What are the true origins of Christmas?
One widespread explanation of the origin of this date is that December 25 was the Christianizing of the dies solis invicti nati (“day of the birth of the unconquered sun”), a popular holiday in the Roman Empire that celebrated the winter solstice as a symbol of the resurgence of the sun, the casting away of winter and …
What is the biblical symbol for Christmas?
Stars. The Christmas star symbolizes the star of Bethlehem, which according to the Biblical story, guided the three kings, or wise men, to the baby Jesus. The star is also the heavenly sign of a prophecy fulfilled long ago and the shining hope for humanity.
What do Serbians say on Christmas?
Hristos se rodi
In Serbian Happy/Merry Christmas is Hristos se rodi (Христос се роди) – Christ is born Vaistinu se rodi (Ваистину се роди) – truly born (reply). Happy/Merry Christmas in lots more languages. People in Serbia also celebrate St. Nicholas’ Day, but on the 19th December.
What is the Christmas tradition of the Roraty in Poland?
There is the tradition of the ‘roraty’, special masses (or communion services) held at dawn and dedicated to Mary for receiving the good news from the angel Gabriel. During Advent, people also prepare their houses for Christmas.
Is Christmas really a pagan holiday?
Things like kissing under a mistletoe, carolling, wreaths, and even gift-giving were all aspects of pagan holidays that were adapted into Christmas celebrations in the early years. In fact, most of the cultural aspects we associate with Christmas are steeped in pagan roots.
Is the Christmas tree pagan?
Christmas trees did begin as a pagan tradition as early as the fourth century C.E., according to ABC News. European pagans were largely responsible for dressing their homes with the branches of evergreen fir trees in order to bring color and light into their dull winters.
Why do we give gifts on Christmas LDS?
Christmas gifts should be in memory of the divine gift, the life of Jesus Christ. His gift gave us eternal life; our gifts should enliven with joy those who receive. His gift was the sacrifice of his earthly life; our gifts should represent personal sacrifices on our part.
How do Orthodox say Merry Christmas?
That is because the Russian Orthodox church decided to stay with the Julian calendar, while much of the rest of the world switched to the newer Gregorian. The official way to say “Merry Christmas” in Russian is “S rozhdyestvom Hristovym!”, which means “Congratulations on the birth of Christ!”.
What does Poland call Christmas?
Wigilia
Traditionally, the celebration of Christmas in Poland begins on the evening of December 24th. This day is called Wigilia.
What is the drowning of marzanna?
The drowning of Marzanna (topienie Marzanny) The figure is braided from straw into the shape of a human and dressed in traditional local women’s clothing. The tradition started by burning the straw doll and drowned it in the river afterward.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ejsDzvpqM9U