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Questions tagged [christmas]

Jesus' birth, the events around it, and the festivities the celebrate those events.

While it has been argued that the birth of Jesus may have not taken place in late December, this tag is related to the birth event of Jesus and the celebrations that are associated with this event.

Similarly, while it has been argued that the modern-day Christmas festivals and traditions may be associated with or originated from non-Christian traditions, this tag covers these modern traditions as well.

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Who were the "wise men from the east" (Magi) spoken of in Matthew 2?

I have heard a few ideas about who the wise men from the east were who came to Jesus at his birth (or shortly thereafter) and offered gifts. What are the best theories on this and what evidence is there that supports them? Also, how many wise men…
Narnian
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When is the Christmas Season?

So, Christmas is, of course, on December 25th* . Technically, Advent precedes Christmas, and Epiphany follows it. But, in several traditions, Christmas is the set of Sundays following Christmas, regardless of what Macy's wants to tell you. Are…
Affable Geek
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What is the basis for the belief that there were twelve Magi?

Matthew, the only gospel of the four Canonical gospels to mention the Magi, does not mention their number. Many traditions say there were three, presumably because of the three gifts. The Syriac churches, on the other hand, number them twelve. What…
history curious
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Christ-'MAS' = 'Mæsse' = Latin 'Missa' = Catholic 'Mass' / Holy Eucharist

It is well known that the word behind Christ-'mas' (shortened form of 'Christ's Mass) is 'mæsse', which comes from the Latin 'missa', the same word used for the Roman Catholic 'Mass' / Holy Eucharist. Are there historical accounts which show that…
Thomas Lorenz
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Why would the Shepherds be out at night in the winter during Jesus' birth?

A skeptical argument, from this site, argues that Shepherds would not have been out in the fields with the sheep in late December. The argument runs like this: Luke 2:8 states that when Jesus was born, shepherds were keeping watch over their flocks…
Jess
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What Christmas traditions have roots in Jewish traditions?

There are many traditions in modern Christmas celebrations, that Jesus would not be familiar with. What Christmas traditions have their roots in Jewish celebrations, that Jesus would recognize?
James Jenkins
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Is Christmas not a christian festival

I have read many times that christ born around october so why do you people(christian) celebrate it as birth of christ you should stop celebrating it on 25 December and set a date in october. we know that the angels announced the birth of Christ…
Dhruva Mehrotra
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