christmas evolution

Our traditional Christmas has deep roots in the prehistoric pagan past. Archaeologist Paul Frodsham has been tracing the cultural links between midwinter rituals at Stonehenge (left) and ‘Merry Old Santa Claus’, as depicted here by Thomas Nast in Harper’s Weekly in 1881 (above).

From Stonehenge to Santa Claus: the archaeology of Christmas

What does Stonehenge have to do with Christmas? How did the Romans celebrate midwinter? Was Jesus really born on 25 December? How did the Medieval church merge the celebration of the Nativity with earlier pagan tradition? Why did Parliament abolish Christmas in the 17th century? What are the origins of Christmas trees, carols, and crackers? And who is Santa Claus?