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	== Etymology ==		== Etymology ==
	{{See also\|Christ (title)}}		{{See also\|Christ (title)}}
	The English word ''Christmas'' is a shortened form of 'Christ's [[Mass (liturgy)\|Mass]]'.<ref>{{cite web \|title=Christmas \|url=https://www.etymonline.com/word/Christmas \|date=December 20, 2020 \|publisher=[[Online Etymology Dictionary]] \|language=en}}</ref> The word is recorded as {{lang\|ang\|Crīstesmæsse}} in 1038 and {{lang\|ang\|Cristes-messe}} in 1131.<ref name="CathChrit">{{Cite encyclopedia \|year=1908 \|title=Christmas \|encyclopedia=[[The Catholic Encyclopedia]] \|publisher=Robert Appleton Company \|location=New York \|last=Martindale \|first=Cyril Charles \|volume=3}}</ref> {{lang\|ang\|Crīst}} ([[genitive case\|genitive]] {{lang\|ang\|Crīstes}}) is from the [[Koine ~~Greek\|~~Greek]] {{lang\|grc\|Χριστός}} ({{transliteration\|grc\|Khrīstos\|lit=Christ}}, 'Christ'), a translation of the [[Biblical Hebrew language\|Hebrew]] {{lang\|hbo\|{{Script/Hebrew\|מָשִׁיחַ}}}} ({{transliteration\|hbo\|Māšîaḥ}}, '[[Messiah]]'), meaning 'anointed';<ref>{{cite book\|title=God's human face: the Christ-icon \|first=Christoph \|last=Schoenborn \|year=1994 \|isbn=978-0-89870-514-0 \|page=154\|publisher=Ignatius Press }}</ref><ref>{{cite book\|title=Sinai and the Monastery of St. Catherine \|first=John \|last=Galey \|year=1986 \|isbn=978-977-424-118-5 \|page=92\|publisher=American University in Cairo Press }}</ref> and {{lang\|ang\|mæsse}} is from the [[Latin]] {{lang\|la\|missa}}, the celebration of the [[Eucharist]].<ref>{{Cite web\|title=Christmas {{!}} Origin, Definition, Traditions, History, & Facts {{!}} Britannica\|url=https://www.britannica.com/topic/Christmas\|access-date=December 22, 2021\|website=www.britannica.com\|language=en}}</ref>		The English word ''Christmas'' is a shortened form of 'Christ's [[Mass (liturgy)\|Mass]]'.<ref>{{cite web \|title=Christmas \|url=https://www.etymonline.com/word/Christmas \|date=December 20, 2020 \|publisher=[[Online Etymology Dictionary]] \|language=en}}</ref> The word is recorded as {{lang\|ang\|Crīstesmæsse}} in 1038 and {{lang\|ang\|Cristes-messe}} in 1131.<ref name="CathChrit">{{Cite encyclopedia \|year=1908 \|title=Christmas \|encyclopedia=[[The Catholic Encyclopedia]] \|publisher=Robert Appleton Company \|location=New York \|last=Martindale \|first=Cyril Charles \|volume=3}}</ref> {{lang\|ang\|Crīst}} ([[genitive case\|genitive]] {{lang\|ang\|Crīstes}}) is from the [[Koine Greek]] {{lang\|grc\|Χριστός}} ({{transliteration\|grc\|Khrīstos\|lit=Christ}}, 'Christ'), a translation of the [[Biblical Hebrew language\|Hebrew]] {{lang\|hbo\|{{Script/Hebrew\|מָשִׁיחַ}}}} ({{transliteration\|hbo\|Māšîaḥ}}, '[[Messiah]]'), meaning 'anointed';<ref>{{cite book\|title=God's human face: the Christ-icon \|first=Christoph \|last=Schoenborn \|year=1994 \|isbn=978-0-89870-514-0 \|page=154\|publisher=Ignatius Press }}</ref><ref>{{cite book\|title=Sinai and the Monastery of St. Catherine \|first=John \|last=Galey \|year=1986 \|isbn=978-977-424-118-5 \|page=92\|publisher=American University in Cairo Press }}</ref> and {{lang\|ang\|mæsse}} is from the [[Latin]] {{lang\|la\|missa}}, the celebration of the [[Eucharist]].<ref>{{Cite web\|title=Christmas {{!}} Origin, Definition, Traditions, History, & Facts {{!}} Britannica\|url=https://www.britannica.com/topic/Christmas\|access-date=December 22, 2021\|website=www.britannica.com\|language=en}}</ref>

	The form ''Christenmas'' was also used during some periods, but is now considered archaic.<ref>''Christenmas, n.'', ''[[Oxford English Dictionary]]''. Retrieved December 12.</ref> The term derives from [[Middle English]] {{lang\|enm\|Cristenmasse}}.<ref name=XMED>"Christmas" in the [http://quod.lib.umich.edu/cgi/m/mec/med-idx?type=id&id=MED10371 Middle English Dictionary.] {{Webarchive\|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120105230344/http://quod.lib.umich.edu/cgi/m/mec/med-idx?type=id&id=MED10371 \|date=January 5, 2012 }}</ref> ''[[Xmas]]'' is an abbreviation of ''Christmas'', particularly in print, based on the initial letter [[chi (letter)\|chi]] (Χ) in the Greek {{lang\|grc\|Χριστός (Christ)}}, although some [[style guide]]s discourage its use.<ref>{{Cite news \|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/magazine/4097755.stm \|title=Why get cross about Xmas? \|last=Griffiths \|first=Emma \|date=December 22, 2004 \|work=BBC News \|access-date=December 12, 2011 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111111050419/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/magazine/4097755.stm \|archive-date=November 11, 2011 \|url-status=live }}</ref> This abbreviation has a precedent in Middle English ''{{lang\|enm\|Χρ̄es masse}}'' (where ''{{lang\|enm\|Χρ̄}}'' is another abbreviation of the Greek word).<ref name=XMED />		The form ''Christenmas'' was also used during some periods, but is now considered archaic.<ref>''Christenmas, n.'', ''[[Oxford English Dictionary]]''. Retrieved December 12.</ref> The term derives from [[Middle English]] {{lang\|enm\|Cristenmasse}}.<ref name=XMED>"Christmas" in the [http://quod.lib.umich.edu/cgi/m/mec/med-idx?type=id&id=MED10371 Middle English Dictionary.] {{Webarchive\|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120105230344/http://quod.lib.umich.edu/cgi/m/mec/med-idx?type=id&id=MED10371 \|date=January 5, 2012 }}</ref> ''[[Xmas]]'' is an abbreviation of ''Christmas'', particularly in print, based on the initial letter [[chi (letter)\|chi]] (Χ) in the Greek {{lang\|grc\|Χριστός (Christ)}}, although some [[style guide]]s discourage its use.<ref>{{Cite news \|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/magazine/4097755.stm \|title=Why get cross about Xmas? \|last=Griffiths \|first=Emma \|date=December 22, 2004 \|work=BBC News \|access-date=December 12, 2011 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111111050419/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/magazine/4097755.stm \|archive-date=November 11, 2011 \|url-status=live }}</ref> This abbreviation has a precedent in Middle English ''{{lang\|enm\|Χρ̄es masse}}'' (where ''{{lang\|enm\|Χρ̄}}'' is another abbreviation of the Greek word).<ref name=XMED />
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	[[File:Panettone - Nicolettone 2017 - IMG 7085 (31752542285).jpg\|thumb\|[[Panettone]]]]		[[File:Panettone - Nicolettone 2017 - IMG 7085 (31752542285).jpg\|thumb\|[[Panettone]]]]

	A special [[Christmas dinner\|Christmas family meal]] is traditionally an important part of the holiday's celebration, and the food served varies greatly from country to country. Some regions have special meals for Christmas Eve, such as [[Sicily]], where 12 kinds of fish are served. In the United Kingdom and countries influenced by its traditions, a standard Christmas meal includes turkey, goose or other large bird, gravy, potatoes, vegetables, sometimes bread, and ~~cider~~. Special desserts are also prepared, such as [[Christmas pudding]], [[mince pie]]s, [[fruit cake]] and [[Yule log (cake)\|Yule log cake]].<ref>Broomfield, Andrea (2007), [https://books.google.com/books?id=fJ_JDp9OgJEC&pg=PA149&dq=christmas+pudding+england ''Food and Cooking in Victorian England: A History''], Greenwood Publishing Group, 2007, pp. 149–150.</ref><ref>Muir, Frank (1977), ''Christmas customs & traditions'', Taplinger Pub. Co., 1977, p. 58.</ref>		A special [[Christmas dinner\|Christmas family meal]] is traditionally an important part of the holiday's celebration, and the food served varies greatly from country to country. Some regions have special meals for Christmas Eve, such as [[Sicily]], where 12 kinds of fish are served. In the United Kingdom and countries influenced by its traditions, a standard Christmas meal includes turkey, goose or other large bird, gravy, potatoes, vegetables, sometimes bread, cider, and, in more recent decades, [[nut roast]].<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Borny \|first=Lois \|date=2025-12-18 \|title=Best supermarket Christmas food to elevate your festive dining in 2025 \|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/extras/indybest/christmasgifts/best-christmas-food-supermarket-food-b2886898.html \|access-date=2026-04-25 \|website=The Independent \|language=en}}</ref> Special desserts are also prepared, such as [[Christmas pudding]], [[mince pie]]s, [[fruit cake]] and [[Yule log (cake)\|Yule log cake]].<ref>Broomfield, Andrea (2007), [https://books.google.com/books?id=fJ_JDp9OgJEC&pg=PA149&dq=christmas+pudding+england ''Food and Cooking in Victorian England: A History''], Greenwood Publishing Group, 2007, pp. 149–150.</ref><ref>Muir, Frank (1977), ''Christmas customs & traditions'', Taplinger Pub. Co., 1977, p. 58.</ref>

	In Poland and Scandinavia, fish is often used for the traditional main course, but richer meat such as lamb is increasingly served. In Sweden, it is common with a special variety of [[smörgåsbord]], where ham, meatballs, and herring play a prominent role. In Germany, France, and Austria, goose and pork are favored. Beef, ham, and chicken in various recipes are popular worldwide. The [[Maltese people\|Maltese]] traditionally serve ''[[Imbuljuta tal-Qastan]]'',<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://schoolnet.gov.mt/HelloEurope/activities/recepies/imbuljuta.html \|title=Imbuljuta \|publisher=Schoolnet.gov.mt \|access-date=February 3, 2012 \|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120122070634/http://schoolnet.gov.mt/HelloEurope/activities/recepies/imbuljuta.html \|archive-date=January 22, 2012 }}</ref> a chocolate and chestnuts beverage, after [[Midnight Mass]] and throughout the Christmas season. Slovenes prepare the traditional Christmas bread [[potica]], ''[[bûche de Noël]]'' in France, ''[[panettone]]'' in Italy, and elaborate tarts and cakes. ''Panettone'', an [[Italian cuisine\|Italian]] type of [[List of sweet breads\|sweet bread]] and [[fruitcake]], originally from [[Milan]], Italy, usually prepared and enjoyed for Christmas and [[New Year]] in [[Western Europe\|Western]], [[Southern Europe\|Southern]], and [[Southeast Europe\|Southeastern Europe]], as well as in [[South America]], [[Eritrea]],<ref>{{Cite web \| url=http://www.madote.com/2016/01/christmas-in-eritrea.html \| title=Christmas in Eritrea}}</ref> Australia and North America.<ref>{{cite web \|url= http://www.ansa.it/canale_terraegusto/notizie/prodotti_tipici/2017/12/04/negli-usa-tutti-pazzi-per-il-panettone-e-boom-vendite_b653dfb9-ec37-43c9-99bd-345a4abf1af0.html \|title= Negli Usa tutti pazzi per il panettone, è boom vendite \|language=it \|website=Ansa\|date= 4 December 2017 }}</ref>		In Poland and Scandinavia, fish is often used for the traditional main course, but richer meat such as lamb is increasingly served. In Sweden, it is common with a special variety of [[smörgåsbord]], where ham, meatballs, and herring play a prominent role. In Germany, France, and Austria, goose and pork are favored. Beef, ham, and chicken in various recipes are popular worldwide. The [[Maltese people\|Maltese]] traditionally serve ''[[Imbuljuta tal-Qastan]]'',<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://schoolnet.gov.mt/HelloEurope/activities/recepies/imbuljuta.html \|title=Imbuljuta \|publisher=Schoolnet.gov.mt \|access-date=February 3, 2012 \|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120122070634/http://schoolnet.gov.mt/HelloEurope/activities/recepies/imbuljuta.html \|archive-date=January 22, 2012 }}</ref> a chocolate and chestnuts beverage, after [[Midnight Mass]] and throughout the Christmas season. Slovenes prepare the traditional Christmas bread [[potica]], ''[[bûche de Noël]]'' in France, ''[[panettone]]'' in Italy, and elaborate tarts and cakes. ''Panettone'', an [[Italian cuisine\|Italian]] type of [[List of sweet breads\|sweet bread]] and [[fruitcake]], originally from [[Milan]], Italy, usually prepared and enjoyed for Christmas and [[New Year]] in [[Western Europe\|Western]], [[Southern Europe\|Southern]], and [[Southeast Europe\|Southeastern Europe]], as well as in [[South America]], [[Eritrea]],<ref>{{Cite web \| url=http://www.madote.com/2016/01/christmas-in-eritrea.html \| title=Christmas in Eritrea}}</ref> Australia and North America.<ref>{{cite web \|url= http://www.ansa.it/canale_terraegusto/notizie/prodotti_tipici/2017/12/04/negli-usa-tutti-pazzi-per-il-panettone-e-boom-vendite_b653dfb9-ec37-43c9-99bd-345a4abf1af0.html \|title= Negli Usa tutti pazzi per il panettone, è boom vendite \|language=it \|website=Ansa\|date= 4 December 2017 }}</ref>
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	{{main\|Date of the birth of Jesus#Day of birth}}		{{main\|Date of the birth of Jesus#Day of birth}}

	There are several theories as to why December 25 was chosen as the date for Christmas. However, according to theology professor Susan Roll, liturgical historians agree that it was linked in some way with "the sun, the winter solstice and the popularity of solar worship in the later Roman Empire".<ref name="Roll107">Roll, Susan K. ''Toward the Origins of Christmas''. Peeters Publishers, 1995, p. 107.</ref> In Roman tradition, December 25 was deemed to be the [[winter solstice]] and March 25 the [[March equinox\|spring equinox]], dates that retained significance despite Julian calendar drift.<ref name="Talley1991" /><ref name=":2">{{Cite book \|last=Salzman \|first=Michele Renee \|title=On Roman Time: The Codex-Calendar of 354 and the Rhythms of Urban Life in Late Antiquity \|publisher=University of California Press \|year=1990}}{{page needed\|date=December 2025}}</ref> Greco-Roman writers in the second and third centuries called December 25 the birth day of the Sun.<ref>{{cite book \|last1=Beck \|first1=Roger \|title=The Religion of the Mithras Cult in the Roman Empire: Mysteries of the Unconquered Sun \|date=2006 \|publisher=Oxford University Press \|pages=209–210, 254}}</ref><ref>[[Censorinus]], ''The Natal Day'', trans. by W. Maude. Cambridge Encyclopedia Co., 1900. p.33</ref> The early Church linked Jesus to the Sun and referred to him as the 'true Sun' or 'Sun of Righteousness'.<ref name=hijmans>Hijmans, S.E., ''Sol: The Sun in the Art and Religions of Rome,'' 2009, p. 584.</ref> In the early fifth century, [[Augustine of Hippo]] and [[Maximus of Turin]] preached that it was fitting to celebrate Christ's birth at the winter solstice, because it marked the point when the hours of daylight begin to grow.<ref>Roll, p. 160</ref><ref>St Augustune, Sermon 192, in ''St Augustine: Sermons on the Liturgical Seasons'', translated by Sr Mary Sarah Muldowney. [[Catholic University of America Press]], 1984, p. 34</ref> The use of solar imagery for Christ is understood as part of broader cosmological symbolism in late antiquity, and may not have been direct cultic borrowing.<ref name="Talley1991" /><ref name=":2" /><ref name=":3" />		There are several theories as to why December 25 was chosen as the date for Christmas. However, according to theology professor Susan Roll, liturgical historians agree that it was linked in some way with "the sun, the winter solstice and the popularity of solar worship in the later Roman Empire".<ref name="Roll107">Roll, Susan K. ''Toward the Origins of Christmas''. Peeters Publishers, 1995, p. 107.</ref> In Roman tradition, December 25 was deemed to be the [[winter solstice]] and March 25 the [[March equinox\|spring equinox]], dates that retained significance despite Julian calendar drift.<ref name="Talley1991" /><ref name=":2">{{Cite book \|last=Salzman \|first=Michele Renee \|title=On Roman Time: The Codex-Calendar of 354 and the Rhythms of Urban Life in Late Antiquity \|publisher=University of California Press \|year=1990\|isbn=0520065662}}{{page needed\|date=December 2025}}</ref> Greco-Roman writers in the second and third centuries called December 25 the birth day of the Sun.<ref>{{cite book \|last1=Beck \|first1=Roger \|title=The Religion of the Mithras Cult in the Roman Empire: Mysteries of the Unconquered Sun \|date=2006 \|publisher=Oxford University Press \|pages=209–210, 254}}</ref><ref>[[Censorinus]], ''The Natal Day'', trans. by W. Maude. Cambridge Encyclopedia Co., 1900. p.33</ref> The early Church linked Jesus to the Sun and referred to him as the 'true Sun' or 'Sun of Righteousness'.<ref name=hijmans>Hijmans, S.E., ''Sol: The Sun in the Art and Religions of Rome,'' 2009, p. 584.</ref> In the early fifth century, [[Augustine of Hippo]] and [[Maximus of Turin]] preached that it was fitting to celebrate Christ's birth at the winter solstice, because it marked the point when the hours of daylight begin to grow.<ref>Roll, p. 160</ref><ref>St Augustune, Sermon 192, in ''St Augustine: Sermons on the Liturgical Seasons'', translated by Sr Mary Sarah Muldowney. [[Catholic University of America Press]], 1984, p. 34</ref> The use of solar imagery for Christ is understood as part of broader cosmological symbolism in late antiquity, and may not have been direct cultic borrowing.<ref name="Talley1991" /><ref name=":2" /><ref name=":3" />

	The [[Date of the birth of Jesus#History of religions hypothesis\|'history of religions' or 'substitution' theory]] proposes that the Church chose December 25 as Christ's birthday ({{lang\|la\|dies Natalis Christi}})<ref>Kelly, Joseph F., ''The Origins of Christmas'', Liturgical Press, p. 80</ref> to appropriate the Roman winter solstice festival {{lang\|la\|dies Natalis Solis Invicti}}, the birthday of the god {{lang\|la\|[[Sol Invictus]]}} (the 'Invincible Sun'). It had been held on this date since 274 AD; before the earliest evidence of Christmas on December 25.<ref name="Forsythe"/><ref name="Bradshaw"/> Professor Gary Forsythe says that the {{lang\|la\|Natalis Solis Invicti}} followed "the seven-day period of the {{lang\|la\|[[Saturnalia]]}} (December 17–23), Rome's most joyous holiday season since [[Roman Republic\|Republican times]], characterized by parties, banquets, and exchanges of gifts".<ref name="Forsythe"/> Roll says that "the specific nature of the relation" between Christmas and the ''Natalis Solis Invicti'' has not yet been "conclusively proven from extant texts".<ref name="Roll107"/>		The [[Date of the birth of Jesus#History of religions hypothesis\|'history of religions' or 'substitution' theory]] proposes that the Church chose December 25 as Christ's birthday ({{lang\|la\|dies Natalis Christi}})<ref>Kelly, Joseph F., ''The Origins of Christmas'', Liturgical Press, p. 80</ref> to appropriate the Roman winter solstice festival {{lang\|la\|dies Natalis Solis Invicti}}, the birthday of the god {{lang\|la\|[[Sol Invictus]]}} (the 'Invincible Sun'). It had been held on this date since 274 AD; before the earliest evidence of Christmas on December 25.<ref name="Forsythe"/><ref name="Bradshaw"/> Professor Gary Forsythe says that the {{lang\|la\|Natalis Solis Invicti}} followed "the seven-day period of the {{lang\|la\|[[Saturnalia]]}} (December 17–23), Rome's most joyous holiday season since [[Roman Republic\|Republican times]], characterized by parties, banquets, and exchanges of gifts".<ref name="Forsythe"/> Roll says that "the specific nature of the relation" between Christmas and the ''Natalis Solis Invicti'' has not yet been "conclusively proven from extant texts".<ref name="Roll107"/>

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	{{other uses\|Christmas (disambiguation)\|Christmas Day (disambiguation)}}		{{other uses\|Christmas (disambiguation)\|Christmas Day (disambiguation)}}
	~~{{pp-protected\|reason=See previous logs\|small=yes}}~~
	{{short description\|Holiday originating in Christianity, usually December 25}}		{{short description\|Holiday originating in Christianity, usually December 25}}
	{{Use mdy dates\|date=December 2020}}		{{Use mdy dates\|date=December 2020}}

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← Older revision		Revision as of 00:51, 5 May 2026
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	== Etymology ==		== Etymology ==
	{{See also\|Christ (title)}}		{{See also\|Christ (title)}}
	The English word ''Christmas'' is a shortened form of 'Christ's [[Mass (liturgy)\|Mass]]'.<ref>{{cite web \|title=Christmas \|url=https://www.etymonline.com/word/Christmas \|date=December 20, 2020 \|publisher=[[Online Etymology Dictionary]] \|language=en}}</ref> The word is recorded as {{lang\|ang\|Crīstesmæsse}} in 1038 and {{lang\|ang\|Cristes-messe}} in 1131.<ref name="CathChrit">{{Cite encyclopedia \|year=1908 \|title=Christmas \|encyclopedia=[[The Catholic Encyclopedia]] \|publisher=Robert Appleton Company \|location=New York \|last=Martindale \|first=Cyril Charles \|volume=3}}</ref> {{lang\|ang\|Crīst}} ([[genitive case\|genitive]] {{lang\|ang\|Crīstes}}) is from the [[Koine ~~Greek\|~~Greek]] {{lang\|grc\|Χριστός}} ({{transliteration\|grc\|Khrīstos\|lit=Christ}}, 'Christ'), a translation of the [[Biblical Hebrew language\|Hebrew]] {{lang\|hbo\|{{Script/Hebrew\|מָשִׁיחַ}}}} ({{transliteration\|hbo\|Māšîaḥ}}, '[[Messiah]]'), meaning 'anointed';<ref>{{cite book\|title=God's human face: the Christ-icon \|first=Christoph \|last=Schoenborn \|year=1994 \|isbn=978-0-89870-514-0 \|page=154\|publisher=Ignatius Press }}</ref><ref>{{cite book\|title=Sinai and the Monastery of St. Catherine \|first=John \|last=Galey \|year=1986 \|isbn=978-977-424-118-5 \|page=92\|publisher=American University in Cairo Press }}</ref> and {{lang\|ang\|mæsse}} is from the [[Latin]] {{lang\|la\|missa}}, the celebration of the [[Eucharist]].<ref>{{Cite web\|title=Christmas {{!}} Origin, Definition, Traditions, History, & Facts {{!}} Britannica\|url=https://www.britannica.com/topic/Christmas\|access-date=December 22, 2021\|website=www.britannica.com\|language=en}}</ref>		The English word ''Christmas'' is a shortened form of 'Christ's [[Mass (liturgy)\|Mass]]'.<ref>{{cite web \|title=Christmas \|url=https://www.etymonline.com/word/Christmas \|date=December 20, 2020 \|publisher=[[Online Etymology Dictionary]] \|language=en}}</ref> The word is recorded as {{lang\|ang\|Crīstesmæsse}} in 1038 and {{lang\|ang\|Cristes-messe}} in 1131.<ref name="CathChrit">{{Cite encyclopedia \|year=1908 \|title=Christmas \|encyclopedia=[[The Catholic Encyclopedia]] \|publisher=Robert Appleton Company \|location=New York \|last=Martindale \|first=Cyril Charles \|volume=3}}</ref> {{lang\|ang\|Crīst}} ([[genitive case\|genitive]] {{lang\|ang\|Crīstes}}) is from the [[Koine Greek]] {{lang\|grc\|Χριστός}} ({{transliteration\|grc\|Khrīstos\|lit=Christ}}, 'Christ'), a translation of the [[Biblical Hebrew language\|Hebrew]] {{lang\|hbo\|{{Script/Hebrew\|מָשִׁיחַ}}}} ({{transliteration\|hbo\|Māšîaḥ}}, '[[Messiah]]'), meaning 'anointed';<ref>{{cite book\|title=God's human face: the Christ-icon \|first=Christoph \|last=Schoenborn \|year=1994 \|isbn=978-0-89870-514-0 \|page=154\|publisher=Ignatius Press }}</ref><ref>{{cite book\|title=Sinai and the Monastery of St. Catherine \|first=John \|last=Galey \|year=1986 \|isbn=978-977-424-118-5 \|page=92\|publisher=American University in Cairo Press }}</ref> and {{lang\|ang\|mæsse}} is from the [[Latin]] {{lang\|la\|missa}}, the celebration of the [[Eucharist]].<ref>{{Cite web\|title=Christmas {{!}} Origin, Definition, Traditions, History, & Facts {{!}} Britannica\|url=https://www.britannica.com/topic/Christmas\|access-date=December 22, 2021\|website=www.britannica.com\|language=en}}</ref>

	The form ''Christenmas'' was also used during some periods, but is now considered archaic.<ref>''Christenmas, n.'', ''[[Oxford English Dictionary]]''. Retrieved December 12.</ref> The term derives from [[Middle English]] {{lang\|enm\|Cristenmasse}}.<ref name=XMED>"Christmas" in the [http://quod.lib.umich.edu/cgi/m/mec/med-idx?type=id&id=MED10371 Middle English Dictionary.] {{Webarchive\|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120105230344/http://quod.lib.umich.edu/cgi/m/mec/med-idx?type=id&id=MED10371 \|date=January 5, 2012 }}</ref> ''[[Xmas]]'' is an abbreviation of ''Christmas'', particularly in print, based on the initial letter [[chi (letter)\|chi]] (Χ) in the Greek {{lang\|grc\|Χριστός (Christ)}}, although some [[style guide]]s discourage its use.<ref>{{Cite news \|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/magazine/4097755.stm \|title=Why get cross about Xmas? \|last=Griffiths \|first=Emma \|date=December 22, 2004 \|work=BBC News \|access-date=December 12, 2011 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111111050419/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/magazine/4097755.stm \|archive-date=November 11, 2011 \|url-status=live }}</ref> This abbreviation has a precedent in Middle English ''{{lang\|enm\|Χρ̄es masse}}'' (where ''{{lang\|enm\|Χρ̄}}'' is another abbreviation of the Greek word).<ref name=XMED />		The form ''Christenmas'' was also used during some periods, but is now considered archaic.<ref>''Christenmas, n.'', ''[[Oxford English Dictionary]]''. Retrieved December 12.</ref> The term derives from [[Middle English]] {{lang\|enm\|Cristenmasse}}.<ref name=XMED>"Christmas" in the [http://quod.lib.umich.edu/cgi/m/mec/med-idx?type=id&id=MED10371 Middle English Dictionary.] {{Webarchive\|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120105230344/http://quod.lib.umich.edu/cgi/m/mec/med-idx?type=id&id=MED10371 \|date=January 5, 2012 }}</ref> ''[[Xmas]]'' is an abbreviation of ''Christmas'', particularly in print, based on the initial letter [[chi (letter)\|chi]] (Χ) in the Greek {{lang\|grc\|Χριστός (Christ)}}, although some [[style guide]]s discourage its use.<ref>{{Cite news \|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/magazine/4097755.stm \|title=Why get cross about Xmas? \|last=Griffiths \|first=Emma \|date=December 22, 2004 \|work=BBC News \|access-date=December 12, 2011 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111111050419/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/magazine/4097755.stm \|archive-date=November 11, 2011 \|url-status=live }}</ref> This abbreviation has a precedent in Middle English ''{{lang\|enm\|Χρ̄es masse}}'' (where ''{{lang\|enm\|Χρ̄}}'' is another abbreviation of the Greek word).<ref name=XMED />
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	[[File:Panettone - Nicolettone 2017 - IMG 7085 (31752542285).jpg\|thumb\|[[Panettone]]]]		[[File:Panettone - Nicolettone 2017 - IMG 7085 (31752542285).jpg\|thumb\|[[Panettone]]]]

	A special [[Christmas dinner\|Christmas family meal]] is traditionally an important part of the holiday's celebration, and the food served varies greatly from country to country. Some regions have special meals for Christmas Eve, such as [[Sicily]], where 12 kinds of fish are served. In the United Kingdom and countries influenced by its traditions, a standard Christmas meal includes turkey, goose or other large bird, gravy, potatoes, vegetables, sometimes bread, and ~~cider~~. Special desserts are also prepared, such as [[Christmas pudding]], [[mince pie]]s, [[fruit cake]] and [[Yule log (cake)\|Yule log cake]].<ref>Broomfield, Andrea (2007), [https://books.google.com/books?id=fJ_JDp9OgJEC&pg=PA149&dq=christmas+pudding+england ''Food and Cooking in Victorian England: A History''], Greenwood Publishing Group, 2007, pp. 149–150.</ref><ref>Muir, Frank (1977), ''Christmas customs & traditions'', Taplinger Pub. Co., 1977, p. 58.</ref>		A special [[Christmas dinner\|Christmas family meal]] is traditionally an important part of the holiday's celebration, and the food served varies greatly from country to country. Some regions have special meals for Christmas Eve, such as [[Sicily]], where 12 kinds of fish are served. In the United Kingdom and countries influenced by its traditions, a standard Christmas meal includes turkey, goose or other large bird, gravy, potatoes, vegetables, sometimes bread, cider, and, in more recent decades, [[nut roast]].<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Borny \|first=Lois \|date=2025-12-18 \|title=Best supermarket Christmas food to elevate your festive dining in 2025 \|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/extras/indybest/christmasgifts/best-christmas-food-supermarket-food-b2886898.html \|access-date=2026-04-25 \|website=The Independent \|language=en}}</ref> Special desserts are also prepared, such as [[Christmas pudding]], [[mince pie]]s, [[fruit cake]] and [[Yule log (cake)\|Yule log cake]].<ref>Broomfield, Andrea (2007), [https://books.google.com/books?id=fJ_JDp9OgJEC&pg=PA149&dq=christmas+pudding+england ''Food and Cooking in Victorian England: A History''], Greenwood Publishing Group, 2007, pp. 149–150.</ref><ref>Muir, Frank (1977), ''Christmas customs & traditions'', Taplinger Pub. Co., 1977, p. 58.</ref>

	In Poland and Scandinavia, fish is often used for the traditional main course, but richer meat such as lamb is increasingly served. In Sweden, it is common with a special variety of [[smörgåsbord]], where ham, meatballs, and herring play a prominent role. In Germany, France, and Austria, goose and pork are favored. Beef, ham, and chicken in various recipes are popular worldwide. The [[Maltese people\|Maltese]] traditionally serve ''[[Imbuljuta tal-Qastan]]'',<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://schoolnet.gov.mt/HelloEurope/activities/recepies/imbuljuta.html \|title=Imbuljuta \|publisher=Schoolnet.gov.mt \|access-date=February 3, 2012 \|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120122070634/http://schoolnet.gov.mt/HelloEurope/activities/recepies/imbuljuta.html \|archive-date=January 22, 2012 }}</ref> a chocolate and chestnuts beverage, after [[Midnight Mass]] and throughout the Christmas season. Slovenes prepare the traditional Christmas bread [[potica]], ''[[bûche de Noël]]'' in France, ''[[panettone]]'' in Italy, and elaborate tarts and cakes. ''Panettone'', an [[Italian cuisine\|Italian]] type of [[List of sweet breads\|sweet bread]] and [[fruitcake]], originally from [[Milan]], Italy, usually prepared and enjoyed for Christmas and [[New Year]] in [[Western Europe\|Western]], [[Southern Europe\|Southern]], and [[Southeast Europe\|Southeastern Europe]], as well as in [[South America]], [[Eritrea]],<ref>{{Cite web \| url=http://www.madote.com/2016/01/christmas-in-eritrea.html \| title=Christmas in Eritrea}}</ref> Australia and North America.<ref>{{cite web \|url= http://www.ansa.it/canale_terraegusto/notizie/prodotti_tipici/2017/12/04/negli-usa-tutti-pazzi-per-il-panettone-e-boom-vendite_b653dfb9-ec37-43c9-99bd-345a4abf1af0.html \|title= Negli Usa tutti pazzi per il panettone, è boom vendite \|language=it \|website=Ansa\|date= 4 December 2017 }}</ref>		In Poland and Scandinavia, fish is often used for the traditional main course, but richer meat such as lamb is increasingly served. In Sweden, it is common with a special variety of [[smörgåsbord]], where ham, meatballs, and herring play a prominent role. In Germany, France, and Austria, goose and pork are favored. Beef, ham, and chicken in various recipes are popular worldwide. The [[Maltese people\|Maltese]] traditionally serve ''[[Imbuljuta tal-Qastan]]'',<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://schoolnet.gov.mt/HelloEurope/activities/recepies/imbuljuta.html \|title=Imbuljuta \|publisher=Schoolnet.gov.mt \|access-date=February 3, 2012 \|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120122070634/http://schoolnet.gov.mt/HelloEurope/activities/recepies/imbuljuta.html \|archive-date=January 22, 2012 }}</ref> a chocolate and chestnuts beverage, after [[Midnight Mass]] and throughout the Christmas season. Slovenes prepare the traditional Christmas bread [[potica]], ''[[bûche de Noël]]'' in France, ''[[panettone]]'' in Italy, and elaborate tarts and cakes. ''Panettone'', an [[Italian cuisine\|Italian]] type of [[List of sweet breads\|sweet bread]] and [[fruitcake]], originally from [[Milan]], Italy, usually prepared and enjoyed for Christmas and [[New Year]] in [[Western Europe\|Western]], [[Southern Europe\|Southern]], and [[Southeast Europe\|Southeastern Europe]], as well as in [[South America]], [[Eritrea]],<ref>{{Cite web \| url=http://www.madote.com/2016/01/christmas-in-eritrea.html \| title=Christmas in Eritrea}}</ref> Australia and North America.<ref>{{cite web \|url= http://www.ansa.it/canale_terraegusto/notizie/prodotti_tipici/2017/12/04/negli-usa-tutti-pazzi-per-il-panettone-e-boom-vendite_b653dfb9-ec37-43c9-99bd-345a4abf1af0.html \|title= Negli Usa tutti pazzi per il panettone, è boom vendite \|language=it \|website=Ansa\|date= 4 December 2017 }}</ref>
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	{{main\|Date of the birth of Jesus#Day of birth}}		{{main\|Date of the birth of Jesus#Day of birth}}

	There are several theories as to why December 25 was chosen as the date for Christmas. However, according to theology professor Susan Roll, liturgical historians agree that it was linked in some way with "the sun, the winter solstice and the popularity of solar worship in the later Roman Empire".<ref name="Roll107">Roll, Susan K. ''Toward the Origins of Christmas''. Peeters Publishers, 1995, p. 107.</ref> In Roman tradition, December 25 was deemed to be the [[winter solstice]] and March 25 the [[March equinox\|spring equinox]], dates that retained significance despite Julian calendar drift.<ref name="Talley1991" /><ref name=":2">{{Cite book \|last=Salzman \|first=Michele Renee \|title=On Roman Time: The Codex-Calendar of 354 and the Rhythms of Urban Life in Late Antiquity \|publisher=University of California Press \|year=1990}}{{page needed\|date=December 2025}}</ref> Greco-Roman writers in the second and third centuries called December 25 the birth day of the Sun.<ref>{{cite book \|last1=Beck \|first1=Roger \|title=The Religion of the Mithras Cult in the Roman Empire: Mysteries of the Unconquered Sun \|date=2006 \|publisher=Oxford University Press \|pages=209–210, 254}}</ref><ref>[[Censorinus]], ''The Natal Day'', trans. by W. Maude. Cambridge Encyclopedia Co., 1900. p.33</ref> The early Church linked Jesus to the Sun and referred to him as the 'true Sun' or 'Sun of Righteousness'.<ref name=hijmans>Hijmans, S.E., ''Sol: The Sun in the Art and Religions of Rome,'' 2009, p. 584.</ref> In the early fifth century, [[Augustine of Hippo]] and [[Maximus of Turin]] preached that it was fitting to celebrate Christ's birth at the winter solstice, because it marked the point when the hours of daylight begin to grow.<ref>Roll, p. 160</ref><ref>St Augustune, Sermon 192, in ''St Augustine: Sermons on the Liturgical Seasons'', translated by Sr Mary Sarah Muldowney. [[Catholic University of America Press]], 1984, p. 34</ref> The use of solar imagery for Christ is understood as part of broader cosmological symbolism in late antiquity, and may not have been direct cultic borrowing.<ref name="Talley1991" /><ref name=":2" /><ref name=":3" />		There are several theories as to why December 25 was chosen as the date for Christmas. However, according to theology professor Susan Roll, liturgical historians agree that it was linked in some way with "the sun, the winter solstice and the popularity of solar worship in the later Roman Empire".<ref name="Roll107">Roll, Susan K. ''Toward the Origins of Christmas''. Peeters Publishers, 1995, p. 107.</ref> In Roman tradition, December 25 was deemed to be the [[winter solstice]] and March 25 the [[March equinox\|spring equinox]], dates that retained significance despite Julian calendar drift.<ref name="Talley1991" /><ref name=":2">{{Cite book \|last=Salzman \|first=Michele Renee \|title=On Roman Time: The Codex-Calendar of 354 and the Rhythms of Urban Life in Late Antiquity \|publisher=University of California Press \|year=1990\|isbn=0520065662}}{{page needed\|date=December 2025}}</ref> Greco-Roman writers in the second and third centuries called December 25 the birth day of the Sun.<ref>{{cite book \|last1=Beck \|first1=Roger \|title=The Religion of the Mithras Cult in the Roman Empire: Mysteries of the Unconquered Sun \|date=2006 \|publisher=Oxford University Press \|pages=209–210, 254}}</ref><ref>[[Censorinus]], ''The Natal Day'', trans. by W. Maude. Cambridge Encyclopedia Co., 1900. p.33</ref> The early Church linked Jesus to the Sun and referred to him as the 'true Sun' or 'Sun of Righteousness'.<ref name=hijmans>Hijmans, S.E., ''Sol: The Sun in the Art and Religions of Rome,'' 2009, p. 584.</ref> In the early fifth century, [[Augustine of Hippo]] and [[Maximus of Turin]] preached that it was fitting to celebrate Christ's birth at the winter solstice, because it marked the point when the hours of daylight begin to grow.<ref>Roll, p. 160</ref><ref>St Augustune, Sermon 192, in ''St Augustine: Sermons on the Liturgical Seasons'', translated by Sr Mary Sarah Muldowney. [[Catholic University of America Press]], 1984, p. 34</ref> The use of solar imagery for Christ is understood as part of broader cosmological symbolism in late antiquity, and may not have been direct cultic borrowing.<ref name="Talley1991" /><ref name=":2" /><ref name=":3" />

	The [[Date of the birth of Jesus#History of religions hypothesis\|'history of religions' or 'substitution' theory]] proposes that the Church chose December 25 as Christ's birthday ({{lang\|la\|dies Natalis Christi}})<ref>Kelly, Joseph F., ''The Origins of Christmas'', Liturgical Press, p. 80</ref> to appropriate the Roman winter solstice festival {{lang\|la\|dies Natalis Solis Invicti}}, the birthday of the god {{lang\|la\|[[Sol Invictus]]}} (the 'Invincible Sun'). It had been held on this date since 274 AD; before the earliest evidence of Christmas on December 25.<ref name="Forsythe"/><ref name="Bradshaw"/> Professor Gary Forsythe says that the {{lang\|la\|Natalis Solis Invicti}} followed "the seven-day period of the {{lang\|la\|[[Saturnalia]]}} (December 17–23), Rome's most joyous holiday season since [[Roman Republic\|Republican times]], characterized by parties, banquets, and exchanges of gifts".<ref name="Forsythe"/> Roll says that "the specific nature of the relation" between Christmas and the ''Natalis Solis Invicti'' has not yet been "conclusively proven from extant texts".<ref name="Roll107"/>		The [[Date of the birth of Jesus#History of religions hypothesis\|'history of religions' or 'substitution' theory]] proposes that the Church chose December 25 as Christ's birthday ({{lang\|la\|dies Natalis Christi}})<ref>Kelly, Joseph F., ''The Origins of Christmas'', Liturgical Press, p. 80</ref> to appropriate the Roman winter solstice festival {{lang\|la\|dies Natalis Solis Invicti}}, the birthday of the god {{lang\|la\|[[Sol Invictus]]}} (the 'Invincible Sun'). It had been held on this date since 274 AD; before the earliest evidence of Christmas on December 25.<ref name="Forsythe"/><ref name="Bradshaw"/> Professor Gary Forsythe says that the {{lang\|la\|Natalis Solis Invicti}} followed "the seven-day period of the {{lang\|la\|[[Saturnalia]]}} (December 17–23), Rome's most joyous holiday season since [[Roman Republic\|Republican times]], characterized by parties, banquets, and exchanges of gifts".<ref name="Forsythe"/> Roll says that "the specific nature of the relation" between Christmas and the ''Natalis Solis Invicti'' has not yet been "conclusively proven from extant texts".<ref name="Roll107"/>

Christmas - Revision history

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Hoci Mini: Created page with "{{other uses|Christmas (disambiguation)|Christmas Day (disambiguation)}} {{pp-protected|reason=See previous logs|small=yes}} {{short description|Holiday originating in Christi..."