Most people enjoy Christmas, but few understand the true origins of the celebrations centred around this time of year. This book looks at the archaeological and historical evidence for ceremonies at the winter solstice which date back more than 5000 years to the Stone Age and traces how these celebrations changed and evolved with the arrival of first Roman and then Christian beliefs. It also looks at the origins of the modern-day Christmas, many elements of which were unknown prior to the nineteenth century, and that most famous of Christmas figures, Santa Claus, while highlighting elements of continuity from the pagan origins of the festival that are still part of today's celebrations.
- ISBN10 0752448188
- ISBN13 9780752448183
- Publish Date 1 September 2008
- Publish Status Active
- Out of Print 28 May 2024
- Publish Country GB
- Imprint The History Press Ltd
- Edition UK ed.
- Format Paperback
- Pages 218
- Language English
- URL http://thehistorypress.co.uk/products/From-Stonehenge-to-Santa-Claus.aspx