Tag: Origins

Christmas Origins!

Christmas Origins!

So, it is almost Christmas again, and time for the mad panic that it always causes as we rush around for cards and presents. That means it’s also time for my first Christmas blog, all about the origins of the special day. The word ‘Christmas’ comes from the Old English term ‘Cristes Mæsse’, meaning the ‘Mass of Christ’. The story of Christmas, as we all know, begins with the birth of a baby in Bethlehem. Many believe that Christ was born on the 25th, although the exact month is unknown. December could well have been chosen so the Catholic Church…

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St Patrick’s Day

St Patrick’s Day

St. Patrick’s Day is officially observed on March 17 each year, which is believed to have been the date St Patrick died in the 5th Century. Strange as it may seem, the man who would become St. Patrick was born in Britain (part of the Roman Empire at the time) as Maewyn Succat in the late 4th century. His family were Christians, but it’s said that Maewyn himself was an atheist until he reached 16 years of age. His life changed at that point when he was kidnapped by pirates and taken to Ireland. After 6 years in captivity herding…

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Origins of Boxing Day

Origins of Boxing Day

There are several theories as to the origin of Boxing Day, but in general the tradition has long included the wealthy giving money and other gifts to the poor. The European tradition dates to the Middle Ages, but some claim it dates back even farther to the late Roman/early Christian era when metal boxes were placed outside churches to collect special offerings connected to the Feast of Saint Stephen. A reference to Boxing Day’s origins appears in the Christmas Carol, “Good King Wenceslas.” Wenceslas, who was Duke of Bohemia in the early 10th century, saw a poor man gathering wood…

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Christmas origins…

Christmas origins…

So, it is almost Christmas again, and time for the mad panic that it always causes as we rush around for cards and presents. That means it’s time too for my first Christmas blog, all about the origins of the special day. The word ‘Christmas’ comes from the Old English term ‘Cristes Mæsse’, meaning the ‘Mass of Christ’. The story of Christmas, as we all know, begins with the birth of a baby in Bethlehem. Many believe that Christ was born on the 25th, although the exact month is unknown. December could well have been chosen so the Catholic Church…

Read More Read More

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