Christmas in Ritual and Tradition, Christian and Pagan

This volume journeys through the many ways Christmas has been observed, from its earliest church liturgies to the folk customs that lingered long after the feast was formalised. The author maps out the festival’s roots, comparing the Christian narrative of the Nativity with older seasonal rites that have left their imprint on modern celebrations. Rich illustrations of medieval art and ethnographic sketches bring the traditions to life, showing everything from ancient tree‑decorating to the pageant of the Magi.

In the first part the book surveys the distinctly Christian elements—scriptural readings, liturgical practices, and the development of the December 25 date—while the second part turns to the pagan survivals that slipped into the holiday, such as Yule customs and regional merrymaking. Written for the curious reader yet anchored in scholarly research, it weaves together material drawn from a wide range of European sources, offering a clear guide to the complex tapestry of Christmas folklore.