Why do 250 million Christians celebrate Christmas on January 7?
Summary
Many Christians in Eastern Europe and parts of the Arab world, including countries like Palestine and Egypt, celebrate Christmas on January 7. This is because they follow the Julian calendar instead of the Gregorian calendar, which leads to a 13-day difference. While most Christians celebrate on December 25, about 250-300 million, mainly from Orthodox and Coptic faiths, mark the occasion on January 7.Key Facts
- Around 250 million Christians celebrate Christmas on January 7.
- The difference in the celebration date is due to the use of the Julian calendar.
- The Gregorian calendar was introduced in 1582 to correct inaccuracies in the Julian calendar.
- The Julian calendar is currently 13 days behind the Gregorian calendar.
- Christians who follow the Julian calendar include groups in Russia, Serbia, Georgia, Egypt, and Ethiopia.
- In Ukraine, the government moved the official Christmas holiday to December 25 in 2023, but many still celebrate on January 7.
- Some countries like Belarus and Moldova recognize both December 25 and January 7 as official holidays to accommodate different traditions.
- The shift to January 7 may eventually change to January 8 in the year 2101 if the Julian calendar continues to be used.
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