Christmas gift-giving is an ancient tradition that pre-dates the founding of Christianity. While many cultures include deep gift-giving customs, the Christian practice traces its roots back to ancient Rome.
Saturn Connection
Saturnalia was a festival to honor the god Saturn. Initially held on 17 December, in the late republic it grew into a week-long celebration. The carnival-like atmosphere included gambling and banquets where masters served their slaves. The revelers often selected a King of Saturnalia who presided of the festivities. They also exchanged small gifts.
As Christianity grew in popularity, the origins and specifics of Saturnalia were conveniently altered. While that didn’t happen overnight, the formal declaration of 25 December as the birthday of Jesus by Pope Julius I hastened the transformation.
Middle Ages
Christmas during the Middle Ages bore a conspicuous similarity to Saturnalia. The partying included drinking, overeating, and gambling. While specifics varied a great deal, in some towns the clergy even took on serving roles like the reversals in Saturnalia. Early in the Renaissance, many regions selected a Lord of Misrule to preside of the Feast of Fools at Christmas.
The Reformation changed things. The Puritans banned the Lord of Misrule and many of the over the top festival activities. For the next several centuries Christmas remained a more somber and reflective holiday. Our current celebrations began with the Christmas revival of the mid-nineteenth century. Led by Dickens in the UK and Clement Moore in the US, novels and poems promoted a family friendly holiday. Still traceable to Saturnalia, but with a stronger emphasis on gift-giving than riotous revelry.
Gift-Givers
As with many other aspects of Christmas celebrations, the traditions of gift-giving changed through the years. Initially, they were given near Saint Nicholas Day (6 December) or right after the new year. The early date is tied to the story of a 4th century bishop renowned for gift-giving. While the January date reflects the story of the Biblical Magi bringing gifts to the baby Jesus.
The mix of local traditions, Christianity, and other myths played a crucial role in the identity of the gift-bringer. Which finally brings us to our featured map.
I hope you enjoyed this post and that you and yours enjoy a wonderful holiday season. As always thanks for reading.
Armen
Note to Pay the Bills: The books in the Misaligned Series aren’t Christmas stories, but Celtic holidays and traditions do play important roles. How do Celtic myths and theoretical physics fit into a Young Adult fantasy series? Learn more by reading a summary of the series here and find links to purchase books here.