A new poll has revealed the alarming ignorance among Brits as to the meaning of Christmas.

Of the 2,000 people surveyed, 16% said they did not know the significance of December 25. Others wrongly attributed the birth of Christ to Christmas Eve and Good Friday.

The survey findings, reported in the Daily Star, also revealed that many Brits do not know who Adam and Eve are, or who built the Ark.

One in 10 revealed they had no idea Jesus died wearing a crown of thorns.

A study spokesman said: "It is staggering to think that so many are not familiar with even the basic reason behind Christmas. Every year, we sit down to celebrate the festive occasion and all of the traditions that goes with it.

"But it seems there are some who do this, despite having no idea why.

"We are constantly told that the number of people attending church is dropping, which goes some way to explaining why so many are now less familiar with the Bible than in years gone by.

"So much of our culture and traditions are based on the Bible stories, it's important to be familiar with them."

The ignorance is despite the fact that many Brits say they enjoy Christmas. In a YouGov poll published in November, 75% of Britons expressed a like for Christmas. Even among people of no religion, the figure was 67%.