Origin and Symbolism of Christian Holy Days

Please share this video with your Christian friends/family. As requested, I have taken a more objective look at the symbolism surrounding the Christian holy days of Christmas and Easter. In addition, I more closely examine the origins of Santa Claus as well as the Easter festival. Thanks to everyone that watched the original. I hope this re-edited version will be more acceptable to share with your Christian friends/family. Please remember to rate. Merry Christmas! =)

The Seasons:
Due to time constraints my explanation of the seasons was not scientifically accurate. My video only serves to demonstrate the varying positions of the Earth's equator in relation to the Sun, which results in the four seasons. For a more in-depth explanation of how the seasons are produced, please visit this link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DuiQvPLWziQ

Citations:
Pope Julius I and Dec. 25th:
http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/03724b.htm
"In 385, therefore, 25 December was not observed at Jerusalem. This checks the so-called correspondence between Cyril of Jerusalem (348-386) and Pope Julius I (337-352), quoted by John of Nikiû (c. 900) to convert Armenia to 25 December (see P.L., VIII, 964 sqq.). Cyril declares that his clergy cannot, on the single feast of Birth and Baptism, make a double procession to Bethlehem and Jordan. (This later practice is here an anachronism.) He asks Julius to assign the true date of the nativity "from census documents brought by Titus to Rome"; Julius assigns 25 December."

Category:

Education

Tags:

• Saturnalia
• Meaning
• of
• Christmas
• Tree
• Easter
• Pagan
• Vernal
• Equinox
• Winter
• Solstice
• Constantine
• Sol
• Invictus
• Mithras
• Pope
• Julius
• Horus
• Isis

[grubelsucht]

One superstition replaced another. Christmas remains a holiday celebrating superstition. Atheists have intellectually rejected all superstition, but recall those warm fuzzies of childhood holidays and fail to make that leap across emotion. Muslims, Buddhists, Jews, Hindus, and communists, (the preponderant majority of humans) do not celebrate Christmas. Nonbelievers need not celebrate it either. Why not celebrate Darwin Day?

[DiscoveringReligion]

@grubelsucht

The Solstice and Equinox are very real events. There is no reason to abandon the celebration of these events merely because of the mythological vestiges that have been passed on throughout the centuries. I am secure in my atheism and Im definitely not a closet church attendee; however, I am not so jaded as to abandon the celebrations of my ancestors, and deny my children the same enjoyment I had as a child, because my atheism tells me "there is no reason to celebrate superstition."

[daNorse]

The old english word for Christmas was YULE. see en.wikipedia.

[daNorse]

Here in Norway we have celebrated christmas since long before christianity came. We call JUL and it has nothing to do with religion whatsoever (for most of us who are athists -- which btw is the majority of the norwegian population). In my family we have celebrated JUL every year and I cant recall that anybody associated anything religious about...

[MaerchenfeeGwyn]

Wow! This clip was really well done! It's very nice to find stuff about Symbolism which isn't trying to tell me, that there is a big, evil conspiracy going on or everything in the world is satanistic...

And I agree: Everyone should celebrate christmas/Easter/any other holiday, no matter what origin this person is. To me, it is not the religiuos aspect that matters, but the social. These days are WONDEFUL opportunities to be with your friend and family and simply have a wonderful time :)

[Stanley1428]

I am whatever religion will get me out of working today :D

[princerexor]

@DiscoveringReligion i agree.. as a converted atheist and living in a harsh cold winter in china i will celebrate christmas. everyday im looking forward for the day when the daytime is getting longer and longer slowly but surely, day by day... and christmas day marks that day!!! MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!

[alcyonae]

This deserves many more views than what it has.

Excellent work

[managarm1349]

vrey good....should be broadcasted on FOX :D

[imsayn77]

Wow...Before watching this video I do remember coming across a few of idea's and rituals you talked about. But the video gives me a much clearer picture.. Thanks!!!

[TheForwardGaze]

Ah, you did it again. It's one of life's greatest ironies that the catholic and orthodox churches kept alive not only christianity but also paganism. Today, it's pagan ritual and imagery that dominates the western world. It's also ironic that conservative and liberal christian fundamentalists tend to embrace these pagan tendencies (holidays, media, etc.) while non-political fundamentalists do not.

[xKittyOnTheRocksx]

@BlizBob I laughed at that too :')