Christmas is For Christ? NOT!
- Thread starter Revlis
- Start date
vman1300
Never Forgotten
"What is the origin of the Christmas tree?
The Christmas tree today is a common custom to most of us. There are many interesting connections to ancient traditions such as Egyptian and Roman customs, early Christian practices, and Victorian nostalgia. However, most scholars point to Germany as being the origin of the Christmas tree.
One of the earliest stories relating back to Germany is about Saint Boniface. In 722, he encountered some pagans who were about to sacrifice a child at the base of a huge oak tree. He cut down the tree to prevent the sacrifice and a Fir tree grew up at the base of the oak. He then told everyone that this lovely evergreen, with its branches pointing to heaven, was a holy tree - the tree of the Christ child, and a symbol of His promise of eternal life.
Another story from Germany is about Queen Victoria. She often visited relatives in Germany and while she was there, she fell in love with Prince Albert. After they were married, they moved back to England to raise their family. Prince Albert decorated a tree and ever since that time, the English, because of their love for their Queen, copied her Christmas customs including the Christmas tree and ornaments. This story took place in the 19th century, around 1830.
Another story about the origin of the Christmas tree says that late in the Middle Ages, Germans and Scandinavians placed evergreen trees inside their homes or just outside their doors to show their hope that spring would soon come.
Another legend that has not been proved is that Martin Luther is responsible for the origin of the Christmas tree. This story says that one Christmas Eve, about the year 1500, he was walking through the snow-covered woods and was struck by the beauty of the snow glistened trees. Their branches, dusted with snow, shimmered in the moon light. When he got home, he set up a small fir tree and shared the story with his children. He decorated the Christmas tree with small candles, which he lighted in honor of Christ's birth.
Research into customs of various cultures shows that greenery was often brought into homes at the time of the winter solstice. It symbolized life in the midst of death in many cultures. The Romans were known to deck their homes with evergreens during of Kalends of January 15. Living trees were also brought into homes during the old Germany feast of Yule, which originally was a two month feast beginning in November. The Yule tree was planted in a tub and brought into the home. But there is no evidence that the Christmas tree is a direct descendent of the Yule tree. Evidence does point to the Paradise tree however. This story goes back to the 11th century religious plays. One of the most popular was the Paradise Play. The play depicted the story of the creation of Adam and Eve, their sin, and their banishment from Paradise. The only prop on the stage was the Paradise tree, a fir tree adorned with apples. The play would end with the promise of the coming Savior and His Incarnation. The people had grown so accustomed to the Paradise tree, that they began putting their own Paradise tree up in their homes on December 24.
Whatever legend you wish to pass on, remember that Christmas is the time to celebrate the birth of Jesus. The origin of the Christmas tree can't change that fact."
The Christmas tree today is a common custom to most of us. There are many interesting connections to ancient traditions such as Egyptian and Roman customs, early Christian practices, and Victorian nostalgia. However, most scholars point to Germany as being the origin of the Christmas tree.
One of the earliest stories relating back to Germany is about Saint Boniface. In 722, he encountered some pagans who were about to sacrifice a child at the base of a huge oak tree. He cut down the tree to prevent the sacrifice and a Fir tree grew up at the base of the oak. He then told everyone that this lovely evergreen, with its branches pointing to heaven, was a holy tree - the tree of the Christ child, and a symbol of His promise of eternal life.
Another story from Germany is about Queen Victoria. She often visited relatives in Germany and while she was there, she fell in love with Prince Albert. After they were married, they moved back to England to raise their family. Prince Albert decorated a tree and ever since that time, the English, because of their love for their Queen, copied her Christmas customs including the Christmas tree and ornaments. This story took place in the 19th century, around 1830.
Another story about the origin of the Christmas tree says that late in the Middle Ages, Germans and Scandinavians placed evergreen trees inside their homes or just outside their doors to show their hope that spring would soon come.
Another legend that has not been proved is that Martin Luther is responsible for the origin of the Christmas tree. This story says that one Christmas Eve, about the year 1500, he was walking through the snow-covered woods and was struck by the beauty of the snow glistened trees. Their branches, dusted with snow, shimmered in the moon light. When he got home, he set up a small fir tree and shared the story with his children. He decorated the Christmas tree with small candles, which he lighted in honor of Christ's birth.
Research into customs of various cultures shows that greenery was often brought into homes at the time of the winter solstice. It symbolized life in the midst of death in many cultures. The Romans were known to deck their homes with evergreens during of Kalends of January 15. Living trees were also brought into homes during the old Germany feast of Yule, which originally was a two month feast beginning in November. The Yule tree was planted in a tub and brought into the home. But there is no evidence that the Christmas tree is a direct descendent of the Yule tree. Evidence does point to the Paradise tree however. This story goes back to the 11th century religious plays. One of the most popular was the Paradise Play. The play depicted the story of the creation of Adam and Eve, their sin, and their banishment from Paradise. The only prop on the stage was the Paradise tree, a fir tree adorned with apples. The play would end with the promise of the coming Savior and His Incarnation. The people had grown so accustomed to the Paradise tree, that they began putting their own Paradise tree up in their homes on December 24.
Whatever legend you wish to pass on, remember that Christmas is the time to celebrate the birth of Jesus. The origin of the Christmas tree can't change that fact."
I'm referring to the scriptures that Rev quoted in his original post. How they cut down trees, brought them into their houses and adorned them. The Bible clearly says not to do these things. It makes no mention about having pictures of your family.
BTW, do you rub the little budha's belly?
looks like it's covered --- except for CURRENT CONTEXT
CHRISTmas currently has the word "Christ" in it. I do not think that is an accident, or hiddenly on purpose. It's there. Now. So CHRISTmas has SOMETHING to do with Christ right there.
Currently, I call the sunlight time "Day" and the moonlit tiem "Night". Someone else came up with that and I follow along because it's easier to speak the same language than to make up my own. I BELIEVE that is the best way to deal with it. Many others BELIEVE CHRISTmas is a great way to celebrate the birth of Christ. I personally do not think or know what day he was actually born on... I just know that that nobody else in the short history of this planet has done more to help people on their human journey, than Christ. So, I'll play along and join everyone else celebrating the birth of Christ on CHRISTmas.... the day a lot of the world uses for that occasion. If others want to call Day "House" and Night "fifteen", they are welcome to and I will not try to convince them they are wrong. But I will feel sorry for the shunning they will receive from society for it.
I think about how things work TODAY, not 2000 years ago. I can't change any of that back then. My last time machine has failed and I am in current lawsuits with PETA for turning a white lab mouse into an omeba single celled creature. I'll let you know when I get that working and we can go back and stop the crusades. Until then, I live here today - where people spend more time putting others beliefs down [not you Rev, but TV, and political correctness, mud slinging politicans etc] instead of opening their mind to mroe things that exist than what we can see and touch. And today many many, MANY people use CHRISTmas as a way of remembering the birth of a "Savior"... a guy that can SAVE us from the stupidity of the world using techniques that seem completely backwards to selfish people.... yet they work wonders.
I won't tell others that burning candles is silly if it represents something important to them.
I won't tell others that eating chocolate eggs is wrong if that is what they choose to celebrate.
I won't tell others decorating a tree is not proper if that is how they choose to celebrate whatever season they what to call it.
But CHRISTmas has TONS to do with Christ... today.. here.... now. And no one's opinion can change that.
I watch a lot of old movies and shows and it's funny how they just say Christmas and have a tree, and never think twice about the naming or meaning.
Even Jay Leno said a couple nights ago, "happy, merry what's it now..... ah to heck with it.... MERRY CHRISTmas!" it was funny.
Still waiting for those fun holiday classics:
"Its the Great Pagan, Charlie Brown"
"A Charlie Brown Thanks Pagans"
"The Grinch who stole PaganDay"
and who can forget that holiday favorite
"Paganism on 34th Street"
You "Pagan" need to get some marketing going for your own holiday, before you are forgotten completely.
Just don't try taking MY holiday >
GET YER OWN! hahhahaha
There are many hypocritical religious people. People who do things they KNOW are wrong, but do them anyway. People make mistakes. But if they(hypocritical religious types) TRULY believed what they say they do, they would never intentionally risk the most important thing to them, their soul.
The importance is not on which God is the right one, but to do your BEST to do what is right and to do your BEST to not do wrong.
There's a difference between honest mistakes and intentional wrong doing.
If your particular religion happens to be the right one, it doesn't matter how many times you go to church and tell others how religious you are. What matters is what you have done and what you're going to do.
The importance is not on which God is the right one, but to do your BEST to do what is right and to do your BEST to not do wrong.
There's a difference between honest mistakes and intentional wrong doing.
If your particular religion happens to be the right one, it doesn't matter how many times you go to church and tell others how religious you are. What matters is what you have done and what you're going to do.
It's also interesting that you said; "So, I'll play along and join everyone else celebrating the birth of Christ on CHRISTmas." So, it's best to take the easy way out, simply follow along and be a good sheeple?
Just busting your chops, I know what your saying I think, I dunno if I agree, but I know what your saying.
"Its the Great Pagan, Charlie Brown"
"A Charlie Brown Thanks Pagans"
"The Grinch who stole PaganDay"
and who can forget that holiday favorite
"Paganism on 34th Street"
ROTFL, That's awesome. I don't want to see Christmas go away, but I think it would be nice if folks understood what it is they are celebrating and why. That folks worshipping the dollar and their ability to spend isn't the reason for the season, but neither is this time of year an ACTUAL Christ related Day, it's not in the bible anywhere, it's a construct.
If we want to chisel to the bottom of it all it's just recognition of the shortest day of the year. But the celebrations, feasts, gift giving, and assorted symbols are NOT the nicely packaged Christian Fairy tales that folks want to believe they are, but in fact are the lingering remnants of yet another group of folks subjugated by the church in an effort to retain the death grip it has on it's loyal followers or "Flock". Heck cannot have a different belief system appealing to the peasants.
So yeah I don't want your Holiday... I just want the Symbols and Celebrations back that were stolen from the pagans... You can have the holiday, just give back all the freaking symbols now claimed as Christian.
He He He... Or something like that bro.
He he... maybe I should really DIG and find out more about the origins of The Easter Bunny, and Eggs and such. We know the Church glazed over this as well with another bit conveniant packaging but maybe I'll do some hunting and present a more focused discussion as apposed to the usual ShotGun in the Dark and see what happens approach...(Postal @ Dec. 13 2006,13:09) I can't wait til Easter.....
I want to know why the Easter Bunny is pink instead of red, white, or blue. If he is an American Easter Bunny he should at least have the flag on him somewhere. And by the way, why is the Easter Bunny a HE instead of a SHE? Don't we think that women bunnies can carry around those heavy baskets? Hugh's bunnies carry around those heavy drink trays!(Revlis @ Dec. 13 2006,20:24)He he... maybe I should really DIG and find out more about the origins of The Easter Bunny, and Eggs and such. We know the Church glazed over this as well with another bit conveniant packaging but maybe I'll do some hunting and present a more focused discussion as apposed to the usual ShotGun in the Dark and see what happens approach...(Postal @ Dec. 13 2006,13:09) I can't wait til Easter.....
First off, the tree was never worshiped by pagans. It was a symbol of rebirth, the coming of the new season. Pagans worshiping a decorated tree is like saying Christians worship the cross or that Muslims worship the Kuran.(WWJD @ Dec. 13 2006,10:48)looks like it's covered --- except for CURRENT CONTEXT
CHRISTmas currently has the word "Christ" in it. I do not think that is an accident, or hiddenly on purpose. It's there. Now. So CHRISTmas has SOMETHING to do with Christ right there.
Currently, I call the sunlight time "Day" and the moonlit tiem "Night". Someone else came up with that and I follow along because it's easier to speak the same language than to make up my own. I BELIEVE that is the best way to deal with it. Many others BELIEVE CHRISTmas is a great way to celebrate the birth of Christ. I personally do not think or know what day he was actually born on... I just know that that nobody else in the short history of this planet has done more to help people on their human journey, than Christ. So, I'll play along and join everyone else celebrating the birth of Christ on CHRISTmas.... the day a lot of the world uses for that occasion. If others want to call Day "House" and Night "fifteen", they are welcome to and I will not try to convince them they are wrong. But I will feel sorry for the shunning they will receive from society for it.
I think about how things work TODAY, not 2000 years ago. I can't change any of that back then. My last time machine has failed and I am in current lawsuits with PETA for turning a white lab mouse into an omeba single celled creature. I'll let you know when I get that working and we can go back and stop the crusades. Until then, I live here today - where people spend more time putting others beliefs down [not you Rev, but TV, and political correctness, mud slinging politicans etc] instead of opening their mind to mroe things that exist than what we can see and touch. And today many many, MANY people use CHRISTmas as a way of remembering the birth of a "Savior"... a guy that can SAVE us from the stupidity of the world using techniques that seem completely backwards to selfish people.... yet they work wonders.
I won't tell others that burning candles is silly if it represents something important to them.
I won't tell others that eating chocolate eggs is wrong if that is what they choose to celebrate.
I won't tell others decorating a tree is not proper if that is how they choose to celebrate whatever season they what to call it.
But CHRISTmas has TONS to do with Christ... today.. here.... now. And no one's opinion can change that.
I watch a lot of old movies and shows and it's funny how they just say Christmas and have a tree, and never think twice about the naming or meaning.
Even Jay Leno said a couple nights ago, "happy, merry what's it now..... ah to heck with it.... MERRY CHRISTmas!" it was funny.
Still waiting for those fun holiday classics:
"Its the Great Pagan, Charlie Brown"
"A Charlie Brown Thanks Pagans"
"The Grinch who stole PaganDay"
and who can forget that holiday favorite
"Paganism on 34th Street"
You "Pagan" need to get some marketing going for your own holiday, before you are forgotten completely.
Just don't try taking MY holiday >hahahahaha
GET YER OWN! hahhahaha
Secondly, while Christmas is celebrated by the pagans as the coming of the new year....they are not the only ones who celebrated this. Indians, pagans, wiccans....just about every religious belief I can think of celebrated the new year. In every sense, it's not a Christmas tree but instead a Holiday tree. I just hate it when people get offended by a decorated tree and start spatting off about Christian symbols...It belongs to christianity as much as it belongs to every other religion that uses it.
...Oh, and Merry Christmas!
Another pagan holiday. It's a fertility celebration as eggs and rabbits are a symbol of fertility. If I remember correctly, Easter came from the name of an ancient Saxon god named Eastre? Don't know if I got her name right or not. but she was the Great Mother, basically the Fertility Goddess and Easter was the celebration of the land's rebirth during spring. *shrugs* Brings to mind the sang "God, they breed like rabbits"(Revlis @ Dec. 13 2006,13:24)He he... maybe I should really DIG and find out more about the origins of The Easter Bunny, and Eggs and such. We know the Church glazed over this as well with another bit conveniant packaging but maybe I'll do some hunting and present a more focused discussion as apposed to the usual ShotGun in the Dark and see what happens approach...(Postal @ Dec. 13 2006,13:09) I can't wait til Easter.....
I wrestled with the terminology of "playing along" to serve my point... it seemed to work without stabbing me too hard in the back. I play along with other things too because it is the world in which I live: sleeping at night, working during the day to gather cash to pay for food, drive on the right side of the road, speak English, etc etc .... I figured YOU'd know I'm not much of a sheeple, but in certain ways I [and everyone] HAS to be a little bit to fit in to society at all.
I play along with the current holiday trends but, barely participate in CHRISTmas the way the world does. I've checked out. CHECK PLEASE! I hate the commercialism and people using it as an excuse to be RUDE to others, lose patience and generally be foul.
I totally respect and encourage you to preach on about your personal beliefs REV, and I enjoy these rants as you well know by now. But, I would say, you are in the minority in your feelings about CHRISTmas and how Christ fits into it, said respectfully to you.
Yes, the DATE was something else that nobody really cared about, so Christians picked it up. So what?
I play along with the current holiday trends but, barely participate in CHRISTmas the way the world does. I've checked out. CHECK PLEASE! I hate the commercialism and people using it as an excuse to be RUDE to others, lose patience and generally be foul.
I totally respect and encourage you to preach on about your personal beliefs REV, and I enjoy these rants as you well know by now. But, I would say, you are in the minority in your feelings about CHRISTmas and how Christ fits into it, said respectfully to you.
(WWJD @ Dec. 13 2006,15:12) I wrestled with the terminology of "playing along" to serve my point... it seemed to work without stabbing me too hard in the back. I play along with other things too because it is the world in which I live: sleeping at night, working during the day to gather cash to pay for food, drive on the right side of the road, speak English, etc etc .... I figured YOU'd know I'm not much of a sheeple, but in certain ways I [and everyone] HAS to be a little bit to fit in to society at all.
I play along with the current holiday trends but, barely participate in CHRISTmas the way the world does. I've checked out. CHECK PLEASE! I hate the commercialism and people using it as an excuse to be RUDE to others, lose patience and generally be foul.
I totally respect and encourage you to preach on about your personal beliefs REV, and I enjoy these rants as you well know by now. But, I would say, you are in the minority in your feelings about CHRISTmas and how Christ fits into it, said respectfully to you.Yes, the DATE was something else that nobody really cared about, so Christians picked it up. So what?
Mmmm, Hold on...
I'm pretty sure I care... OH OH Because of the Whole "Get that tree outta the Airport crybaby jag some jewish Dude went on here in Seattle... That's where the "Christmas isn't about Christ the tree isn't theirs so Shut the F up you whiny little Beeyotch so Rev can enjoy the beauty of a sparkly tree came From... And then the dipwad at work...
Or something like that...
Similar threads
