History of Christmas

        The word Christmas originated from the Old English words 'Cristes Mæsse', meaning 'the mass of Christ'. History states that these festivities were first started in Rome in 336 AD. However it is believed that the initial celebrations were kind of dark, since they were influenced by pagan rituals. The year end was celebrated by praying to Saturn, who was considered to the God of Harvest, as well as Mithras, who was the God of Light. In the northern part of Europe, the harvest festival used to be celebrated during this time.

        Many other communities held celebrations around that same time, since the harsh winter were turning into spring, and the warmth of the sun was they waited for with eagerness. Then a common date for all such celebrations, December 25, was announced by Pope Julius I in 350 AD. He was also the Bishop of Rome. Towards the end of the late 300s, Christianity was established as the official religion of the Roman Empire, and by the fourth century A.D, it had spread far and wide.

        However, different communities all over the world continued celebrating Christ’s birth on diverse dates. These were January 6, April 19, May 20, November 17 and December 25. The date December 25 was finally accepted universally as the day to celebrate Christmas, some time in the fifth century A.D.

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