Christians worldwide celebrate Christmas, which falls on December 25 every year. Various knick-knacks and symbols, such as Santa Claus, lights, ornaments, and also a Christmas tree, are decorated in such a way to welcome this Christian holiday.
Christmas celebrations are synonymous with the song “Jingle Bells,” which is often played on Christmas Day. Historical records report that this song was first performed for a Thanksgiving service at the church of Pierpont’s father or brother. In addition, the celebration of Christmas is closely related to the fir tree, which is decorated in such a way. There is a long history that makes the fir tree a symbol of Christmas. Celebrating Christmas is also done by saying “Merry Christmas” to friends, relatives, and closest family. This tradition is carried out in a number of countries. Because this year’s Christmas celebration is still in a pandemic condition, it is essential to choose how to celebrate Christmas and fill the holidays in the midst of a pandemic so that families stay safe and healthy. Also read: Alternative Ways of Christmas & New Year’s Holidays During the COVID-19 Pandemic Celebration of the Great Day of December 25 The word Christmas (Natal), which means Mass of Christ or abbreviated as Christ-Mass, is interpreted as a day to celebrate the birth of Jesus.
Born of Jesus and The Christmas
However, so far, there is still controversy regarding the determination of December 25. The finding that December 25 is the birthday of Jesus refers to the Philocalian calendar or known as Chronograph 354. The power of the Roman empire influenced the decision of Christmas celebrations on December 25. After Constantine ascended the throne to become emperor, then embraced Christianity in the fourth century AD, many people flocked to Christianity. A century later, the Roman Catholic Christian Church ordered Christians to celebrate Christmas on December 25. Many Christians still believe that the meaning of Christmas is the basis of belief in the birth of Jesus as the Savior for all humankind.
The arrival of Jesus is believed by his people that the soul is always in the heart of every human being, reminding them to always do good as a reflection of the birth of Jesus, the Savior. However, over time, Stephanie Coontz mentions in the book The Way We Never Were that the penetration of consumerism and cultural influences changed many people’s views of Christmas. “Today, Christmas is more like celebrating parties and dancing,” wrote Coontz (page 41.) Meanwhile, Herbert W. Armstrong, in his book The Plain Truth About Christmas, states that no one knows for sure the birth of Jesus. The celebration of Christmas only became an official Christian holiday in the fifth century, established by the Roman Catholic Christian Church.
Who Celebrated Christmas and How it Started?
“This celebration that is part of Roman Catholic Christianity stems from the traditional ceremonies of the pagan society,” writes Armstrong (page 7.) During Christmas, Christians exchange gifts and decorate their homes with Christmas trees. Christmas is always synonymous with various knick-knacks and symbols, such as Santa Claus, lights, decorations, and also a Christmas tree. Read also: Lyrics of Song “Jingle Bells” & Indonesian Version History of the Fir Tree as a Christmas Symbol Reporting from the Michigan State University page, evergreen fir trees have been used to celebrate winter festivals for thousands of years, long before the arrival of Christianity. Europeans used twigs to decorate their homes during the winter solstice because it made them think about the coming spring. The Romans also decorated their homes with fir trees for the New Year. They interpret cypress as a sign of eternal life with God.
The spruce was first used as a Christmas tree about 1,000 years ago in Northern Europe. In winter, people in Northern Europe also plant trees in boxes in their homes. For Christians, the Christmas Tree is a symbol of hope that is always on display to welcome the birth of Jesus. According to ABC.net.au, the early Romans used trees to decorate their temples at the Saturnalia festival, while the ancient Egyptians used green palm trees to worship the God Ra.
“The idea of bringing fir trees into the house symbolizes fertility and new life in the darkness of winter, which is more of a pagan theme,” said Dr. Dominique Wilson of the University of Sydney. “That’s also where the idea of holly and ivy and mistletoe came from because they are some of the plants that bloom in winter, so they have a special meaning. So the idea of bringing evergreen trees into the house started there and eventually evolved into Christmas trees.”
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