History of Christmas in Ireland

Live Zoom Course: Thursdays at 7:00pm – December 8th & 15th 2022

Irish historian Sean Murphy is presenting a two-week live Zoom course titled History of Christmas and Christmas in Ireland on Thursdays December 8th and 15^th at 7pm (eastern time zone)

The presentation will detail the history of the emergence of the Christian annual celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.  It explains how and why many of the pre-Christian pagan traditions were incorporated into the Christian celebration.  For instance, it will explain the Christmas celebration in a wider historical context that includes the Roman Saturnalia celebration, the diverging views inside the Christian church on the celebration of Christ’s birth, the issue of the date of Christ’s actual birth, and the history of Christmas in the USA. The origins of Saint Nicholas, Santa Claus, and Father Christmas will be explained.

Christmas in Ireland will detail some specific events that are celebrated in Ireland. This includes “Women’s Christmas”, The Wren Boys”, various legends and superstitions, and gift giving.

The presentation includes multi-media coverage of some Christmas activities that take place in Ireland that will provide a holiday friendly atmosphere.