Merry Christmas (whenever it is)

Merry Christmas, even if technically it isn’t.

To be more precise, “Christmas,” or “Christ’s mass” (Christes maesse) is an old English phrase referring to the Lord’s Supper. According to the Handbook of Christian Feasts and Customs, the word “Christmas” was not generally used until 1038, a millennium after its namesake graced the Earth.

In fact, early Christians didn’t really celebrate Christmas; Easter was considered more important. By the third century, Christmas had begun to evolve in Rome, becoming coincident with the pagan winter holidays from which (in case you missed Thursday’s column) we took many of our current traditions, such as the Druids’ mystical mistletoe and ancient Rome’s Saturnalia tree.

Speaking of trimmed trees, while the Christmas tree was common in England by the 1800s — likely borrowed from, and often attributed to, Germany’s tradition of decorating trees with candles — the practice long predates Christianity. At Saturnalia and other ancient winter solstice celebrations, evergreens were commonly center-stage as homage to the sun, nature and its mysteries.

Thus it was that winter solstice anchored the modern Christmas date. The Bible makes no reference to the month, let alone the year of baby Jesus’s birth. Some hints exist, such as tending a flock of sheep by night which was rare in the coldest months. Historians estimate the birth year ranging from 4 to 7 B.C.E. and suggest likely birthdates in January (Orthodox Christmas for some), March, April, May, or November.

Knowing today’s an unlikely date, why do we celebrate in December? The early church wanted to discourage pre-existing winter solstice traditions in late December. One way to convert is to replace or mix one tradition with another so that over time, the old way is overshadowed by the new. As the Oxford Concise Dictionary of World Religions quoted a third century Christian writer:

“We hold this day holy, not like the pagans because of the birth of the sun, but because of him who made it.”

Well then, why not celebrate them all?

Here’s to a very Merry Christmas, a happy winter solstice, homage to the fleeting winter sun, and the best that life and love may offer you all year long.

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Sholeh Patrick is a columnist for the Hagadone News Network who believes the date matters less than the spirit. Contact her at Sholeh@cdapress.com.