Christmas and Winter Holiday Origins
Learning Objective
I can compare and contrast the origins of Christmas and other winter holidays.
Key Concepts
Many Christmas traditions can be traced back to ancient Roman festivals, such as honoring the god Saturn during a week-long celebration.
During the medieval period, Christmas lasted for 12 days, from Christmas Eve to January 6th, and included traditions like decorating with winter foliage and lighting a Yule log.
The Victorian era established many modern Christmas traditions, including the Christmas tree, sending Christmas cards, and the figure of Father Christmas (Santa Claus).
Practice Questions
This lesson includes 8 practice questions to reinforce learning.
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1. Saturnalia was a week-long festival in ancient Rome honoring which god?
2. During the medieval period, Christmas celebrations lasted for how many days?
3. Which of the following figures is NOT mentioned as a source of Christmas traditions?
...and 5 more questions
Educational Video
The History of Christmas Through the Ages
World History Encyclopedia