Joyeux Noël, Feliz Navidad, Frohe Weihnachten, Buon Natale; so many ways in so many languages just to say Merry Christmas. Oftentimes, during the holiday season, we say this without really thinking about it. We intend it as a friendly greeting. We are wishing them well and hope that they are happy. We want people to be happy during this holiday celebrating family and love. But, are we really merry during the holidays, or are we collectively as a whole unhappy as some songs and research suggest? Or are we truly happier during the holiday season? To figure this out we got to understand the history and the cultural aspects of Christmas; as well as analyze the so well known and memorable songs surrounding this holiday season. Christmas has a …show more content…
Many of these aspects have come from pagan holidays. The Christmas tree is one of the most easily recognized symbols of the holiday season, and it has even been immortalized in song. “Not only green when summer’s here, but also when tis cold and drear,” are some of the lyrics to the song Oh Christmas Tree. This song recognizes the Christmas tree as a symbol of Christmas joy and spirit; “such pleasure do you bring me” shows this. But, it is mainly from a pagan holiday. The song goes on to say it is a “symbol of goodwill and love,” and “that no one alive spreads cheer so well.” This just goes on to show the symbology and emotions that are evoked just by one decorated tree. Where does the tree come from though? According to the history channel, trees and plants that stayed green throughout the entire year meant a lot to ancient people in pagan societies, and they often hung boughs and limbs over their doors and windows in order to remember that green summers would return again, and also to celebrate their own gods and goddesses. They also celebrated in life being victorious over death. This tradition is also where we get the mistletoe. In the song “Rocking around the Christmas Tree,” the lyrics say “Deck the halls with boughs of holly", which is reminiscent of these earlier …show more content…
Some of the most common items to be bought and consumed around this time are hams, roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, fruitcake, eggnog, fudge, and a variety of pies and cookies. In “Rocking Around the Christmas Tree,” she says “Later we'll have some pumpkin pie,” referencing one of the many pies common for a western Christmas dinner. Christmas dinners origins are not nearly as known as the Christmas trees’. Often times throughout history feast have been common to celebrate victories and holidays. Having plenty of food has been throughout history been a staple as the wealthy and prosperous. Following this tradition is what brings the Christmas feast as we now know