<OT> Merry Christmas

[Alma J Wetzker]

David A. Bandel wrote:
> On Wed, 24 Dec 2003 20:11:42 -0800
> Shawn Tayler <stayler at xmtservices.net> wrote:
> 
> 
>>>On Wed, 24 Dec 2003 11:37:59 -0500 "David A. Bandel"
>>><david at pananix.com> prattled on about:
>>>
>>>
>>>>Saturnalia
>>>
>>>Ok, this is a new one on me....
>>>
> 
> 
> Saturnalia is the original Roman festival that started modern day Xmas
> (at least some of the traditions). Before Christ was born (and even
> after) the Romans danced in the streets with packages wrapped in
> brightly colored paper (presents) and gave them away.
> 
> Several hundred years later, unable to wipe out the pagan festival, the
> Roman Catholic Church declared 25 Dec (the height of the Saturnalia
> festival more or less) as Christ's b'day.
> 
> Yule Logs come in from some similar Germanic holiday about this time,
> and other things are incorporated (Mistletoe comes to mind, but I forget
> where that came from).  Santa is a fairly recent (only several hundred
> years old) invention from N. Europe if I remember correctly.
> 
> Anyway ... that's an _extremely_ abbreviated "history".
> 
> Found my "reference" (don't remeber where it came from, but I've had it
> some years now) - attached (if it doesn't come through, I'll in-line
> it).
> 
> Ciao (and Happy Saturnalia),
> 
> David A. Bandel

I like the history.  Christianity, of which I am a part, has been coopting 
celebration customs since Constantine.  That is one reason I feel no shame in 
wishing folks a merry Christmas, it is almost certain to include some custom 
from whatever tradition they happen to celebrate.  More important to me it the 
feeling of neighbor and friend that seems to grow at this time of year.

Best wishes from our home to yours,
Alma, Christine, Jaelithe, Deirdre, Conall, Nigel, Cordelia, Morgaine and Meadhbh.