The Evolution of Christmas Day: From Saint’s Death to Christ’s Mass

This article explores the history and evolution of Christmas Day, focusing on the year when it was first celebrated. It delves into early Christian traditions and the significance of the celebration of Christ's Mass, emphasizing the shift in focus from the birth of saints to the birth of Jesus Christ. We will also examine how the date of December 25th was chosen and the origin of the term 'Christmas.'

Early Christian Traditions

Historically, the celebration of Christ's birthday was not prominent within early Christian traditions. For the first three hundred years of Christianity, birthdays, including that of Christ, were not given much importance. It was believed that the day a saint died was more significant than their birth, as it was seen as marking their entrance into the heavenly realm.

In the old Roman Bishops List compiled in A.D. 354, there is a notation for A.D. 336: 'For the first three hundred years of the Church's existence, birthdays were not given much emphasis--not even the birth of Christ. The day a saint died was considered more significant than his or her birth as it ushered him or her into the kingdom of heaven.' This document provides insight into the religious practices of early Christian communities, indicating a greater focus on the death of saints and martyrs rather than the birth of Christ.

The Emergence of Christ's Mass

The term 'Christmas' itself is a compound word that originated with the Catholic Church. It means 'Christ’s Mass' or 'The Mass of Christ,' which is a celebration of the Eucharist. The Eucharist, a small wafer, is said to be transformed into the flesh of Jesus through a process known as transubstantiation.

The Date of December 25th

While the date of December 25th for celebrating Christmas is widely recognized, many commentators agree that this date is unlikely to be the actual date of Christ's birth. Researchers have noted that there is no month in the year in which respectable ecclesiastical authorities have placed the birth of Jesus with certainty.

The precise origin of the choice of December 25th as the date for Christmas is disputed. However, some historians and theologians suggest that this date was chosen to coincide with existing pagan festivals, such as the Roman festival of Saturnalia and the Egyptian festival of the birthday of the sun god, Horus. By adopting this date, the early Christians could integrate the celebration of Christ's birth into a religious calendar that was already familiar to the wider population.

The Etymology of 'Christmas'

The word 'Christmas' in late Old English is 'Cristes Maesse,' the Mass of Christ, first found in 1038. In 1131, it appeared as 'Cristes-messe' in Old English. In Dutch, it is 'Kerstmis,' in Latin 'Dies Natalis,' and in French, it is 'Nol' and in Italian, 'Il natale.' In German, it is 'Weihnachtsfest,' derived from the preceding sacred vigil.

The chosen term 'Christmas' encapsulates the religious significance of the event, emphasizing the celebration of Christ's birth through a liturgical service. This term reflects the deep-rooted Christian tradition of honoring the Mass and the spiritual significance of the birth of Jesus.