Çığ argues that the ritual stems from the Turkish tradition of the wish-making tree. Apparently people put special things for God under a white pine around the time of the winter solstice (Dec. 22nd), in hopes of getting blessed by God the following year. They also tied special cloths on the tree's boughs, much like putting on ornaments. All of this was part of small festivities to celebrate the sun (like oh so many other pagan traditions), and people would "clean homes, sing folk songs, eat special foods and put on festive clothing."
But here's where he gets really convincing. Apparently this was a ritual originally practiced in Turkic Central Asia, then migrated to the Anatolian region (what is now Turkey). The birth of Jesus never used to be celebrated with a Christmas tree, but when the Council of Nicaea met in 325 A.D. (yes, in Turkey), it's possible that these traditions began to sneak their way through Europe. (Okay, it didn't quite sneak; Çığ says that it was Hunnish warriors that introduced it to Europe, so I’m guessing some murderous pillaging came along with it: Bow before my Christmas tree or I’ll chop off your head!).
Not everyone is down with this theory--in fact even some Turkish historians consider it wishful thinking. While there’s certainly some serious fact checking to do...it's definitely interesting! Still not a believer? For more on the topic, click here.
No comments:
Post a Comment