Festive time

IT’S A time of family fun, presents, and cheer for everyone. Christmas has been around for quite a while, but there might be some things about it you don’t know.

Christmas is a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ held over the world by Christians and non-Christians alike. A traditional Western Christmas season lasts for 12 days, beginning on Christmas Day and ending on January 6.

The actual date of Jesus’ birth is unknown, but the Western Christian Church had decided to place Christmas on December 25 sometime in the 4th century. Today, that date has been adopted over the world and is held as a public holiday in most countries.

The idea of Santa Claus, a man who gives gifts to good boys and girls, came from a bishop who lived some time in the 4th century, Saint Nicholas of Myra. Nicholas was a Greek man who became famous for his generosity to the poor of the world, particularly to children. It was his life that fuelled the legend of Santa Claus and is the reason why we give each other presents on Christmas today.

There are several ancient celebrations that are similar to Christmas, such as Yule, which was celebrated by Germanic people (northern Europeans) between late September and early January, during which they believed the Norse god Odin would lead a company of warriors through the skies on a Wild Hunt.

Another ancient festival resembling Christmas is the Roman Saturnalia; the celebration of the Roman god Saturn.

Saturnalia is thought to have been held between December 17 and 23, and people would have a public feast and give each other gifts. This is often thought of as the main reason why gift-giving happens during Christmas time.

Schools across the country close their doors during this time so you can celebrate with your families and friends by enjoying as much fun activities as you can.

The next Jellybean Journal will be published mid-January 2019, so stay safe this holiday season, and have a merry Christmas and the happiest of New Years, beans!