So why do we put a tree into our homes and beautify its branches with ornaments and lights? Where do we see that in the Bible's description of Christ's birth?
Apparently in Germany fir trees were decorated with natural things like apples, roses or candies. Prince Albert married to Queen Victoria of England shared the tradition with his family, a event report throughout the island. English citizens seeking to emulate their beloved Queen copied(All things Christmas).
One article introducing the possible origins for the tree discussed a Middle Ages play where the Paradise Tree, decked with apples, symbolized the Tree of Life. The play depicts Adam and Eve's fall, a situation resolved with the coming of Christ. People wanting their own "Paradise Tree" brought their own into their homes (All about Jesus Christ).
One tradition credits Martin Luther as the first to decorate a Christmas tree with candles. As he walked and enjoyed the snow shimmering on the trees, he decided to imitate the scene in his home. Bringing in a fir tree, he lighted candles in honor of our Savior's birth (All about Jesus Christ).
There are several possible sources for this common tradition. I like to think of it related to the "Paradise Tree", which ties our original sin and this day of Christ's birth, the resolution to humanity's problem.
http://www.allthingschristmas.com/traditions.html
All about http://www.allaboutjesuschrist.org/origin-of-the-christmas-tree-faq.htm
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Monday, December 15, 2008
History Doesn't Always Create...
...a new event. It is also a story of continuation, where traditions continue. They are a beautiful aspect of life.
One such tradition continues in our family, it is a beautiful thing, that brings back memories of wonderful times past. It unifies the years and ties them with tradition's shimmering ribbon. It is making Christmas cookies....
To be continued at historyavenue.blogspot.com....
One such tradition continues in our family, it is a beautiful thing, that brings back memories of wonderful times past. It unifies the years and ties them with tradition's shimmering ribbon. It is making Christmas cookies....
To be continued at historyavenue.blogspot.com....
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Origins of our Christmas Tradition
Where did Christmas come from?
For everything there is a reason and there are lots of leads for this tradition.
According to the History Channel website, Europeans celebrated during the Winter solstice since it hailed the coming of better weather. At the time, supplies were abundant for feasts since farmers saved on resources by killing cattle, or beer matured.
In ancient cultures before the time of Christ, there were several beliefs connected with the Winter solstice. It was both a time to rejoice the coming of longer daylight and a time of fear of dead spirits. Apparently it was thought the dead were closest to the living, and rumors especially in Germany ran rampant about frightening encounters (Óðindís 2000).
During the Roman era, celebration continued with Saturnalia, since Saturn was the god of agriculture. This was a month long celebration. Another festivity with Mithra, god of the sun, landed on December 25th.
Admist this darkness came the light. In the 4th century, the church wanted to celebrate Christ's birth, and the date of December 25th was chosen by Pope Julius I. It was called the Feast of the Nativity. It mixed with the old ways of Roman traditions were the peasants took control during the season as in the 4th century the poor folks recieved goods from the rich.
What about America?
Because the English Puritains outlawed Christmas given the pagan origins it tried to replace, the Pilgrims did not celebrate it, rather they opposed it's observance. Only those in Jamestown did partake of the festivities. After our independence British customs weren't popular and only in 1870 did the holiday become official.
This declaration only came out of various changes in society. Apparently riots occured amongst lower classes during this time causing a desire to implement different customs. Washington Irving a writer, depicted Christmas in a different light with the more classic family traditions we know today. Charles Dickens with his A Christmas Carol reconnected the old ways of charity from the well to do toward the lower classes, a concept our people and the Brits warmly embraced. Consequently families adopted this holiday and welcomed the "excuse" to give gifts to their children. As the practice increased today's traditions incremented and became today's Christmas.
Reflections: Although the origins are quite pagan, nevertheless, we can rejoice on the change in perspective and direction of the holiday. I am amazed at the threads connecting our ways to those of our ancestors in the past.
http://www.history.com/content/christmas/the-real-story-of-christmas/home
An Ancient Holiday, Saturnalia, Irving Reinvents Christmas,A Christmas Carol
Óðindís. http://home.earthlink.net/~wodensharrow/yule.html
For everything there is a reason and there are lots of leads for this tradition.
According to the History Channel website, Europeans celebrated during the Winter solstice since it hailed the coming of better weather. At the time, supplies were abundant for feasts since farmers saved on resources by killing cattle, or beer matured.
In ancient cultures before the time of Christ, there were several beliefs connected with the Winter solstice. It was both a time to rejoice the coming of longer daylight and a time of fear of dead spirits. Apparently it was thought the dead were closest to the living, and rumors especially in Germany ran rampant about frightening encounters (Óðindís 2000).
During the Roman era, celebration continued with Saturnalia, since Saturn was the god of agriculture. This was a month long celebration. Another festivity with Mithra, god of the sun, landed on December 25th.
Admist this darkness came the light. In the 4th century, the church wanted to celebrate Christ's birth, and the date of December 25th was chosen by Pope Julius I. It was called the Feast of the Nativity. It mixed with the old ways of Roman traditions were the peasants took control during the season as in the 4th century the poor folks recieved goods from the rich.
What about America?
Because the English Puritains outlawed Christmas given the pagan origins it tried to replace, the Pilgrims did not celebrate it, rather they opposed it's observance. Only those in Jamestown did partake of the festivities. After our independence British customs weren't popular and only in 1870 did the holiday become official.
This declaration only came out of various changes in society. Apparently riots occured amongst lower classes during this time causing a desire to implement different customs. Washington Irving a writer, depicted Christmas in a different light with the more classic family traditions we know today. Charles Dickens with his A Christmas Carol reconnected the old ways of charity from the well to do toward the lower classes, a concept our people and the Brits warmly embraced. Consequently families adopted this holiday and welcomed the "excuse" to give gifts to their children. As the practice increased today's traditions incremented and became today's Christmas.
Reflections: Although the origins are quite pagan, nevertheless, we can rejoice on the change in perspective and direction of the holiday. I am amazed at the threads connecting our ways to those of our ancestors in the past.
http://www.history.com/content/christmas/the-real-story-of-christmas/home
An Ancient Holiday, Saturnalia, Irving Reinvents Christmas,A Christmas Carol
Óðindís. http://home.earthlink.net/~wodensharrow/yule.html
Friday, December 12, 2008
"Yourstory"
Each of us in our own lives make history. "Yourstory".
Christmas is a time to make some memorable history with family and friends. Wednesday marked an new twist to our traditional Christmas tree event. We usually went to Home Depot and froze (even in California) and picked out the best tree, another sister and I being the strongest in our opinions (:o!
This year, we headed to Lowes, where we proved bundled enough to smile at the cold (just a smirk though). We had a special family friend join us in our annual store tree hunt. He kindly joined us in our mission and approved our final decision. Upon arriving home, we hauled the christmas decor up the steps onto the center of our living room. As a family we enjoyed introducing my sister's special friend to our family christmas decor and traditions. The Walton's Christmas CD went on full blast and we (all tired from finishing the college quarter) proceeded to decorate with that dangerous silly mood that emerges upon completing a heavy quarter.
Oatmeal chocolate cookies came out and we indulged our tired systems to more sugar.
It was fun, exhuasting, and history making. The first courtship, the first "stranger" to join our family traditions, it was history in our own family.
Friday, December 5, 2008
The Renaissance: A Short History
For my awesome history class on Western Civilization, I had to read a book and write a report. I chose The Renaissance: A Short History by Paul Johnson, a historian I have grown to appreciate for his conservative viewpoint.
The book is an excellent read especially for historians like me who like the nitty gritty details of why and where and what! He provides an background to the Renaissance unlike one I'd ever read, so extensive and detailed in its scope. The author points out how universities established in the 1200’s, the adoption of Aristotle’s ideas, economic progress and technological advances established a platform for the rebirth to emerge successfully (Johnson 9, 10-21). The book then addresses select areas, literature and scholarship, sculpture, architecture and art concluding with the period’s proliferation and end. Within each area, Paul Johnson relates the background, work, and impact of various personas in their specific area.
The amount of information and detail was impressive. In describing the Rebirth’s background the author utilized examples requiring in depth research. Describing the effects of Charlemagne’s attempt to encourage learning he discusses two “books” or codices one before and the other after Charlemagne’s reign (Johnson 7). When compared, they reveal the effects of Charlemagne’s influence (Johnson 7). Such a detail is hard to get from any regular textbook.
The book is short but full of delightful historic information. I whole-heartedly recommend it to any wanting a good overview on this influential age.
Johnson, Paul. The Renaissance A Short History. New York: A Modern Library, 2000.
The book is an excellent read especially for historians like me who like the nitty gritty details of why and where and what! He provides an background to the Renaissance unlike one I'd ever read, so extensive and detailed in its scope. The author points out how universities established in the 1200’s, the adoption of Aristotle’s ideas, economic progress and technological advances established a platform for the rebirth to emerge successfully (Johnson 9, 10-21). The book then addresses select areas, literature and scholarship, sculpture, architecture and art concluding with the period’s proliferation and end. Within each area, Paul Johnson relates the background, work, and impact of various personas in their specific area.
The amount of information and detail was impressive. In describing the Rebirth’s background the author utilized examples requiring in depth research. Describing the effects of Charlemagne’s attempt to encourage learning he discusses two “books” or codices one before and the other after Charlemagne’s reign (Johnson 7). When compared, they reveal the effects of Charlemagne’s influence (Johnson 7). Such a detail is hard to get from any regular textbook.
The book is short but full of delightful historic information. I whole-heartedly recommend it to any wanting a good overview on this influential age.
Johnson, Paul. The Renaissance A Short History. New York: A Modern Library, 2000.
Monday, December 1, 2008
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