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Martinus Ariya Seta, Dosen, Universitas Sanata Dharma

Celebrating Christmas on December 25 began as early as 2 century CE, history shows

Jesus Mithras Saturn the Catholic Church Epiphany
There are several views about the origin of Christmas celebrations and when they actually began. Kipgodi/shutterstock

Most people, including Christians, believe the origin of Christmas is the pagan feasts to worship the solar god Sol Invictus, Saturn’s god Saturnalia, or the Persian solar god adopted by the Romans, Mithras.

Academically, this view is also known as historical religions theory. The theory suggests the Catholic Church in Rome, Italy, began celebrating Christmas on December 25 in 336 CE to replace the pagan celebrations.

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