Today is the birthday of Mithras the Sun God!
But the actual choice of December 25 for Christmas was made under the
Emperor Aurelian because this was the date of the Winter Solstice and
was the day devotees of Mithras celebrated the dies natalis solis
invicti (birthday of the invincible sun).
Mithraism, like Christianity, offers salvation to its adherents.
Mithras was born into the world to save humanity from evil. Both
figures ascended in human form, Mithras to wield the sun chariot,
Christ to Heaven. The following summarizes the aspects of Mithraism
that are also found in Christianity.
"Mithras, the sun-god, was born of a virgin in a cave on December 25,
and worshipped on Sunday, the day of the conquering sun. He was a
savior-god who rivaled Jesus in popularity. He died and was
resurrected in order to become a messenger god, an intermediary
between man and the good god of light, and the leader of the forces of
righteousness against the dark forces of the god evil."
- Pagan Origins of Christmas
http://a
ncienthistory.about.com/library/weekly/aa122397b.htm
The great festival of the Mithraic calendar was held on December the 25th, and
the 16th of every month was kept holy to Mithras.
http://www.ku.edu/histo
ry/index/europe/ancient_rome/E/Gazetteer/Periods/Roman/Topics/Religion/Mithrais
m/David_Fingrut**.html
Now that Wendy and I are done with our annual late night parental duties, it is
time for bed. Look for holiday pictures here later today.
