Christmas Magical Lore

The feast celebrating the birth of Christ was not always celebrated
on this day. Originally the church celebrated Christmas on the day of
Epiphany, January 6. In a.d. 336, after Christianity had conquered
Rome, the holiday was moved to December to coincide with the Festival
of the Unconquered Sun. In this way, Christ was identified with the
Sun god, the god of light. Other aspects of the holiday are derived
from the Roman Saturnalia. The Saturnalia was a Winter Solstice
festival dedicated to Saturn, the god of agriculture. It lasted from
December 17 to 23. During this period there was a sacrifice at the
temple of Saturn followed by a public feast. All work stopped;
servants and slaves were freed from their chores. There was public
gambling, merriment, and gift-giving presided over by a mock king.
The midnight mass, the feast, and the giving of presents at Christmas
are derived from the Saturnalia. The most popular presents during the
Saturnalia were small figures made of wax or clay that represented
the gods. Likewise today, we decorate our homes with small figures
that represent the mythic beings that are associated with this
season: Santa Claus, snowmen, reindeer, and elves. The Christmas tree
can be traced to the myth of Yggdrasill, the Germanic world tree. The
holly and the Yule log derive from the Germanic solstice celebration,
and the tradition of mistletoe comes form the Celtic holiday. The
creche was added by St. Francis. During this holiday everyone
participates in magic.

By: Robert Place