The date of Christmas and some American traditions have pagan roots. In the Roman Empire, December 25th was the day of “natalis solis invict” (the Roman birth of the unconquered sun), and the birthday of Mithras, the Iranian “Sun of Righteousness.” Saturnalia, a Roman festival that honored the sun, lasted from December 17th to December 23rd. The winter solstice, the darkest day of the year, also falls a few days before December 25th and had been celebrated by pagans. Early Christian Church leaders believed that days that had been set aside to honor pagan gods could be changed to honor Christianity. It was thought that people would more easily accept Christianity and move away from paganism by replacing pagan celebrations with Christian ones.
via the Library of Congress
via the Library of Congress
via the Library of Congress
via the Library of Congress
via the Library of Congress
via the Library of Congress
via the Library of Congress
via the Library of Congress
via the Library of Congress
via the Library of Congress
via the Library of Congress
via the Library of Congress
via the Library of Congress
via the Library of Congress
via the Library of Congress
via the Library of Congress
via the Library of Congress
via the Library of Congress
via the Library of Congress
