The date of December 25th
probably originated with the ancient "birthday" of the son-god, Mithra, a
pagan deity whose religious influence became widespread in the Roman
Empire during the first few centuries A.D. Mithra was related to the
Semitic sun-god, Shamash, and his worship spread throughout Asia to
Europe where he was called Deus Sol Invictus Mithras. Rome was
well-known for absorbing the pagan religions and rituals of its
widespread empire. As such, Rome converted this pagan legacy to a
celebration of the god, Saturn, and the rebirth of the sun god during
the winter solstice period. The winter holiday became known as
Saturnalia and began the week prior to December 25th. The festival was
characterized by gift-giving, feasting, singing and downright
debauchery, as the priests of Saturn carried wreaths of evergreen boughs
in procession throughout the Roman temples.
