Print This Article Post Comment Add To Favorites Email to Friends Ezine Ready

Christmas Top 10 "i Did Not Know" Facts

By: andrew chin Home |


Christmas time is here again and we want to grab your attention to this article on Christmas. It not only is interesting, but also has tons about the true meaning of Christmas. The true meaning of Christmas is sometimes crowded out by the frenzy of buying and gift giving.

Our top 10 facts about Christmas are sure to help you get a better understanding of Christmas. We mean to let everyone know more about Christmas after reading this!

1. Jesus Christ

First and foremost, the birth of Jesus Christ is true meaning of Christmas Christmas was first celebrated as a proper day, on the 25th December, in the 5th century, in the time of the Roman Emperor Constantine.

2. Christmas Carols

The custom of carolling through the streets originated in England when rich businessmen hired singers to accompany their strolls. The tradition quickly extended to all types of choruses. "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" was definitely on everyone's list.

3. Christmas Cards

In 1843, the first Christmas card was printed in England for Sir Henry Cole. He was busy man who wanted to save time in his own Christmas letters,

4. Christmas Tree

In the 16th century Martin Luther, a German preacher, was the first to bring a Christmas tree into a house. A story is told that, one night before Christmas, he was walking through the forest and looked up to see the stars shining through the tree branches. It was so beautiful, that he went home and told his children that it reminded him of Jesus, who left the stars of heaven to come to earth at Christmas.

5. Christmas Gifts

One of the main reasons we have the custom of giving and receiving presents at Christmas, is to remind us of the presents given to Jesus by the three Wise Men: Frankincense, Gold and Myrrh. Frankincense was a perfume used in Jewish worship and, as a gift, it showed that people would worship Jesus. Gold was associated with Kings and Christians believe that Jesus is the King of Kings. Myrrh was a perfume that was put on dead bodies to make them smell nice and, as a gift, it showed that Jesus would suffer and die.

6. Santa Claus

Does Santa exist? In the 16th Century in Europe, the stories and traditions about St. Nicholas became very unpopular. But someone had to deliver presents to children at Christmas, so in the U.K., he became 'Father Christmas', a character from old children's stories; in France, he was then known as 'Pere Noel'; in Germany, the Christ Child or 'Christ Kind. In the early U.S.A. his name was 'Kris Kringle'. Later, Dutch settlers in the USA took the old stories of St. Nicholas with them and Kris Kringle became 'Sinter Klass' or as we now say 'Santa Claus'!

7. Mistletoe

Mistletoe is a plant that grows on willow and apple trees (and in garden centres!). The practice of hanging it in the house goes back to the times of the ancient Druids. It is supposed to possess mystical powers which bring good luck to the household and ward off evil spirits. It was also used as a sign of friendship and that's where the custom of kissing under Mistletoe comes from!

8. Xmas

Xmas can also mean Christmas! The name 'Christmas' comes from the Mass of Christ (or Jesus). A Mass service is where Christians remember that Jesus died for us and then came back to life. The 'Christ-Mass' service was the only one that was allowed to take place after sunset, So we get the name Christ-Mass, shortened to Christmas. Christmas is also sometimes called Xmas. Some people don't think it's correct to call Christmas 'Xmas' as that takes the 'Christ' (Jesus) out of Christmas. But that is not quite right! In the Greek language and alphabet, the letter that looks like an X is pronounced 'Christos' and means 'Christ'!

9. Christmas Stamps

In 1937, the first postage stamp to commemorate Christmas was issued in Austria.

10. 'The Lamb of God'

Two thousand years ago the King of Kings was born. 'The Lamb of God' later made to feel the thorn, If his words are accepted and not scorned, They will make us all reborn.

We hope that what we have stated here on Christmas is indeed inspiring to you, the reader.

Have a very Merry Christmas



Article Source: http://www.eArticlesOnline.com

About the Author:
Andrew Chin is a recognized authority on the subject of Christmas. His website Christmas 100 provides a wealth of information on Christmas Gifts . Articles may be reprinted as long as the content and links remains unchanged.

Tags: , , , , ,

Please Rate this Article

 

Not yet Rated

Click the XML Icon Above to Receive Articles Via RSS!

Recent Related Articles From

  • Christmas Food Allergies: What Are The Alternatives?
    By: Audrey Lynn | Oct 13th 2007
    It is the end of the year, and it is time to plan for Christmas. With great food and festive spirit, Christmas is a joyous celebration we look forward to. However, if you are on of those who are allergies prone, it is a different story. Currently, the only cure for people who are allergy-sensitive is to prevent intake of ... Read

  • All You Need To Know About Christmas Banners For Advertising
    By: Nishant Shah | Nov 9th 2010
    Christmas Banners - Banners of the Season, Christmas banners can be a huge help for you in doing a superior business in the season. Be original and do the greatest to bring the festivity and of course do not forget to highlight the offers and discounts on your X-Mas Banners. Read

  • Have A Merry Christmas Season This Next Year
    By: Roger Moody | Jun 1st 2009
    Many legitimate home based business owners don’t start thinking about the Christmas Season until at least Halloween when all the stores begin putting up seasonal decorations. Read

  • Christmas Eve Celebrations 2009 : Time For Festivity
    By: Tom Thomas | Aug 12th 2009
    Christmas Eve celebration 2009 are about to happen. Everyone has started thinking about how to make it special. On this occasion one decorate the Christmas tree and have a get together with their families. Read

  • Choose The Perfect Gift For Her This Christmas
    By: Angara | Sep 26th 2009
    Exchanging Christmas gifts has been a tradition from centuries. Kids and adults, equally long for this holiday season and the joy that it brings. This festive season serves as a token of love and appreciation, and a way to celebrate relationships and make people smile. Especially if you are celebrating it with your loved on ... Read

  • Making Your Home Video More Memorable This Christmas
    By: Eric McDaniel | Dec 10th 2009
    Your Christmas home video can be more memorable and interesting if you know how to record, organize and edit the shots Read

  • Decency Wins Over Cultural Decay
    By: Judi Lynn Lake | Dec 5th 2006
    Perhaps if we combined the morals of yesteryear with the technology and knowledge of today we would have the world each of us dream about. Personally, I have seen enough guts, gore, sex and destruction and I would bet that a great many more are as bored and disgusted by it as me. People do indeed have a voice and the time i ... Read

  • Average Joe Liberal's Bleeding Heart Dilemna
    By: Aaron Taylor | Nov 27th 2007
    In Average Joe Liberal's Bleeding Heart Dilemna, author Aaron Taylor makes an unusual comparison between bleeding heart liberals and the Apostle Paul. Read

  • Get Closer With Your Family Through Video Chat And Have Fun With Santa Claus Nick Face!
    By: Eric McDaniel | Dec 10th 2009
    If you can’t travel to spend this Christmas with your family, you can still reunite and enjoy a warm Christmas with your family with the help of video chatting. Read

  • Mr. Stein, I Couldn't Have Said It Better
    By: Judi Lynn Lake | Jan 4th 2007
    As we prepare for the New Year, it is understandable to become reflective and hopeful. Following is a touching commentary written by Mr. Ben Stein and, frankly, I couldn't have said it better. For all who read this, I wish you the very best for the coming year. Read


Copyright © 2005-2011 eArticlesOnline, LLC - All Rights Reserved
Terms of Service | Privacy Policy