Origins of Christmas

    圣诞节的起源

    Although no one knows on which exact date Jesuswas born, Christians have favored December 25 sinceancient times. It is the date on which the Romansmarked the winter solstice and it is nine monthsfollowing the Festival of Annunciation (March 25). Inancient and early Medieval times, Christmas was eithera minor feast, or not celebrated at all.

    The Romans had a winter celebration known asSaturnalia. This festival was originally held onDecember 17 and honoured Saturn, a god ofagriculture. It recalled the "golden age" when Saturnruled. In imperial times, Saturnalia was extended toseven days (December 17-23). Combined with festivalsboth before and after, the result was an extendedwinter holiday season. Business was postponed andeven slaves feasted. There was drinking, gambling andnaked singing and dancing . It was the "best of days,"according to the poet Catullus. With the coming ofChristianity, Italy's Saturnalian traditions were attachedto Advent (the forty days before Christmas). Aroundthe 12th century, these traditions transferred againto the "twelve days of Christmas" (i.e. Christmas toEpiphany). ......