It is widely known that Christmas is the time when Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus. What you might not know is that no one knows for sure when Jesus was really born. So, why is Christmas on December 25th? The answer may have less to do with when Jesus was born and more to do with existing holidays of the time.
Centuries before the arrival of Jesus and Christianity, many Europeans celebrated the winter solstice, when the worst of winter was over. Days would begin to grow longer and the sun would start to shine more and more.
- Scandinavia: Scandinavians celebrated Yule, the winter solstice, on December 21 in celebration of the return of the sun. The people brought home large logs, which they would set on fire. The celebration continued until the log burned out. This could take as many as 12 days.
- Germany: The Germans honored Oden, who the people believed decided who would perish and who would prosper.
- Rome: Romans celebrated Saturnalia, a holiday in honor of Saturn, the god of agriculture. Around the same time, the Roman people celebrated Juvenalia, a feast honoring the children of Rome, on December 25th.
Although evidence exists that would suggest Jesus’ birth occurred in spring, Pope Julius I chose December 25th in an effort to stamp out the pagan holiday of Saturnalia. In a time when Christianity was still in its infancy, this move was done in hopes that Christmas would be popularly embraced.
Mission accomplished. December 25 has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1870.
Christmas, Stocking Stuffers, and Christmas Candy
As we told readers in one of our previous blog posts, “It’s never too early to start thinking about Stocking Stuffers and Christmas Candy,” Christmas and candy go together like peanut butter and jelly or Christmas and Christmas trees. Christmas just isn’t Christmas without stockings filled with candy! Fortunately, Wockenfuss Candies has you covered. We have a wide variety of Christmas candies you are sure to enjoy, from our milk chocolate candy cane pops to mint filled candy straws to milk chocolate foil Santas and so much more!
Our Christmas candy is available online at WockenfussCandies.com and can be shipped to you in 3-6 business days. We also offer pick-up orders, as well.
Happy Holidays!
If you have any questions about Wockenfuss Candies’ wide variety of Christmas Candy, please contact us by calling 1-800-296-4414 or email info@Wockenfusscandies.com. When you’re not savoring our sweets, stay satisfied by following us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and Pinterest!