Humans as a species love to take inspiration from different cultures, customs, and traditions, and believe it or not, Christmas is no different. If you thought those cosy traditions you knew and loved were just about celebrating Christmas, think again! Things like kissing under a mistletoe, carolling, wreaths, and even gift-giving were all aspects of pagan holidays that were adapted into Christmas celebrations in the early years.
The Christians appropriated it to gain market share way back when... so the birth probably had nothing to do with 25th December and the death probably had nothing to do with easter.
Xmas was a pagan holiday in honour of the agricultural god, Saturn. Romans would spend the week of Saturnalia much like how we spend Christmas holidays today – feasting, drinking, giving gifts, and being joyful.
Decorating trees, feasting with loved ones, hanging up socks by the fireplace, and drinking yourself silly are no different – they’re all a part of pagan history and sacred holidays. In fact, most of the cultural aspects we associate with Christmas are steeped in pagan roots.
Some pagan traditions that have become associated with Christmas:
Gift-giving,
The image of Santa Claus,
Christmas stockings,
Christmas carolling,
Decking the halls with holly, and
Decorating trees.
Happy (essentially Pagan) Xmas everyone. xo
No comments:
Post a Comment