The Christmas Day (1)

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A very general observance required that on the 25th of December the birth of the “new Sun” should be celebrated, when after the winter solstice the days began to lengthen and the “invincible” star triumphed again over darkness. It is certain that the date of this “Birthday of the Invincible” (Natalis Invicti) was selected by the Church as the commemoration of the Nativity of Jesus, which was previously confused with the Epiphany. In appointing this day, universally marked by pious rejoicings, which were as far as possible retained, - for instance the old chariot-races were preserved, - the ecclesiastical authorities purified in some degree the customs which they could not abolish. This substitution which took place at Rome probably between 354 and 360 CE, was adopted throughout the Empire, and that is why we still celebrate Christmas on the 25th of December.

Bibliography

Amar Annus

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