christmas history
TRANSCRIPT
Christmas History
For 1000’s of years most European cultures celebrate the winter solstice the longest
night of the year.They would feast for a day or weeks.
Christmas History
In classical Rome, they celebrated the festival of Saturn (Zeus) called the
Saturnalia.
Christmas History
For two weeks in DecemberRich and Poor changed places
Christmas History
The Poorest person in Rome became the riches, and lived in the emperor’s palace!
Christmas History
In July of the year 3-8, Jesus Christ was born in Bethlehem.
He started the outlawed Christian Religion, and was crucified by the Romans and Jews
Christmas HistoryHowever, Christianity spread.
Christmas HistoryHowever, Christianity spread.
In the Year 339 the Emperor Constantine made it the official religion of the Empire
The new Roman Catholic Church changed the Saturnalia into a celebration of Christ's birth
Christmas HistoryEmperor Constantine made Christianity the official
religion of the Roman Empire in 339.
Christmas HistoryHe had asked the Christian god to help him at the battle of Melian Bridge, which he won.
Christmas HistoryThe new official Church was named the Roman Catholic
Church. It changed the Saturnalia into a celebration of JC birth.
Christmas HistoryWhen the Roman Empire fell, the Roman Catholic
Church survived
With no powerful governments the Catholic Church ruled Europe for much of the Middle Ages
Christmas HistoryWith no powerful governments the Catholic Church ruled Europe for much of the Middle Ages
Christmas History
Christmas continued as a rowdy time of yearRich people held parties for weeks open to all
Poorest people were King for 12 days.
Christmas History
During the reformation (1500-1600),Most Protestants did not celebrate Christmas
day, which was hated as a wicked time of year
Riots and rowdy Christmas celebrations typified Europe and America
Riots at Christmas
People expected rich people to give them money and drink at Christmas
They often became very drunk and started Riots
Christmas was outlawed in many parts of America and Europe
Christmas HistoryIn America, idealists and New York business men
teamed up creating a new Christmas
Washington Irving and Thomas Nast(1840–1902). They took traditions from
many countries and turned it into a family holiday
They took Christmas trees from a German tradition “Yule tree”.
They used the Catholic Saint Nicolas tradition from Greece
270-343
The British transformed him into Father Christmas, ridding a goat
Christmas History
In the USA, Clemet Moore of New York,
found the Dutch tradition of Saint Nicolas, and
wrote a poem about it.1912 NIght before Christmas.docx
Christmas HistoryDuring the 1860’s, a popular artist Nast made him into Santa Claus. Who brought presents .
Christmas HistoryBy the 1880s, the Dutch tradition merged with the English tradition
of Father Christmas.The US called him Santa Claus. The image was standardized by
advertisers in the 1920s.
Christmas History
Business people liked the new image, because people shopped a lot for presents.
The US government liked the new image because people stayed at home instead of drinking and fighting.
The Church people liked it as well.
Christmas History
By the 1920’s, the Santa image had been used in advertising, and many stories were written
about him.
Christmas History
Christmas stories grow every year, its the most commercial and biggest holiday in the USA.
Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas!.avi
Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas!.avi
Christmas History
By the 1950’s, the commercial celebration became the biggest holiday in the USA. And,
is now spreading around the world.
Christmas in America
After Thanksgiving day, (3rd Thursday in November)
Americans put up Christmas trees and start shopping for presents
Christmas in America
We decorate trees, our houses with lights ..Caswell County Christmas Lights.flv
Christmas Eve
November put up Christmas tree and decorate
Americans have open house parties, visit friends, and sing songs
Christmas eve December 24th
Christmas Eve
November put up Christmas tree and decorate
Some Americans go to Church at Midnight Santa comes late and leaves presents under the tree
Christmas Day
Wake up open presents, go to church
Christmas Day
Big family feast in afternoon, singing and sports games