Meaning of christmas (what is it, concept and definition)

What is christmas:

Christmas is a religious holiday in which Christians commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ. It is celebrated on December 25 of each year. In fact, the word Christmas, as such, comes from the Latin nativĭtas , nativātis which means 'birth'.

This term, however, is used not only to refer to the day on which the birth of Jesus (Christmas Eve) is celebrated, but also extends to designate the later period, up to Three Kings Day.

Today, Christmas is celebrated in many places and in very different ways. In general, one of the current characteristics of Christmas is the increase in consumption, especially of objects used as gifts and food.

From a Christian point of view, however, this is not considered to be the authentic meaning of Christmas. The meaning of Christmas, on the contrary, responds to the manifestation of certain human values ​​that during the year are more or less forgotten.

Values ​​such as solidarity, union, love, peace and hope are more typical of the Christmas season, and are represented in the religious beliefs of Christianity.

Christmas origin

Christmas was established on December 25 as a solemn day by the Catholic Church in 350 thanks to Pope Julius.

In the Bible, however, the exact day of Jesus' birth is not mentioned. Hence, the celebration of Christmas in principle was not part of Christian traditions.

The reason for setting December 25 as the date of celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ responds to the need of the Church to replace the feast of Saturnalia (or Saturnalia), traditional in Ancient Rome, which coincided with the winter solstice and It was celebrated by the so-called pagans, and thus facilitate the acceptance of Christianity.

Christmas symbols

Christmas tree

The Christmas tree has a Christian meaning although its use has become widespread in people of different beliefs. The Christmas tree refers to the tree of Paradise, original sin and the figure of Jesus as the redeemer of sins, but also the evergreen is a symbol of eternal life.

The typical Christmas tree decorations are

• The star, a guide symbol, in reference to the star of Bethlehem; The balls, originally apples, in reference to temptations; Garlands and tinsel, a symbol of unity and joy; Lights, originally candles, symbolizing the light of Jesus that illuminates the world.

Santa Claus

Santa Claus is the name given in some countries to the character of Santa Claus, Santa, Saint Nicholas, among others. He is a character dressed in a red suit, belt and black boots, who is in charge of making and delivering the toys desired by the children on the night of December 24 to 25.

Manger

The manger, also known as nativity scene or birth, is an important symbol of Christmas, as it represents the arrival of Jesus to the world.

Inside the manger, the essential figures are the Virgin Mary, Saint Joseph and the Child Jesus, along with the mule and the ox. Other figures in the manger are the three wise men (Melchior, Gaspar, Baltazar) and the shepherds.

Christmas wreath

The Christmas wreath, also called the advent wreath, is used to represent the four-week Advent period that precedes the arrival of Christmas. It is made with pine or fir branches. Four candles are placed in it, one for each week.

Christmas in the Bible

Information about the birth of Jesus is found in the Gospels of Luke and Matthew. One of the most distinguished texts on Christmas is found in the book Lucas:

“And it came to pass in those days that an edict was issued by Caesar Augustus, so that a census could be made of the entire inhabited world. This was the first census to be taken, when Cirenio was governor of Syria. And they were all heading to register for the census, each to his city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he is from the house and family of David, to register with Mary, married to him, the which one was pregnant. And it happened that while they were there, the days of her delivery were fulfilled. And she gave birth to her firstborn son; He wrapped him in diapers and put him to bed in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

In the same region there were shepherds who were in the field, tending their flocks during the night vigils. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord surrounded them with brightness, and they were greatly afraid. But the angel said to them: 'Do not fear, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people; for today in the city of David a Savior was born to you, who is Christ the Lord. And this will serve as a sign: you will find a child wrapped in diapers and lying in a manger. '

"Suddenly, a multitude of the heavenly armies appeared with the angel, praising God and saying: 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men in whom He is pleased'" (Luke, 2: 1 -14).

See also: 12 Christmas traditions that you can not imagine what they mean.