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Christmas customs blend with pagan rites across centuries
The article explains how early Christian celebrations absorbed pagan Saturnalia traditions including evergreens, Yule logs, and festive carols. It notes December as a proposed Christ birthday date, stabilizing by late fourth century, with Holland and Germany customs highlighted and a star bearer procession in Dutch towns.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
M. J. Munroe
New York Home Journal
Christ
Julius
St. Cyril
Holland
Saturn
Bacchus
Scandinavia
German Alps
Poland
Wiles
Bethlehem