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Roots of Christmas celebration in Sun-God
Published Wednesday, October 10, 2007
In light of the recent discussion over what name is to be given to the highly anticipated tree-lighting ceremony this November, I thought it would be helpful to provide some historical background of the Christmas holiday celebration.
The solar cult openly worshipped the Sun-God for thousands of years before even the Roman Empire existed. The days following the winter solstice were designated the birth of the Sun-God, as the sun would rise higher from that point until the summer solstice.
This was also significant because the rulers could evaluate how much trade was accomplished over the Sun-God's lifespan, and begin working the slaves longer in the extended daylight.
As Christianity became accepted as the official cult of the Roman Empire, the Church leaders, adopting this tried-and-true formula, made a conveniently simple change to the post-solstice ritual by celebrating the birth of the Son of God, as opposed to the Sun-God.
In case you haven't noticed, the ritual celebration still holds significance because the rulers can evaluate how much trade has been accomplished over the Son of God's lifespan.
And now, thanks to the modern marvels of petroleum-powered indoor heating and lighting, they can work us longer year-round.
Comments
The Daily Journal is happy to host community conversations about news and life in Fergus Falls and the surrounding area. As hosts, we expect guests will show respect for each other. That means we don't threaten or defame each other, and we keep conversations free of personal attacks. Witty is great. Abusive is not. If you think a post violates these standards, don't escalate the situation. Instead, flag the comment to alert us. We'll take action if necessary. It's not hard. This should be a place where people want to read and contribute -- a place for spirited exchanges of opinion. So those who persist with racist, defamatory or abusive postings risk losing the privilege to post at all.Posted by Venti (anonymous) on October 11, 2007 at 9:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I don't get it. "the rulers could evaluate how much trade was accomplished over the Sun-God's lifespan?" So did the Sun-God only live for one year? Or was it a day? Or what?
Then "the ritual celebration still holds significance because the rulers can evaluate how much trade has been accomplished over the Son of God's lifespan?" Again, huh? I think the "Son of God" (or Jesus) was believed to have lived approximately 33 years. So the rulers are evaluating how much trade has been accomplished over the span of 33 years that occured over 2000 years ago?
I'm confused. Please clarify, Adam.
Posted by Jerry (anonymous) on October 11, 2007 at 10:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Adam, just why is it that I have never heard of this Sun God before? Just where did you find this information? The Son of God yes, but Sun-God, it does sound like a cult.
Posted by Mel (anonymous) on October 11, 2007 at 11:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The early church did use some already observed "holidays" I'm not sure why. But it is still Christmas to me. No one knows the date of birth of Jesus. So what difference does it make?
Posted by Elizabeth (anonymous) on October 11, 2007 at 1:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)
December 25 was a Pagan holiday. When the leaders of the Roman Empire declared Christianity the official religion, they took the date from the Pagans so that the old holiday no longer existed.
Posted by bucksteel (anonymous) on October 11, 2007 at 1:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)
A lot of these "facts" are found on the Internet - so they "must" be true.
Posted by adamtroy (anonymous) on October 11, 2007 at 3:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Yes, and these facts are also found in books.
Ever notice how much emphasis the corporate media places on the economy from Thanksgiving to Christmas. Some things will never change.
Posted by Mel (anonymous) on October 11, 2007 at 4:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)
One nice thing about the 'economy of Christmas' is, Nobody can ignore Christmas. :)
The Christmas gift giving, as far as I know, most likely started with St. Nickolas, when he gave gifts to the needy. I don't think it goes back any further than that.
Elizabeth,, you are correct, it did wipe out the old holiday, unless you want to dig deep.
Posted by chipmunk (anonymous) on October 14, 2007 at 2:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Mel wrote "No one knows the date of birth of Jesus". Yes mel some people do, Pat Robertson does, Jerry Falwell did and so does Ted Haggerty and Oral Roberts. They all know it to the very minute, because God told them.
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