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Christmas |
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History
of Christmas |
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Christmas Day is celebrated on 25th December and marks the anniversary
of the nativity of Christ although this may not have been the actual
date of the birth of Jesus. The Roman festival of winter solstice
was celebrated on 25th December. The winter solstice was the turning
point of the year. |
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Many
ancient beliefs and customs about this time have been handed down.
The custom of giving christmas presents and gifts to friends dates
from Roman times. The lighting of the Yule log comes from Lithuanian
folklore, and decorating houses and churches has pagan origins. Mistletoe
was the sacred plant of the Druids and the Christmas tree possibly
comes from the time of St Boniface. |
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Father Christmas is supposed to come down the chimney and place presents
in childrens stockings which have been hung by the fireplace or at
the end of the bed. Father Christmas is identified with St Nicholas,
Santa Claus, Father Bonhomme Noel, Knecht Ruprecht and Robin Goodfellow.
Christmas cards originate from 1846. |
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Seasonal Dates
Christmas
Presents |
www.seasonalfayre.co.uk