The Dark reality of Christmas and the African experience
By Hans Ngala
Today, many people across Africa will be celebrating Christmas, a tradition they were only introduced to less than 200 years ago with the arrival of European missionaries and colonizers. I see many of my Cameroonian and other African friends sharing Christmas messages with snowflakes and pine trees – never mind the geographical inaccuracies of this as we live in a tropical climate where we don’t get snow (with the occasional exception of South Africa, of course).
My concern, though, is with Christians partaking in this celebration, which has no Biblical basis. In fact, Christmas has its roots in pagan practices, and Jesus wasn’t born on December 25 either. So why do some Christian churches celebrate a custom that involved human sacrifices, drunken orgies (group sex), slaughtering goats, worshiping the sun, and other un-Christian practices?
Well, some Christians use the justification that though Christmas originated as a pagan celebration, they can turn it into a way to glorify God. I am not out to decide who is right and who is wrong, but I just want to present the FACTS and let you decide.
If you are a Christian whose conscience leads you to believe that you don’t want to partake in any celebrations, then you are right, and if you are also a Christian who chooses to celebrate it, it is also fine, as long as you understand the reality behind the origins of Christmas.
I am also concerned about the fact that some white people get offended by the idea of a Black Santa or Father Christmas (a fictional Christmas character), and it makes me wonder why so many Black people are so keen to associate themselves with this holiday, i.e., both Africans and African-Americans. Just this morning, I saw a Facebook post in which the writer went to great lengths to explain his disdain for a black Santa. Never mind that Jesus Himself was a person of color (not white as is erroneously portrayed in Western art and media) but I digressed.
Here are some facts to note about how the origins of Christmas
The Pagan Roots of Christmas
Christmas, as it is celebrated today, has its origins deeply rooted in pagan traditions. Before the arrival of Christianity in Europe, various cultures held midwinter festivals to celebrate the winter solstice – the shortest day and longest night of the year, which typically falls around December 21st. In the Roman Empire, this period was marked by the festival of Saturnalia (in honor of the god of the sun called Saturn). It was a time of feasting, gift-giving, and revelry in honor of the god Saturn. During this time, the people would also engage in immoral acts such as having sex in large groups and other practices, such as human and animal sacrifices, all in the name of these pagan deities.
Even more significant is the winter solstice celebration dedicated to the sun god, Sol Invictus, also known as the “Unconquered Sun.” The worship of this sun god involved rituals meant to encourage the return of light after the darkest days of winter (apparently Africans aren’t the only superstitious ones). In the 4th century, when Christianity began to spread, the Catholic Church decided to co-opt this popular pagan holiday to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. This is why Christmas was strategically placed on December 25th – to align with the already existing pagan festivals. Though the early church did not aim to celebrate the birth of Jesus on this date, the adoption of December 25th allowed for an easier conversion of the masses to Christianity, as they continued with the festivities under a ‘Christianized’ banner.
The Disconnection from African Traditions
Christmas, in its modern Western form, is filled with symbols and customs that bear little to no relevance to African culture and spirituality. The depiction of Santa Claus, the Christmas tree, and the caroling tradition have all been imported from European and American customs. Yet, many African Christians enthusiastically embrace these practices without questioning their origins.
Moreover, the commercial aspect of Christmas, with its emphasis on materialism and consumerism, can overshadow the intended religious or spiritual significance. This is particularly concerning in Africa, where many are struggling with poverty, and the pressure to buy expensive gifts or spend money on lavish celebrations can create a sense of inadequacy or even exploitation. The “globalization” of Christmas often causes a disconnection from local African traditions and values, which emphasize community, spirituality, and gratitude.
For many Africans, the focus on family and community during holidays like Christmas doesn’t feel alien, but it is different from the Northern Hemisphere where the season is cold and snowy – far far removed from the experiences and lived realities of the African continent. The imagery of snow, elfs and reindeer feels distant to Africans and many African Christians may find it difficult to relate to these symbols, which do not reflect the environment or climate in which they live. The question arises: why continue to uphold traditions that are not only geographically disconnected but also historically tied to colonial influence?
Racism and the Holiday Commercialization
Another issue with Christmas in contemporary African society, and particularly in African-American communities, is the underlying racism and cultural appropriation that accompany the commercialization of the holiday. Santa Claus, as we know him today, is largely based on a European and American ideal – a white, bearded man in a red suit. The lack of diversity in these portrayals can be problematic, particularly for Black people, as it reinforces the notion that certain holidays, symbols, and even virtues are meant for a white audience. This issue is compounded by the historical context of colonialism and slavery, where Black people were often denied the opportunity to celebrate their own heritage, including religious and spiritual practices.
This is why the concept of a Black Santa Claus, while seemingly innocuous, has become a point of contention. Some argue that Santa Claus is a fictional character, so race should not matter. However, the continued insistence on portraying Santa as a white man reflects a deeper societal issue: the invisibility of Black people in mainstream Western culture. The question is: why should Black people, who have been historically oppressed, feel the need to claim an identity that has been commodified and historically dominated by white imagery?
The popularity of a “Black Santa” is, in essence, an act of reclaiming agency, but it also underscores the reality that many African and African-American communities are trying to integrate themselves into a holiday tradition that was not initially intended to be inclusive. Whether celebrating Christmas with a white or Black Santa, the underlying issue of cultural appropriation, colonial legacy, and historical exclusion remains unchanged.
The Choice to Celebrate or Reject Christmas
Ultimately, the choice of whether to celebrate Christmas or not is a personal one. For those who find joy and meaning in the season, regardless of its pagan or colonial origins, it can be a time to reflect on spiritual matters and embrace the values of giving, compassion, and love. However, for those who cannot reconcile the pagan holiday with their beliefs, especially when it contradicts their understanding of Jesus’ birth and its true significance, it may be better to refrain from participating in Christmas celebrations. God will not punish them for wanting to genuinely honor Him.
As Africans, it is crucial to remember our own rich spiritual heritage, which has been marginalized throughout colonial history. Many African communities had deeply spiritual, family-oriented celebrations long before the arrival of Christianity, and these practices should not be forgotten – these are not at odds with the Bible by the way.
While it is important to acknowledge the global nature of modern celebrations, we should also honor our own cultural and spiritual practices, which may offer greater meaning and relevance during the holiday season.
In conclusion, I can only say, while Christmas is now an integral part of global culture, it is vital to examine its origins, implications, and the way it is celebrated across different cultures. For Africans, this means understanding the holiday’s colonial roots, its connection to pagan practices, and the challenges it presents in terms of cultural relevance and Biblical authenticity. Whether we choose to embrace Christmas or reject it, the key lies in knowing the truth behind the tradition and making an informed decision about its place in our lives.
*Hans Ngala is a Christian journalist who writes for The Gospel Coalition Africa, a Christian organization that addresses contemporary issues from a Biblical perspective. He also works as political affairs editor at Cameroon News Agency and recently finished a stint as staff writer and communications officer for Mercy Ships in Madagascar. Hans holds an M.A. in Journalism and Media Studies from Wits University in Johannesburg and lives in Cape Town, South Africa.
