of king Herod I between 6-4 BC. According to the True History of Christmas during the first two centuries after Christ’s death Christmas was not celebrated.
During the Cromwellian period in England Christmas was completely banned by the Puritans. In 349A.D Pope Julius formally selected December 25 as the day of Christmas.
There were numerous pagan festivals that occurred in the middle of winter. Winter Solstice became the "birthday" of several gods: Attis, Frey, Thor, Dionysus, Osiris, Adonis, Mithra, and so on. They influenced Real History of Christmas greatly. The Roman citizens observed the birthday of the sun god Mithras on December25. In Scandinavia, the Norse celebrated Yule from December 21. In recognition of the return of the sun, fathers and sons brought home large logs, which they would set on fire. The people would feast until the log burned out. In Germany, people honored the pagan god Oden during the mid-winter holiday. Oden made nocturnal flights through the sky to observe his people, and then decided who would prosper or perish.
The Real History of Christmas also refers to The Jewish festival of Lights known as Hanukkah that took place on the 25th day of the Hebrew month approximately in December by the Roman calendar. Mistletoe is an old Celtic symbol of regeneration and eternal life. The Romans valued it as a symbol of peace and this led to its usage as one of the common Christmas symbols in the pages of Real History of Christmas.
For further information on Real History of Christmas just log on to Christmas Carnivals.
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