Christmas Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
Christmas
[หkrษชsยทmษs ]
Definition
holiday celebration
Christmas is an annual festival commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, observed primarily on December 25th. It is a public holiday in many countries and is celebrated by billions of people around the world. The holiday is characterized by gift-giving, festive decorations, and various traditions such as singing carols and attending church services.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- We decorated the Christmas tree together.
- She sent out Christmas cards to her friends.
- Christmas is my favorite time of the year.
- They have a big family dinner on Christmas Eve.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Historical Origins
- The celebration of Christmas began in the 4th century AD, with the church officially recognizing December 25 as the birth of Jesus.
- Before Christmas was celebrated, many cultures observed winter festivals, which often included feasting and merriment during the longest nights of winter.
Cultural Practices
- Different countries have unique traditions: in Italy, children receive gifts on Epiphany, while in Japan, Christmas is often celebrated with KFC dinners.
- The Christmas tree tradition dates back to Germany in the 16th century and has evolved into a global symbol of the holiday.
Literature
- Charles Dickens' story 'A Christmas Carol' popularized themes of generosity and Christmas spirit, introducing iconic characters like Ebenezer Scrooge.
- The poem 'Twas the Night Before Christmas' helped shape modern perceptions of Santa Claus and holiday festivities.
Modern Celebrations
- In the United States, the Christmas shopping season is one of the busiest times of the year, with many businesses making significant profits from holiday purchases.
- Some modern pop culture icons include Christmas movies like 'Home Alone' and 'A Christmas Story,' which have become holiday classics.
Symbolism
- The star at the top of a Christmas tree symbolizes the Star of Bethlehem, which guided the Wise Men to Jesus's birthplace.
- Evergreen trees play a significant role in Christmas symbolism, representing eternal life and hope during the cold winter.
Origin of 'Christmas'
The term 'Christmas' originates from the Old English phrase 'Cristes mรฆss', which means 'Christ's Mass'. The holiday has roots in both Christian and ancient pagan traditions. It was first mentioned in the 11th century, but the celebration of December 25 as the birth date of Jesus became widely accepted by the 4th century. Early Christians adopted and adapted many customs of the Pagan winter solstice celebrations, infusing them with Christian meaning. The modern-day observance of Christmas has evolved over centuries, incorporating various cultural practices and festive elements, such as the Christmas tree and Santa Claus, reflecting a blend of Christian and secular influences.