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v0din t1_j1tkxau wrote

It has pagan origins from the Celtics druids who chose the holy plant or holly which has the crimson red berry against the green backdrop, which symbolizes man coming from nature. The berry represents the blood of man from nature, the green leaves. Christmas was celebrated as a celestial event by peoples across the globe and time.

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sighthoundman t1_j1v2hvl wrote

More accurately, the early Christians replaced the local solstice celebrations with Christmas when they were vying for the minds and souls of the population. (Addition: How can you compete with the local religion if your holidays aren't anywhere near as good?)

That's why in English we celebrate the Paschal Holy Day under the name of Eostre, the goddess of dawn. (And rebirth [spring], and fertility [hence eggs and bunnies].)

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v0din t1_j20eew5 wrote

That's not actually mote accurate, just more detail

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sighthoundman t1_j20y9ix wrote

I think that most solstice celebrations are not Christmas celebrations.

I also think that Odin and Zeus are not the same, so I can see that some might think I'm being overly pedantic. But if you admit to any religious significance to any of the solstice celebrations, then they are not Christmas.

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