Oh night divine, oh night—when Christ was born?

On Dec. 25, millions of people will celebrate the birth of Jesus of Nazareth. But is that really Jesus’ birthday? Not according to Gabriele Boccaccini, assistant professor of Near Eastern studies at the University of Michigan.

“We don’t have any historical record about the date of Jesus’ birth,” said Boccaccini. “The best guess about the year of his birth is around 6-4 B.C.E.” The Christmas date comes from the “Christianization” of Roman holidays, which occurred after Christianity became the state religion of Rome.

“Immediately after the winter solstice, the pagans used to celebrate the annual rebirth of light,” said Boccaccini. “In Christian theology, Jesus is the true light who came to the world, so it was natural to associate the festival of the birth of the light with the birth of the true Light of the world. Dec. 25 became the ‘birthday’ of Jesus and Christmas was born.”

So, what does this say about Y2K? “All this fuss about the year 2000 has no religious foundation,” said Boccaccini. “The 2000th anniversary of Jesus’ birth happened a few years ago.” Contact Boccaccini at (734) 763-1595.

Kwanzaa combines holiday and community spirit

For many people, Dec. 26 marks the end of a holiday. But, for those who celebrate Kwanzaa, the holidays are just beginning. Kwanzaa is a seven-day, African-American celebration that runs from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1.

“Most people are under the misconception that Kwanzaa is a religious holiday, that it’s trying to replace Christmas,” said Elizabeth James, information and resource coordinator at the U-M Center for Afroamerican and African Studies (CAAS).

“Kwanzaa is actually a cultural holiday, tying traditional African values, such as unity, creativity and responsibility, to American culture.” Kwanzaa began in 1966, and was originated by Dr. Maulana Karenga, chair of the National Association of Kawaida Organizations. Each of the seven days is devoted to a particular principle—umoja (unity), kujichagulia (self-determination), ujima (collective work and responsibility), ujamaa (cooperative economics), nia (purpose), kuumbah (creativity), and imani (faith).

Every day, celebrants light a candle representing the day’s principle, and spend time reflecting and participating in related activities. “On the day revering community, you might volunteer at a homeless shelter,” said James. “On the day venerating creativity, you might make something to give to a friend.” Gathering with friends, discussing the day’s principle, meditating and offering prayers can all play a part in Kwanzaa activities. The seventh day is the day of the karamu, the big feast. “It’s a lot of fun. Everyone gets together and exchanges gifts, mostly educational and cultural items,” said James. “Speaking of January 1st, the principle for that day is imani, or faith. So, I guess you could say that the folks who participate in Kwanzaa have faith that everything will be Y2K compliant.”

For more information, contact James at (734) 764-5518.

Deck the halls—but safely please

The U-M Department of Public Safety (DPS) has released some decorating tips to help keep you and your loved ones safe this holiday season.

“Our goal is to prevent accidents before they occur,” said Robert Patrick, associate director of DPS.

To avoid a potential fire hazard, natural Christmas trees should be set up no more than 10 days before Christmas, and should be taken down as soon as possible. Keep your live tree supplied with plenty of water, and make sure all trees are well-supported and in an area where they won’t block an exit. Check your lights for cracked or broken sockets, loose plugs or bare wires before use. Give them a 10-15 minute test run on a non-flammable surface before decorating, and look for smoking or melting electrical parts.

Decorations made from non-combustible materials, such as metal or glass, lessen the chance of a dangerous fire. Untreated materials, such as cotton, paper, cloth or dried plants, ignite easily, so exercise caution. “We’d like everyone to have a safe and happy holiday season,” said Patrick. “Thinking ahead, and using common sense, makes that possible.” Contact Patrick at (734) 763-3434.

Center for Afroamerican and African StudiesMaulana KarengaDepartment of Public Safety