Gift giving and celebration on the Winter Solstice goes back before Christianity. Romans had their Saturnalia; others had some other solstice observance. It’s believed that Jesus of Nazareth was born during the summer of the year 4 BCE. Perhaps the existence of MANY solar deities being (re)born on Dec 25th let the early Christians to do the same. Besides, it made them less visible to Roman detection, as they were celebrating their Saturnalia at that time. Also, Santa Claus comes from Saint Nicholas, who was said to have given gifts to children.
Templo S.U.D. over 9 years ago
No, two other children, the holiday is not called Santamas.
spaced man spliff over 9 years ago
Gift giving and celebration on the Winter Solstice goes back before Christianity. Romans had their Saturnalia; others had some other solstice observance. It’s believed that Jesus of Nazareth was born during the summer of the year 4 BCE. Perhaps the existence of MANY solar deities being (re)born on Dec 25th let the early Christians to do the same. Besides, it made them less visible to Roman detection, as they were celebrating their Saturnalia at that time. Also, Santa Claus comes from Saint Nicholas, who was said to have given gifts to children.
pcolli over 9 years ago
I always thought it was the ADVERT season.