And the If it's Monday it it is Maister Class. If you have a question for a medieval scholar or a question

about Martin's World of Ice and Fire, send those to Book at bald move.com.

This week I talk a little bit about the history of Christmas.

This is irregular. And yes, well, I suppose that life is irregular.

This week I'll do something that I've not done before

and that is read directly from a book that I wrote

about 10 years ago. I won't try to hock the book here but if you are interested to know the title

and the publisher and all that business,

book at baldmoo.com.

I'm happy to talk more about it in personal correspondence.

The subheading here is Christmas time, 6th century.

Herein I try to explain why all of our lives are upended around December 25th.

Also, all of the Jesus talk aside, I think this example will show that the structures and the strictures of logic seem odd to us, but really seemed quite natural to them. In other words, the modern mind actually works differently than the ancient mind sometimes.

All right, let's talk about Christmas.

In the first six centuries of Christian expansion, Christianity was practiced somewhat differently from city to city, and importantly, from east to west.

The date established for Jesus' birth is an example of this variety.

By the end of the second century, May 20th, March 21st, and multiple dates in April were

suggested for Jesus's birthday. I specify these dates using a modern

calendar for clarity. Some Eastern city celebrated use birth on what we now

consider to be January 6th. Concurrently many other city celebrated use's birth

on what we now consider December 25th.

But it wasn't until the 6th century that December 25th became the standard date for most cities.

...