There are several theories behind why December 25th was historically chosen as the date for the Christian celebration of Christmas. This date corresponds with the winter solstice and has roots in ancient pagan winter festivals that the early Christian church co-opted. Even though December 25th may have no historical basis for being the actual birthday of Jesus Christ, the date has become a timeless tradition cemented by over 17 centuries of cultural and religious significance across many nations.
History of December 25th as the Date of Christmas
- In ancient Rome, December 25th marked the pagan feast day Dies Natalis Solis Invicti, or “Birthday of the Unconquered Sun” honouring the renewal of light at the winter solstice
- The Christian Church under Roman Emperor Constantine took over this major feast day and co-opted the date to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ instead, calling it Christmas
- This replacement made conversion easier while still allowing pagan converts to continue festivities on the same day
- Many symbols and customs of pagan winter solstice celebrations were adopted into Christmas traditions:
- Burning the Yule log
- Decorating with wreaths, holly, evergreens
- Feasting, dancing, exchanging of gifts
Coinciding with Existing Roman Holidays
The period from mid-December to early January hosted various Roman holidays:
- December 17th–23rd: Saturnalia honoring god Saturn
- December 25th: Dies Natalis Solis Invicti
- January 1st: Kalends Festival for god Janus
- Early January: Juvenalia honouring children
The church set the date of Christmas to connect to these holidays.
Replacing Roman New Year
- Before Christian rule, the Roman New Year began on January 1st
- Emperor Constantine shifted to January 6th for political reasons in the 4th century
- March 25th (Annunciation of Jesus’s conception) was later used for religious New Year’s Day
- So December 25th became associated with the rebirth and renewal of the upcoming year
Additional Motivations for December 25th Christmas
Winter Symbolism
- Winter solstice represented astrological “rebirth” – conceptually linked to Jesus’s birth
- Darkness giving way to light mirrors the death and resurrection theme in Christianity
- Ties into Jesus being the prophesied “light of the world” (John 8:12)
Nine Months after the Annunciation
According to Luke 1:30-32 in the Bible, the angel Gabriel announced Mary’s miraculous conception of Jesus on March 25th. Nine months later is December 25th.
Difficult Winter Travel in Judaea
If Jesus was born when travel was difficult due to the Roman census or a major Jewish pilgrimage festival, December winter conditions could explain why the actual date was unknown or altered.
Replacing the Birthday of the Persian God Mithras
Early Christian leaders may have wanted Jesus’s birthday to overshadow the popular Persian & Roman god Mithras, who was also celebrated on December 25th as being “reborn” from a rock.
Key Dates Related to the Setting of December 25th Christmas:
| Date | Event or Significance |
|---|---|
| September | Probable time of conception of John the Baptist |
| March 25 | Traditional date of the Annunciation of Jesus’s conception |
| December 17–23 | Roman week-long festival of Saturnalia |
| December 21–22 | Winter solstice date |
| December 25 | Pagan festival celebrating Sun gods’ birthdays |
| January 1 | Roman festival for god Janus |
Table summarizing key dates surrounding the December 25th date of Christmas
How December 25th was Formalized as Christmas Day
- 3rd Century – The date of December 25 proposed by Roman Christians
- 354 CE – Text Liber Pontificalis mentions December 25th Christmas celebrations
- 386 CE – Church father John Chrysostom promotes December 25 Christmas in a sermon
- 4th Century – December 25th date reinforced by Christian authorities in both east & west Roman Empire
So by the end of the 4th century CE, December 25th was firmly established in both the Eastern and Western Christian world as the standard date on which to annually commemorate and celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. December 25th continues to be the mainstream date for Christmas celebrations globally even today.
Modern Debates Around the December 25th Date
Likely Not the Actual Birthday of Jesus
- No exact date is given for Jesus’s birth in biblical accounts
- A winter birth seems improbable based on shepherds being present
- Actual birth possibly between April-September given the Judea climate
Arguments to Reconsider the Date
Some Christian scholars argue December 25th carries too much pagan symbolic baggage and that the Church should consider shifting Christmas to better reflect biblical events.
Status Quo Maintained for Strong Cultural Reasons
However, nearly 2 millennia of tradition meaningfully entrench December 25th Christmas in many cultures and societies worldwide. The date will likely endure as most familiar to the majority of people.
Conclusion
While historical and biblical evidence suggests dates other than December 25th as the actual birthday of Jesus Christ, this date has gained such extensive cultural tradition over centuries that Christmas on December 25th remains a profoundly important holiday season commemorating Jesus’s birth for Christians and non-Christians alike across many nations in the present world.
