Why 25th December is called Christmas Day?

 Why 25th December is called Christmas Day?

Spoleto, Umbria, Italy: Detail of 15th-century fresco (Nativity) by Filippo Lippi in the Santa Maria Assunta Cathedral in Spoleto(Image-Getty Images)

The 25th of December is called Christmas Day to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ. According to Christian tradition, Jesus is believed to be the Son of God and the savior of humanity. While the exact date of Jesus' birth is not known, December 25th was chosen by early Christians to celebrate this significant event.

Birth of Christ. Nativity Scene(Image-Getty Images)

The selection of December 25th has historical and religious roots. In the early Christian church, various dates were proposed for the celebration of Jesus' birth. Some scholars suggest that December 25th was chosen to coincide with existing pagan celebrations, such as the Roman festival of Saturnalia, which also took place around the winter solstice. By aligning the celebration of Jesus' birth with existing festivals, early Christians hoped to attract more people to the Christian faith.

The specific choice of December 25th might also be connected to calculations regarding the timing of Jesus' conception and the belief that great prophets died on the same day as their conception. Early Christians may have used these considerations to arrive at the date we now recognize as Christmas Day.

Over time, December 25th became universally accepted as the day to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, and it is now observed as a major religious and cultural holiday by millions of people around the world, regardless of their religious beliefs. Christmas has evolved into a time of joy, gift-giving, and togetherness for many, extending beyond its religious origins.