In the heart of the frosty season, illuminated by thousands of fairy lights and under the watchful eye of countless Santa Claus figurines, communities across the globe come together to commemorate a tradition beyond mere decoration and gift-giving: Christmas. A holiday cherished by millions, its origin and meaning often become obscured by the hectic pace of the season. So, we delve deep into the question – Why is Christmas celebrated?
Christmas primarily symbolizes the birth of Jesus Christ, who, according to the Christian faith, is the ‘Son of God.’ It is celebrated on December 25, which the Roman Catholic Church declared as Christ’s birth date in the 4th century. However, it’s crucial to note that there are no biblical references to support the exact date of Jesus’s birth, but the choice of December aimed to Christianize ‘Saturnalia,’ a popular pagan festival in the Roman Empire. The word Christmas itself derives from ‘Cristes Maesse,’ an old English term meaning Mass of Christ.
Over time, people of various faiths and even those who don’t identify with any specific religion have embraced Christmas festivities. It represents values such as love, joy, hope, and charity that cross religious boundaries. The decoration of Christmas trees, gift-giving, and feasting are all integral to the celebrations, symbolizing life, generosity, and abundance respectively. Christmas celebrations foster a sense of unity and peace, subtly promoting the ethos of living harmoniously in a diverse world. So although its roots are faith-specific, Christmas today has evolved into a global celebration, marking a time of year where being thankful, thoughtful, and jubilant are encouraged above all.