Christmas in Ritual and Tradition

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Gutenberg ID

—

Title

Christmas in Ritual and Tradition

Language

en

Book source

Global Grey

Description max 80 words

Clement A. Miles explores the rich tapestry of Christmas traditions, tracing their Christian and pagan roots from primitive ceremonial observances to modern English customs. This comprehensive study examines the blending of heathen winter festivals with the Church's feast of the Holy Birth, offering a scholarly yet accessible look at the holiday's complex history, rituals, and enduring appeal.

Summary up to 500 words

In *Christmas in Ritual and Tradition*, Clement A. Miles investigates the complex origins and evolution of Christmas traditions across Europe, arguing that the modern festival is a profound amalgamation of Christian dogma and ancient pagan survivals. Miles begins by establishing the universal human instinct to set aside special ceremonial days to lift people above the monotony of everyday life. He traces the history of the Nativity feast, noting its establishment in Rome around the mid-fourth century and its subsequent spread. Miles addresses the debate regarding the choice of December 25, suggesting the Church likely adopted this date to replace the pagan *Dies Natalis Invicti*, the birthday of the unconquered Sun, thereby celebrating the 'Sun of Righteousness.' The text extensively details the mingling of Roman and non-Roman customs, particularly focusing on animal masks and processions. Miles describes figures like the German *Schimmel* (white horse) and the Welsh *Mari Llwyd*, arguing these likely originated as relics of sacrificial customs involving real beasts. He connects these to the Teutonic veneration of the horse and the figure of Woden. The book also covers the transition from the old Teutonic New Year in November to the Christian calendar, discussing the significance of Martinmas and the transfer of feasting customs from that time to Christmas. Miles examines various folk practices, including the lighting of bonfires to assist the sun in his struggle with darkness, the burning of effigies like Guy Fawkes as survivals of New Year bonfires, and the Yule log customs. He explores the role of drama in the festival, from the great cycles of Nativity plays to the Mummers' Play and the Feast of Fools. Miles concludes by emphasizing that while the celebration of the Birth of Jesus is central to the faith, the modern festival is a complex amalgamation of elements. He notes that the sense of obligation to keep the feast often persists regardless of orthodox dogma, preserving a 'stock of sanctity' for ordinary days. This 'stock of sanctity' concept is central to Miles' argument: festivals were originally laid up as magical reserves for ordinary days rather than purely for spiritual contemplation. Although modern observers may view Christmas primarily through a spiritual lens, Miles demonstrates that the festival remains a rich tapestry where the celebration of the Incarnation coexists with relics of long ago, performed perhaps out of respect for use and wont, or merely in jest, to re-enter for a moment the mental childhood of the race.

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4.2/5

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Categories

• Folklore
• Religion
• History