Origins of Christmas

1. Christmas was always celebrated on December 25th, even in ancient times.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

The statement is false because Christmas was not always celebrated on December 25th. The date was chosen in the 4th century AD, and earlier Christians celebrated it on different dates.

1. The winter solstice is celebrated by many cultures, including the Norse.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

The statement is true. The winter solstice, marking the longest night of the year, has been celebrated by various cultures, including the Norse, who honored this time with festivals and rituals.

1. Saturnalia was celebrated with food, drink, and honoring the Roman god, Saturn.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

True. Saturnalia was an ancient Roman festival honoring the god Saturn, celebrated with feasting, drinking, and merriment, reflecting a time of revelry and social inversion.

1. Saint Nicholas Day is celebrated on December 16th.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Saint Nicholas Day is actually celebrated on December 6th, not December 16th. Therefore, the statement is false.

1. Mithra, the sun god, was born on December 25th.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Mithra, the sun god in ancient Persian mythology, is indeed said to have been born on December 25th, aligning with the winter solstice celebrations. Therefore, the statement is true.

1. What was the festival of Saturnalia celebrated for?

• • To honor Mithra

• • To honor Saturn

• • To honor the sun

• To honor the winter solstice

Answer explanation

The festival of Saturnalia was celebrated to honor Saturn, the Roman god of agriculture and time. It involved feasting, gift-giving, and a reversal of social roles, marking a time of merriment and relaxation in Roman society.

1. Which tree was commonly brought indoors by Norse people during winter celebrations?

• • Orange

• • Pine

• • Evergreens

• Apple

Answer explanation

The Norse people commonly brought evergreens indoors during winter celebrations, symbolizing life and renewal amidst the cold. This practice is the origin of the modern Christmas tree tradition.

1. Who wrote the poem "The Night Before Christmas"?

• • Saint Nicholas

• • Thomas Nast

• Charles Dickens

• Clement Clark Moore

Answer explanation

The poem "The Night Before Christmas" was written by Clement Clark Moore in 1823. He is credited with popularizing the modern image of Santa Claus through this work.

1. When did the church officially adopt December 25th as the birth of Christ?

• • 4th century

• • 1st century

• 6th century

• 2nd century

Answer explanation

The church officially adopted December 25th as the birth of Christ in the 4th century, aligning with the Roman festival of Saturnalia and the winter solstice, to promote Christianity among pagans.

1. What did early Christians do with the pagan traditions of Christmas?

• • Banned them

• • Ignored them

• Accepted them

• Rejected them

Answer explanation

Early Christians accepted pagan traditions of Christmas, incorporating elements like feasting and gift-giving into their celebrations. This helped ease the transition for converts and allowed for a blending of customs.