[dandelion]

I agree, it's fascinating, but the idea that they were celebrating "Christmas" is blatant isegesis.

The Romans were celebrating Saturnalia, a completely different holiday, and everyone else had mid-winter rituals. These should be held in the regard of the cultures which created them - not held up as a "debunking" of Christianity, which is a pursuit which clearly belongs to our own culture...

Still, a way cool Ancient Holiday bump!!!

[icydanger]

yes,
may i add: the Romans around 300BC used to also cut a pine tree mourning the death of the Goddess Cybele's husband.

The pine tree rituals symbolizes rebirth, renewal