Christmas and New Year’s Celebrations in Antiquity

Aleksander Krawczuk, professor of history and former minister of culture in Poland, wrote an article for Polityka, a weekly magazine in that country. After discussing the historical background of New Year’s celebrations, he stated:

“Were ancient Romans acquainted with New Year’s celebrations? There can be no doubt, especially when one considers imperial Rome. . . . Such gaieties were occasions of great joy and laxity.

“Despite the fall of its empire, Rome slowly but steadily forced first Western civilization and finally the whole world to accept its tradition and will regarding both calendar dates. Taking January 1 as the beginning of the new year, however, meant a triumph for a tradition of parties, feasts, wedding festivities, gift-giving, and wishes, and this in spite of the intense aversion of ancient Christians.”