Noel which celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ is known by different names in different countries. It is known by the name ‘Christmas’ in French, while it is referred to as ‘Natale’ and ‘Navidad’ in Italian and Spanish. However, the exact date of birth of Jesus is uncertain. It was Pope Julius I who chose December 25 as the date for the Feast of the Nativity. Although Christmas is celebrated on December 25, people prepare for the holiday long before this date. If you are one of those who are looking forward to Christmas 2022, here are some interesting facts you should know.
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When is Christmas 2022?
Christmas 2022 falls on Sunday. Since December 25 this year falls on a Sunday, the 2022 Christmas public holiday will be Monday, December 26. And Christmas Eve will fall on Saturday, December 24.
Why is the 25th Christmas Day?
You might think because that’s what it says in the Bible but it’s not that simple. There are a few theories:
One of them says that before Christianity came, the Romans already had a winter festival on December 25th. It was dedicated to the birth of the sun God. The ancient Christians did not approve. Too much debauchery and the Romans were worshiping the wrong God. Christians didn’t want any of their people partying with the Romans on the 25th. So, they created their own party on that day, Christmas.
According to this theory the Christians basically stole december 25th from the Romans. However, there’s a problem with this idea. The Romans started celebrating their sun holiday in 274 but scholars now believe that Christians chose December 25th before that. And the reason they chose that date was really weird.
The Bible provides no clues about what time of year Jesus was born. However, it’s much clearer about when he died. The Gospels tell us he was crucified on passover, a Jewish holiday that happens every year in the spring. Early on Christians calculated that Jesus died on March 25th.
Back then there was an idea that some of the important people in the Bible like Moses died on the exact same day as they were born. The Christians liked that idea but for Jesus they gave it a twist.
Christians believe that on March 25th the angel Gabriel visited Mary. He told her she would become pregnant with God’s Son. When she said yes, Jesus was conceived by the holy spirit. If Mary got pregnant on March 25th, add nine months and you get December 25th.
So, we celebrate Christmas on a date that’s meant to remind us of both Christ’s death and his birth.
12 Interesting Facts About Christmas
Christmas is celebrated in many countries all over the world. Here are some Christmas facts that will arouse your interest:
Fact #1
The poor man had three daughters who didn’t have a dowry. Saint Nicholas dropped gold coins into the stockings drying by the fireplace. The daughters got dowries and could get married.
Fact #2
Two weeks before Christmas is one of the most popular times for couples to break up.
Fact #3
Christmas trees grow for about fifteen years before they become ready for selling.
Fact #4
Do you know the image of Santa Claus flying the sleigh began in 1819 and was created by Washington Irving the same author who dreamt up the Headless Horseman.
Fact #5
The tradition of nailing Christmas stockings near a fireplace came about in order to help Santa have a place to stuff candies and goodies for the bright and cheerful children of the world.
Fact #6
Dutch children also left out food and drink for Saint Nicholas himself to honor him on his feast day. Today we leave milk and cookies out for Santa, continuing this very old tradition.
Fact #7
Did you know the symbol of the wreath was originally hung as a symbol of Jesus. The holly represents his crown of thorns and the red berries the blood he shed.
Fact #8
Do you know in Poland spiders are considered to be the symbols of prosperity and goodness at Christmas?
Fact #9
Coca-Cola was the first company that used Santa Claus during the winter season for promotion.
Fact #10
Did you know that the first Christmas was celebrated on December 25th, AD 336 in Rome?
Fact #11
Some of the other names of Christmas are Mid-winter, Nativity and Yule.
Fact #12
Christmas tree decoration is believed to have originated in the 16th century in Germany.
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