Difference between revisions 6331629 and 6334075 on simplewiki

{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2017}}
[[File:8452 - Milano - S. Marco - Londonio - Presepe (ca 1750) - Foto G. Dall'Orto - 14-Apr-2007.jpg|thumb|300px|''The Adoration of the Shepherds'' from a crib made of painted board by Francesco Landonio, 1750, Italy]]

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The end of December was a perfect time for celebration in most areas of [[Europe]]. At that time of year, most cattle were slaughtered so they would not have to be fed during the winter. For many, it was the only time of year when they had a supply of fresh meat. In addition, most wine and beer made during the year was finally fermented and ready for drinking.

In [[Germany]], people honored the pagan god [[Oden]] during the mid-winter holiday. Germans were terrified of Oden, as they 
believed he made nocturnal flights through the sky to observe his people, and then decide who would prosper or perish. Because of his presence, many people chose to stay inside. SANTA IS NOT REAL YOUR LYING TO YOUUR CHILDREN !

=== Saturnalia and Juvenalia ===
In Rome, where winters were not as harsh as those in the far north, Saturnalia—a holiday in honor of Saturn, the god of agriculture—was celebrated. Beginning in the week leading up to the winter solstice and continuing for a full month, Saturnalia was a hedonistic time, when food and drink were plentiful and the normal Roman social order was turned upside down. For a month, slaves would become masters. Peasants were in command of the city. Business and schools were closed (contracted; show full){{Commons|Christmas}}
* {{dmoz|Society/Holidays/Christmas/|Christmas}}
* {{en icon}} {{fr icon}} & ([[Occitan language|Occitan]])
{{U.S. Holidays}}


[[Category:Christmas]]
[[Category:December events]]