Nativitas

Nativitas (Latin: Nātīvitās, meaning "birth" or "nativity") refers primarily to the birth of Jesus Christ, and is commonly understood as synonymous with Christmas. However, the term can also be used more generally to denote the birth of any person or thing. In a religious context, outside of Christianity, it can refer to the birth of a deity or important religious figure.

Within Christian theology and liturgical practice, Nativitas carries specific weight. The Feast of the Nativity (Dies Natalis Domini), celebrated on December 25th in Western traditions and January 7th in some Eastern Orthodox traditions, commemorates this pivotal event in Christian belief. The term emphasizes the human birth of Jesus, understood by Christians as the Incarnation of God. The theological significance lies in the belief that through his birth, life, death, and resurrection, Jesus Christ brought salvation to humanity.

Related terms include Nativité (French), Natividad (Spanish), and other vernacular equivalents. Iconography surrounding the Nativitas typically depicts the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem, with representations including the Virgin Mary, Saint Joseph, shepherds, angels, and the Magi. The event is a central theme in Christian art, music, and literature. Beyond religious observance, Nativitas and its associated celebrations have evolved into significant cultural and secular traditions worldwide.