How did the tradition of exchanging gifts REALLY start, from the wise men or Saturnalia?
If Christmas gifts remind us of the gifts that were exchanged in Rome during Saturnalia, then what do the gifts the 3 wise men bought baby Jesus symbolize, I read that the tradition of exchangeing gifts started when the three wise men bought gifts to baby Jesus, well then how do we know that the tradition of exchangeing gifts didn’t start when people exchanged gifts in Rome during Saturnalia?
The only way christmas gifts could be a reminder of the gifts the wise men brought would be if WE gave gifts to poor strangers because that is what Christ was to these men. Not giving to those who have plenty already.
September 30th, 2009 at 2:40 am
Jesus was born in the springtime.
His birthday was moved to December to compete with the Roman fastival of Saturnalia.
Saturnalia is also where we get the practice of exchanging gifts.
I also find the story of the gifts of the Magi a bit disturbing.
Do you know what myrrh actually is? It’s a salve — like Vaseline.
You’ve gotta know somebody pretty well in order to give them Vaseline as a birthday gift…
References :
September 30th, 2009 at 2:45 am
The only way christmas gifts could be a reminder of the gifts the wise men brought would be if WE gave gifts to poor strangers because that is what Christ was to these men. Not giving to those who have plenty already.
References :