The Evolution of Christmas: From Pagan Roots to Global Celebrations

Unlock the secrets of the most wonderful time of the year

Christmas! Christmas! Christmas!

Christmas has a fascinating history that blends pagan and Christian traditions. For over 300 years, early Christians observed Jesus Christ’s birth on various dates, with some celebrations in September during the Jewish Feast of Trumpets (Rosh Hashanah).

The early church’s celebration of Jesus Christ’s birth in December gained popularity when Telesphorus, the second Bishop of Rome (125-136AD), declared that church services during this time should honor “The Nativity of our Lord and Saviour”.

Pagan festivals significantly influenced Christmas timing. The ancient Romans celebrated Saturnalia (Dec 17-24), honoring Saturnus (harvest god) and Mithras (ancient god of light). The early Christians, in a bid to avoid persecution, incorporated elements like decorating homes with Saturnalia holly. Roman Emperor Aurelian linked Dec 25 to “Natalis Solis Invicti” (274AD), later cementing its place in Christian tradition when Pope Julius I set it as Jesus Christ’s birth date (320AD).

Christmas spread globally but faced opposition (England’s ban, 1649-1660 via Oliver Cromwell’s Blue Laws). It gained popularity through a literature titled (Irving’s “The Keeping of Christmas at Bracebridge Hall”, Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol”).

Nigeria’s Christmas story began in 1842 when CMS (Anglican) and Methodist missionaries celebrated in Badagry, Lagos State, under the historic Agia tree. Christmas Day became public holidays in Nigeria’s colonial era, long before independence in 1960.

Now, Christmas day is widely celebrated all over the world. Let’s bask in this joyous moment.

I wish you a merry Christmas!

Written by :- Folorunso Prayer Racheal.

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