(ThyBlackMan.com) From Egypt to Germany, Italy to Idaho, Christmas has been celebrated in different forms. America is the first to turn this ‘pagan’ holiday into an orgy of consumption. The origins of this holiday full of gift-giving and an overweight senior citizen who can fit through thin chimneys and travel around America in one night do not derive from Christianity nor the Bible, although many Christians don’t realize that. Christmas is not a celebration mentioned in scripture nor was it spoken of by the followers of Christ. Christmas pre-dates Christianity by thousands of years, originally celebrated by Egyptians whom Christians would have disdained and identified as pagans. The problem I have with Christmas is not the celebration but the ignorance of those who celebrate this commercial holiday. Millions of Americans feel pressured to engage in an expensive holiday, burdened by guilt and shame if they are unable to crowd the base of the Christmas tree. Companies depend on this time of year to solidify profits from an ignorant, debt-enslaved population.
The Christmas celebrated in America is supposed to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ, who Christians believe was born on December 25. If Jesus did exist, there is no documentation that solidifies his birth occuring on December 25; nowhere in the Bible is there reference to the date of the birth of Jesus. Inconsistencies continue when people celebrate the life of a man/deity whose life shunned worldly possessions with unfettered consumption. Some will argue and say Christ provided the gift of eternal life, or we are replicating the actions of the three kings, so we celebrate by purchasing overpriced products made in oppressive conditions in third world countries as a gesture of giving.
Would it not be more Christ-like to give excess to those in need of necessities in life? How are you honoring the life of Christ by purchasing another toy or video game for children who already have plenty? How are you celebrating a man who supposedly sacrificed his life by purchasing items on credit, only to have anxiety about how you will pay off credit card debt? Why are parents lying to their children, giving credit to an obese Caucasian man in a red suit, for the gifts they worked and toiled to provide?
The culture of Christmas celebrated in America did not derive from Christianity, biblical text, or ancient folklore, but the mechanism that controls every aspect of our existence, corporations. Yes it is true that Christmas is a melting pot of celebrations from societies across the world, though it was Coca-Cola that got Americans unified on the image and spirit of Christmas.
SANTA CLAUS
The first Santa predates Christ and Christianity by thousands of years. This folklore derives from a Scandinavian god named Odin, who rode around the world during the midwinter season delivering not gifts, but rewards and punishments to the righteous and unrighteous.
The Christian origin of Santa Claus derives from a mythical figure Nikolaos of Myra also known as Nikolaos the Wonderworker. Legends speak of him exhibiting immense kindness and generosity to children, even reviving the lives of the deceased, accomplishing hundreds of resurrections. Six hundred years after his death it was the Russian emperor who canonized St. Nicholas, making him a saint of Russia.
Since the 1930s Coca-Cola has been advertising to children with the intention of securing a lifelong customer. The artist responsible for creating the image of Santa we celebrate today is man named Haddon Sundblom. The image depicted an elderly, Caucasian, plump, jolly, gift-giver, who stayed hydrated on Coca-Cola while bringing joy to children. Their strategy to compete with beer and liquor companies was groundbreaking, resulting in America adopting the image of Santa created by a soda company. Santa worked strenuous hours delivering gifts to well-behaved children across the world and it was Coca-Cola he used to fuel his grueling task.
GIFT GIVING
Before there was a Christmas shopping season, extended hours at department stores, maxed credit cards, and disappointed children on Christmas morning, the concept of gift giving on Christmas derived from the Roman adoption of Egyptian celebrations. Egyptians were sun worshippers who in midwinter celebrated Isis, the mother of the sun god Horus. Saturnalia was a Roman festival worshiping Saturn, the god of agriculture, that took place in December. The giving came from the wealthy giving to the poor. Early Christians who adopted such practices were chastised by leaders of the church for adopting pagan practices. It was not until the 12th century that Christian Europeans began exchanging gifts, though doing so on another day, not Christmas.
As one can see, Christmas’ origins are not biblical or American. Christmas in America is a fusion of cultural folklore from Africa and Europe, brought to America by Europeans who themselves were split on their view of the practice of Christmas as pagan. With that said, one should ask themselves, whether Christian or not, “Should I still celebrate this holiday of consumption?” The origins derive from ancient peoples, used by a religion that views the originators of the holiday as pagan. Corporations have played on the emotions of overworked parents, making them feel their parenting is inadequate if they do not purchase their children the latest electronic, play-thing, or clothing being sold.
Historically Christmas has experienced numerous revisions. It seems as if it is time for another modification. Our generation can change the focus from a celebration of consumption into one of reflection and giving the gift of friendship, love, and support. We can create a holiday during which self-centered children no longer race downstairs to see what ‘they’ have received, but contemplate what they can give to those without. People will no longer walk into work bragging about what they received, but be filled with gratitude for what they have and what they gave to the less fortunate. Wishing everyone strength and courage this holiday season to do away with mindless consumption, and engage in much-needed giving.
Strength to strength…
Staff Writer; Linton Hinds Jr.
Official website; http://Livity.info/
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