]]) holds that while Santa makes the [[toys]], he then gives them to the [[Baby Jesus]], who is the one who actually delivers them to the children's homes. This story is meant to be a reconciliation between traditional [[Religion|religious beliefs]] and modern day [[globalization]], most notably the [[iconography]] of Santa Claus imported from the [[United States]]. [[Image:A Christmas Carol - Scrooge's Third Visitor.jpg|thumb|left|200px|[[Ebenezer Scrooge|Scrooge]] and the [[Ghost of Christmas Present]], by [[John Leech (caricaturist)|John Leech]]. Made for [[Charles Dickens]]'s [[novel]] ''[[A Christmas Carol]]'' (1843).]] In [[Alto Adige/Südtirol]] ([[Italy]]), [[Austria]], [[Czechia]], Southern [[Germany]], [[Hungary]], [[Liechtenstein]], [[Slovakia]] and [[Switzerland]], the [[Christkind]] ([[Ježíšek]] in Czech, Jézuska in Hungarian and Ježiško in Slovak) brings the presents. The German St. Nikolaus is not identical with the Weihnachtsman (who is the German version of Santa Claus). St. Nikolaus wears a [[bishop]]'s dress and still brings small gifts (usually candies, nuts and fruits) on [[December 6]] and is accompanied by [[Knecht Ruprecht]]. Although many [[parents]] around the [[world]] routinely teach their [[children]] about [[Santa Claus]] and other gift bringers, some have come to reject this practice, considering it deceptive.<ref>[http://www.citybeat.com/archives/1996/issue304/cover1.html ''Santa: The First Great Lie'', essay by Mariane Matera, Citybeat issue 304]</ref> ==Christmas tree and other decorations== {{main|Christmas tree}} [[Image:Christmas Tree Bear Decoration.png|left|150px|thumb|A toy bear christmas decoration.]]The Christmas tree is often explained as a Christianization of [[pagan]] tradition and ritual surrounding the Winter Solstice, which included the use of [[evergreen]] boughs, and an adaptation of pagan [[tree worship]].<ref name=Shaman/> [[English language|The English language]] phrase "Christmas tree" is first recorded in 1835<ref name=Harper>Harper, Douglas, [http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=Christ Christ], ''Online Etymology Dictionary,'' 2001.</ref> and represents an importation from the [[German language]]. The modern Christmas tree tradition is believed to have begun in Germany in the 18th century<ref name=Shaman>van Renterghem, Tony. ''When Santa was a shaman.'' St. Paul: [[Llewellyn Worldwide|Llewellyn Publications]], 1995. ISBN 1-56718-765-X</ref> though many argue that [[Martin Luther]] began the tradition in the 16th century.<ref name="Christmas Archives">{{cite web|url = http://www.christmasarchives.com/trees.html| title = The Chronological History of the Christmas Tree |publisher = The Christmas Archives|accessdate = 2007-12-18}}</ref><ref name="Fashion Era- Christmas">{{cite web|url = http://www.fashion-era.com/Christmas/christmas_customs_tree_history.htm| title = Christmas Tradition - The Christmas Tree Custom |publisher =Fashion Era|accessdate = 2007-12-18}}</ref> From Germany the custom was introduced to England, first via [[Queen Charlotte]], wife of [[George III]], and then more successfully by [[Albert, Prince Consort|Prince Albert]] during the reign of [[Queen Victoria]]. Around the same time, German immigrants introduced the custom into the United States.<ref>[[Desmond Morris|Morris, Desmond]]. ''Christmas Watching.'' London: Mackays of Chatham, 1992. ISBN 0-224-03598-3</ref> Christmas trees may be decorated with [[Christmas lights|lights]] and [[Christmas ornaments|ornaments]]. Since the 19th century, the [[poinsettia]] has been associated with Christmas. Other popular holiday plants include [[holly]], [[mistletoe]], red [[amaryllis]], and [[Christmas cactus]]. Along with a Christmas tree, the interior of a home may be decorated with these plants, along with [[Garland (decoration)|garlands]] and [[evergreen]] foliage. In [[Australia]], [[North America|North]] and [[South America]], and to a lesser extent [[Europe]], it is traditional to decorate the outside of houses with lights and sometimes with illuminated [[Sled|sleigh]]s, [[snowmen]], and other Christmas figures. Municipalities often sponsor decorations as well. Christmas banners may be hung from [[street light]]s and Christmas trees placed in the town square.<ref>Murray, Brian. [http://www.historymatters.appstate.edu/documents/christmaslights.pdf "Christmas lights and community building in America,"] ''History Matters'', Spring 2006.</ref> In the [[Western world]], rolls of brightly-colored paper with secular or religious Christmas motifs are manufactured for the purpose of wrapping gifts. The display of [[Christmas village]]s has also become a tradition in many homes during this season. Other traditional decorations include [[Bell (instrument)|bells]], [[candles]], [[candy canes]], [[stockings]], [[wreaths]], and [[angels]]. Christmas decorations are traditionally taken down on [[Twelfth Night (holiday)|Twelfth Night]], the evening of [[January 5]]. ==Christmas stamps== [[Image:Faroe stamp 378 the word and the light.jpg|thumb|Christmas stamp 2000 from [[Faroe Island]], featuring quote from [[Gospel of John|John]] {{bibleverse-nb||John|1:14|KJV}}, designed by [[Anker Eli Petersen]].]] {{main|Christmas stamp}} A number of nations have issued [[commemorative stamp]]s at Christmastime. Postal customers will often use these stamps for the mailing of [[Christmas card]]s, and they are popular with [[philately|philatelists]]. These stamps are regular [[postage stamps]], unlike [[Christmas seal]]s, and are valid for postage year-round. They usually go on sale some time between early October and early December, and are printed in considerable quantities. In 1898 a [[Canada|Canadian]] stamp was issued to mark the inauguration of the Imperial Penny Postage rate. The stamp features a map of the globe and bears an inscription "XMAS 1898" at the bottom. In [[1937]], [[Austria]] issued two "Christmas greeting stamps" featuring a [[rose]] and the signs of the [[zodiac]]. In 1939, [[Brazil]] issued four [[semi-postal]] stamps with designs featuring the [[three kings]] and a [[star of Bethlehem]], an [[angel]] and child, the [[Southern Cross]] and a child, and a mother and child. The [[US Postal Service]] regularly issues both a religious-themed and a secular-themed stamp each year. ==Economics of Christmas== [[Image:DSC04820.JPG|thumb|200px|left|Christmas display in a Brazilian shopping mall.]] {{see also|Christmas in the media|Christmas tree production|Christmas tree cultivation|Christmas Price Index}} Christmas is typically the largest annual economic stimulus for many nations. Sales increase dramatically in almost all retail areas and shops introduce new products as people purchase gifts, decorations, and supplies. In the U.S., the "Christmas shopping season" generally begins on [[Black Friday (shopping)|Black Friday]], the day after [[Thanksgiving (United States)|Thanksgiving]], though many American stores begin selling Christmas items as early as October.<ref>Varga, Melody. [http://retailindustry.about.com/od/abouttheretailindustry/g/black_friday.htm "Black Friday], ''About:Retail Industry''.</ref> In most areas, Christmas Day is the least active day of the year for business and commerce; almost all retail, commercial and institutional businesses are closed, and almost all industries cease activity (more than any other day of the year). In [[England and Wales]], the [[Christmas Day (Trading) Act 2004]] prevents all large shops from trading on Christmas Day. Scotland is currently planning similar legislation. [[Film studio]]s release many high-budget movies in the holiday season, including Christmas films, [[fantasy]] movies or high-tone dramas with high [[production]] values. An [[economists]] analysis calculates that Christmas is a [[deadweight loss]] under orthodox [[microeconomic theory]], due to the surge in gift-giving. This loss is calculated as the difference between what the gift giver spent on the item and what the gift receiver would have paid for the item. It is estimated that in 2001 Christmas resulted in a $4 billion deadweight loss in the U.S. alone.<ref name="Deadweight">"The Deadweight Loss of Christmas", ''American Economic Review'', December 1993, '''83''' (5)</ref><ref name="econ">[http://www.economist.com/finance/displayStory.cfm?Story_ID=885748 "Is Santa a deadweight loss?"] ''The Economist'' [[20 December]] [[2001]]</ref> Because of complicating factors, this analysis is sometimes used to discuss possible flaws in current microeconomic theory. Other deadweight losses include the effects of Christmas on the environment and the fact that material gifts are often perceived as [[white elephant]]s, imposing cost for upkeep and storage and contributing to clutter.<ref>Reuters. [http://www.enn.com/today.html?id=9475 "Christmas is Damaging the Environment, Report Says"] [[December 16]] [[2005]].</ref> ==Alternative names== There are several alternative terms for Christmas. [[wikt:Crimbo|Crimbo]] is a slang term which first appeared in print in 1928; the variant form Crimble was first used by [[John Lennon]] in a 1963 [[Beatles]]' Fan Club Christmas single. [[Xmas]] is a long established abbreviation, though it is involved in the [[secularization of Christmas]] debate. [[Yule]] is used in Northern Europe. In the USA, the term(s) "[[Holiday greetings|holiday]]" or "season" may be used, as addressed at [[Christmas controversy]]. ==U.S. Christmas controversy== {{main|Christmas controversy}} {{globalize/USA}} Throughout the 20th century, the United States experienced what became known as the ''[[Christmas controversies]]'', despite it being declared a federal holiday on June 26, 1870 by then-U.S. President [[Ulysses S. Grant]]. The importance of the economic impact of the secular Christmas holiday was reinforced in the 1930s when President [[Franklin D. Roosevelt]] proposed moving the [[Thanksgiving]] holiday date to extend the Christmas shopping season and boost the economy during the [[Great Depression]].<ref>usinfo.state.gov [http://usinfo.state.gov/scv/Archive/2005/Dec/19-344398.html “Americans Celebrate Christmas in Diverse Ways”] [[November 26]], [[2006]]</ref> Religious leaders protested this move, with a ''[[New York Times]]'' roundup of Christmas sermons showing the most common theme as the dangers of an increasingly commercial Christmas.<ref>New York Times [http://www.nytimes.com/2005/12/04/opinion/04sun3.html?ex=1291352400&en=a1c102d8260b92e3&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss “This Season's War Cry: Commercialize Christmas, or Else ”] [[December 4]], [[2005]]</ref> [[Image:Now is it Christmas again (1907) by Carl Larsson.jpg|thumbnail|380px|left|"Now it is Christmas again" (1907) by Carl Larsson.]] Some considered the U.S. government's recognition of Christmas as a federal holiday to be a violation of the [[separation of church and state]]. This was brought to trial several times, recently including in ''Lynch v. Donnelly (1984)''<ref name="Lynch">[http://www.belcherfoundation.org/lynch_v_donnelly.htm ''Lynch vs. Donnelly''] (1984)</ref> and ''Ganulin v. United States (1999)''.<ref name="Ganulin"> [http://www.becketfund.org/index.php/case/25.html ''Ganulin v. United States''] (1999)</ref> On [[December 6]], [[1999]], the verdict for ''Ganulin v. United States (1999)'' declared that "the establishment of Christmas Day as a legal public holiday does not violate the Establishment Clause because it has a valid secular purpose." This decision was upheld by the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals on [[December 19]], [[2000]]. <ref>[http://atheism.about.com/library/decisions/holydays/bldec_GanulinUS.htm Court Decision - Ganulin v. United States<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> At the same time, many devout Christians objected to what they saw as the vulgarization and co-optation of one of their sacred observances by secular commercial society and calls to a return to "the true meaning of Christmas" are common. Debates about Christmas in America continued into the 21st century. In 2005, some Christians, along with American political commentators such as [[Bill O'Reilly (commentator)|Bill O'Reilly]], protested what they perceived to be the [[Christmas controversy|secularization of Christmas]]. They felt that the holiday was threatened by a general [[secularization|secular trend]], or by persons and organizations with an anti-Christian agenda. The perceived trend was also blamed on [[political correctness]].<ref>Cohen, Adam. [http://www.nytimes.com/2005/12/04/opinion/04sun3.html?ex=1291352400&en=a1c102d8260b92e3&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss "This season's war cry: Commercialize Christmas, or else."] ''The New York Times,'' [[December 5]] [[2005]].</ref> ==Books== *''Christmas in America: A History'', by Penne L. Restad (New York: Oxford University Press, 1995). ISBN 0-19-509300-3 *''The Battle for Christmas'', by Stephen Nissenbaum (1996; New York: Vintage Books, 1997). ISBN 0-679-74038-4 *''The Origins of Christmas'', by Joseph F. Kelly (August 2004: Liturgical Press) ISBN 978-0814629840 *''Christmas Customs and Traditions'', by Clement A. Miles (1976: Dover Publications) ISBN 978-0486233543 *''The World Encyclopedia of Christmas'', by Gerry Bowler (October 2004: McClelland & Stewart) ISBN 978-0771015359 *''Santa Claus: A Biography'', by Gerry Bowler (November 2007: McClelland & Stewart) ISBN 978-0771016684 *''There Really Is a Santa Claus: The History of St. Nicholas & Christmas Holiday Traditions'', by William J. Federer (December 2002: Amerisearch) ISBN 978-0965355742 *''St. Nicholas: A Closer Look at Christmas'', by Jim Rosenthal (July 2006: Nelson Reference) ISBN 1418504076 *''Just say Noel: A History of Christmas from the Nativity to the Nineties'', by David Comfort (November 1995: Fireside) ISBN 978-0684800578 *''4000 Years of Christmas: A Gift from the Ages'', by Earl W. Count (November 1997: Ulysses Press) ISBN 978-1569750872 ==See also== {{sisterlinks|Christmas}} ===Christmas time=== <!--==========================({{NoMoreLinks}})=============================--> <!--|PLEASE DO NOT ADD MORE LINKS TO THE 'SEE ALSO' SECTION OF THIS ARTICLE|--> <!--| If you think that your link might be useful, do not add it here, but|--> <!--| put it on this article's discussion page first, or add to category. |--> <!--==========================({{NoMoreLinks}})=============================--> * [[Christmas Eve]] * [[Christmas Sunday]] * [[Christmas worldwide]] * [[Christmastide]] * [[Holiday season]] * [[Little Christmas]] * [[Midwinter Christmas]] * [[Midwinter]] * [[Twelve days of Christmas]] * [[Yuletide]] ===Christmas topics=== * [[:Category:Christmas]] * [[Template:Christmas|Christmas template]] below * [[Nativity of Jesus]] {{portalpar|Holidays|500px-Xmas tree animated.gif}} == References == {{Reflist|2}} {{refend}} ==External links== <!--===========================({{NoMoreLinks}})===============================--> <!--| DO NOT ADD MORE LINKS TO THIS ARTICLE. 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Only 'Category:Christmas' should appear below. --> <!-- interwiki – codes to foreign language articles below, do not remove --> [[Category:Christmas| ]] {{Link FA|hr}} {{Link FA|id}} {{Link FA|kn}} {{Link FA|ml}} [[af:Kersfees]] [[als:Weihnachten]] [[ang:Crīstesmæsse]] [[ar:عيد الميلاد]] [[an:Nabidat]] [[az:Milad]] [[bn:বড়দিন]] [[zh-min-nan:Sèng-tàn-cheh]] [[be-x-old:Божае Нараджэньне]] [[bs:Božić]] [[br:Nedeleg]] [[bg:Рождество Христово]] [[ca:Nadal]] [[cv:Раштав (уяв)]] [[cs:Vánoce]] [[cy:Nadolig]] [[da:Jul]] [[pdc:Grischtdaag]] [[de:Weihnachten]] [[et:Jõulud]] [[el:Χριστούγεννα]] [[eml:Nadêl]] [[es:Navidad]] [[eo:Kristnasko]] [[eu:Eguberria]] [[fa:کریسمس]] [[fo:Jól]] [[fr:Noël]] [[fy:Krysttiid]] [[fur:Nadâl]] [[ga:An Nollaig]] [[gd:Nollaig]] [[gl:Nadal]] [[zh-classical:聖誕節]] [[ko:크리스마스]] [[hy:Նավասարդ]] [[hi:क्रिसमस]] [[hsb:Hody]] [[hr:Božić]] [[id:Natal]] [[zu:UKhisimusi]] [[is:Jól]] [[it:Natale]] [[he:חג המולד]] [[jv:Natal]] [[kn:ಕ್ರಿಸ್ಮಸ್]] [[ka:შობა]] [[sw:Krismasi]] [[la:Christi Natalis]] [[lv:Ziemassvētki]] [[lb:Chrëschtdag]] [[lt:Kalėdos]] [[li:Kaersjmes]] [[ln:Nɔ́ɛlɛ]] [[hu:Karácsony]] [[ml:ക്രിസ്തുമസ്]] [[ms:Krismas]] [[cdo:Séng-dáng-cáik]] [[mdf:Роштува]] [[nah:Tlacatilizilhuitl]] [[nl:Kerstmis]] [[nds-nl:Kìrsttied]] [[ja:クリスマス]] [[no:Jul]] [[nn:Jul]] [[nrm:Noué]] [[oc:Nadal]] [[uz:Mavlud]] [[km:បុណ្យណូអែល]] [[nds:Wiehnacht]] [[pl:Boże Narodzenie]] [[pt:Natal]] [[ro:Crăciun]] [[rm:Nadal]] [[qu:Nawidad]] [[ru:Рождество Христово]] [[sco:Christenmas]] [[sq:Krishtlindja]] [[scn:Natali]] [[simple:Christmas]] [[sk:Vianoce]] [[sl:Božič]] [[sr:Божић]] [[fi:Joulu]] [[sv:Jul]] [[tl:Pasko]] [[ta:கிறிஸ்துமஸ்]] [[tet:Natál]] [[th:คริสต์มาส]] [[vi:Giáng sinh]] [[tr:Noel]] [[uk:Різдво]] [[wa:Noyé]] [[vls:Kestdag]] [[wuu:圣诞]] [[zh-yue:聖誕節]] [[diq:Gağand]] [[bat-smg:Kaliedas]] [[zh:圣诞节]]