The Pagan Roots of Christmas: Merging Traditions

The Pagan Holidays of the Roman Empire- Continue Today

The celebration of Christmas as we know it today has its origins deeply rooted in the pagan holidays of the Roman Empire. Long before the birth of Jesus Christ, the Romans celebrated mid-winter festivals marked by feasting, merrymaking, and the observance of certain rituals. Understanding these ancient traditions offers insight into how contemporary Christmas customs evolved over time.

The Influence of Saturnalia

One of the most influential pagan holidays contributing to the formation of Christmas is Saturnalia. Held in honor of Saturn, the god of agriculture, this week-long festival starting on December 17th included various elements now associated with Christmas, such as gift-giving, elaborate feasts, and social merriment. Romans would adorn their homes with greenery, reminiscent of modern-day Christmas decorations.

The Winter Solstice and New Year Celebrations

The celebration of the Winter Solstice also played a critical role. The solstice marks the point when days begin to lengthen again after the longest night of the year, symbolizing hope and rebirth. The significance of this period was not lost on early Christians, who aligned Christmas with these existing festivities to foster wider acceptance and integration of their religious observances.

Christian Adaptation and Integration

When Emperor Constantine converted to Christianity in the 4th century, the integration of pagan customs into Christian practice was strategically executed. December 25th, originally celebrated as Sol Invictus (the Unconquered Sun), was repurposed to mark the Nativity of Christ. This alignment helped ease the transition for converts, as many familiar traditions were retained within a new religious framework.

From History

From The Religions of the Roman Empire (Ferguson, 1970, p.238-239) we read that the early Christian church adopted pagan teachings and beliefs. We find extensive adaptations of pagan ideology, culture, and practices. We read the following regarding Roman pagan festivals:

Festivals offer another example of dangerous adaptation. The early Christians did not celebrate the birthday of Jesus; it was unrecorded. In Egypt and the East generally, it became tied with a New Year festival on 6 January. But 25 December was the winter solstice in the Julian calendar and the nativity of the Sun; in the rituals of Syria and Egypt the worshipers cried, ‘The Virgin has brought forth the light is waxing,’ and the Egyptians represented the returning Sun by a new-born babe. Further Mithras (one of the many pagan gods), who tended to be identified with the Sun, had his birthday on 25 December. By about the year 300 [AD] in the West the Christians had adopted 25 December for the birth of Christ. A Syrian writer offers the explanation:

The reason why the fathers transferred the celebration of 6 January to 25 December was this. It was the custom of the heathen to celebrate on the same 25 December the Sun’s birthday, and to kindle lights in token of festivity. In these solemnities and festivities the Christians also took part. So, when the doctors of the Church perceived that the Christians had a leaning to the festival, they took counsel and resolved that the true Nativity should be celebrated on that day and the festival of Epiphany on 6 January. And so, along with this custom, the practice has prevailed of kindling forest till 6 January. ...But Augustine has to exhort Christians to celebrate Christmas not for the Sun but for him who made it, and Leo the Great still rebukes the ‘pestilent’ belief that Christmas is for the Sun not for Christ.

What is true of Christmas is true of other festivals; Easter in the East took over from an Attis festival; the Parilia in April gave way before St George; the Midsummer Water-Festival was usurped by John the Baptist; the November Festival of the Dead became All Souls; and as late as the fifth century Pope Gelasius in abolishing the Lupercalia substituted a Christian festival (Ferguson, 1970).

Conclusion

In conclusion, the origins of Christmas are intricately tied to ancient Roman, Babylonian, and Egyptian pagan celebrations or holidays. By aligning Christian celebrations with well-established pagan festivals, the move to separate fully from the Biblical days that Jesus and the early church kept was complete. Early Christian leaders facilitated the broader acceptance and spread of Christianity and rolled right into the new moon and festivals that are contrary to Scripture and is condemned by Yhvh Himself. Understanding this historical amalgamation should put us on guard to become separate and not take part in such activities and celebrations.

NCAY celebrates and observes the annual sacred days given by Yhvh to His people that are to be kept forever... They are actually found in Scripture and kept by the early assembly! There is deep meaning in each festival that is applicable in our modern society.