For most of us, the records published in books can simplify what may seem overwhelming at some stage in our lives, with events that may eventually become important but may never have been a priority of study in our pursuit of earning. The following is extracted from Alfred Butler’s “The Arab Invasion of Egypt and the Last 30 Years of Roman Dominion”, a profound study that defines the eclipse of one age and the beginning of many others, but most importantly, tells a brief story of Christianity:

“Rome’s challenge to the Greeks and the beginning of the Punic Wars installed an aggressive European power in North Africa for the first time. The ruthlessness of Roman taxation made many North Africans question old gods and turn to new ones. The people of North Africa and Western Asia found some spiritual relief in recalling, through fact or folklore, the story of a crucified saviour. At first, the Romans laughed at the adherents of this new religion, considering them weaklings because this religion preached non-violence and love of your enemies. The Romans began to kill Africans for being Christian. Roman exploitation, taxation, and ruthlessness caused a lot of the original Africans in North Africa to move further into the body of Africa. The question is often asked: What happened to North Africa’s African population? This is part of the answer. Finally, the Romans stopped persecuting the Africans and became Christian; they then declared war on the African Christians for control of the Church.”

Thus began the era of Byzantine rule and the marketing of Christianity as European, ushering in the age of the slave trade.
The above outlines a historical memory rarely discussed with respect to the development of the pre-slave trade era of Christianity. To complete the picture it is worth noting that the pagans of Europe were also persecuted and slaughtered in the conversion to Christendom. The development of Christmas has been shaped by other cultural aspects, which have contributed to a metamorphosis of customs perceived as relevant to the favourable mood and spirit of Christmas.

In Guyana, the masquerade evolved from African cultural influences and symbolisms, supported by Euro-martial instruments. One of the latest books on the subject by Robert Wyndham Nicholls, covering masquerades in the Eastern Caribbean, indicates that what we do in Guyana has an originality of its own. The favourite foods that embody the ‘Christmas/Boxing Day Menu’ reflect contributions from Amerindian, African, East Indian, Portuguese, Chinese, and other cultures—everyone is included.

The language of Christmas past revolved around “Merry Christmas to you and the family,” “Greetings to you and the family,” and gifts directed at the young. Today, over the past two decades, the carol singers are less prominent, there is less sharing, and while gifts are still exchanged, Christmas cards are now less common.

Despite these changes over time, Christmas commands the most active holiday response. It has evolved into a family-centred celebration, more so than any other festival.
I wish you and your family a ‘Happy Christmas.’ Enjoy and reflect.