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Visualizing the War on Christmas: Acknowledging the Pre-Christian Origins of Winter Festival Imagery

Fox news website screen shot with frame of Bill O'Reilly on camera with guest discussing the War On Christmas

Image Credit: Fox News

Every holiday season conservative political activists trying to maintain Christian supremacy in the United States bemoan an alleged "War On Christmas." According to their conspiracy theories, evil secularlists lurk behind every corner, ready to pounce on any expression of the Christian Christmas tradition. For the activists, store employees who wish customers a "happy holiday" are not trying to be inclusive. Rather, these cheerless corporate-mandated greetings serve as another boot of tyranny standing on the neck of American Christendom.

Christmas tree with many white lights and start at top against black sky

Image Credit: nknh

Such bluster is par for the course when the religious right are concerned: it is as loud as it is baseless. However, the hullabaloo does contribute to the marginalization and under-appreciation of the diverse historical sources of the imagery currently associated with Christmas that originated with various European celebrations of the winter solstice.

Close up of holly bush:  sharp pointed leaves and red berries

Image Credit: Simon Phipps

Despite what certain bumper stickers and church signs might tell you, Jesus is not the reason for the season. Early Christian celebrations of Christmas appropriated preexisting winter festival traditions, such as Roman Saturnalia or the Norse celebrations that preceded Yule.

Edible chocolate yule log with Santa & elves & sign: "Happy Holidays"

Image Credit: Aaron Jacobs 

These solstice celebrations marked the return of longer days and the promise of a bountiful growing season. Evergreen trees and shrubs, such as the pine tree and holly bush, serve as a reminder that life only slumbers but does not perish in the coldest, darkest days of winter.

Demonic black fury Krampus sits behind horrified child on rocking horse; Krampus sticks out long ongue

Image Credit: Duncan Hall

Pagan winter traditions, though, aren't all light and joy. If you think coal in a stocking would be a disappointment, just be thankful that you don't have to deal with Krampus.

Let me close by wishing all a happy holiday season, no matter what holiday you celebrate, and offer my hopes for peace on Earth and goodwill to all.

Little girl stands next to sign that reads: "In this holiday season let us remember that kindness, charity and goodwill transcend belief, creed or religion.  Happy Holidays from Seattle Atheists."

Image Credit: Seattle Atheists

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