(no subject)

[thethirdhalfa.livejournal.com]

Why do people keep talking about holiday traditions? What's going on?

[Little girl who has no idea what Christmas is.]

Comments

[indigoblueberry.livejournal.com]

I believe it's a reference to Christmas, a holiday taking place in December that involves warm feelings, goodwill towards all, trees, and presents.

I have more information, if you desire it.

[thethirdhalfa.livejournal.com]

Yes please. I mean, what's with the tree? And what's this about presents? And is warm feeling different from goodwill towards all?

[indigoblueberry.livejournal.com]

The tree, from what I understand, comes from British Druidic tree-worship practices. It spread throughout Europe in the 18th and 19th centuries. Somewhere along the way, it blended with an ancient Roman festival, Saturnalia, which was a week-long celebration celebrated in mid-December. During the festival, it was common to give presents to friends and acquaintances as expressions of goodwill and affection.

The warm feeling is often considered to be paired with the goodwill towards all, but many people just seem to feel happier around this time of year, looking forward to the celebrations that inevitably come with each Christmas celebration. The goodwill, I believe, comes from the Christian claim that Jesus Christ was supposedly born on Christmas Day, and he was reported to preach peace, love, and good will towards your fellow man.

Any further questions?

[thethirdhalfa.livejournal.com]

What exactly do you do to the tree? Plant it, make a fire, what?

And who is Jesus Christ?