The Pagan Roots of Christmas: Why Does it Matter?
Christmas Borrowed from Pagan Religions
The fact that some Christmas symbology was borrowed from pagan religions seems unarguable. Christmas trees - pine trees decorated with lights and ornaments - were used in Yule and solstice celebrations. The Yule log is a direct transplant, even keeping the name of the pagan religion's holiday. It is obvious that many Christmas decorations have their roots in paganism.
Even the time of the Christmas holiday has roots in the winter solstice celebration. As some pagans celebrate the return of the sun, often described as the birth of the sun king to a nature goddess, Christians celebrate the birth of the son of God. Bible historians make a case for the actual birth of Jesus in the spring. The church decided to celebrate Christmas at the time of the winter solstice, perhaps to coincide with the existing pagan celebrations.
Interesting! But does it matter?
Some Christians deny all this. Some pagans accuse the Christian church of stealing their holiday. While history shows that church practices to convert pagans were not always peaceful, that has little bearing on the religions today.
Fourteen hundred years of Christmas celebrations have passed since the holiday was given its date in late December. This establishes a tradition that cannot be changed due to modern bible interpretations or any offense of pagan holiday usurpation. Christmas trees, yule logs, holly and candles - all firmly rooted in pagan symbolism - have become integral parts of the Christian holiday celebration.
In both religions, the holiday is a time to celebrate, to get together with friends and family and experience joy. It is a time when the earth is renewed, either through the natural return of the sun or by the birth of Christ. It is celebrated by both religions in a joyous manner, with good food, drink, religious services, and the giving of gifts.
Any attempt at snatching the Christmas tradition away from the hands of the Christian religious is futile. Denying the practices of modern pagans is just as disrespectful. Instead of arguing about who started it, or who owns the symbolic items of the holiday, perhaps people should concentrate on the most important aspects of the holiday: joy, generosity, new beginnings, and love.
Published by Melanie L. Marten
Melanie Marten is self-taught and self-employed. Besides freelance writing, she dabbles in website design and owns dozens of websites and blogs. Work is squeezed in between parenting two boys, homeschoolin... View profile
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- The fact that some christmas symbology was borrowed from pagan religions seems inarguable
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- In both religions, the holiday is a time to celebrate, to get together with family and be joyous.
28 Comments
Post a CommentDon't worry this issue will soon be settled. Gods patience is running out. I notice that the overwhelming majority of counterfeit christians today know that they do many things that Jehovah and his Son Jesus hate. They think Jehovah is going to let them do what they want and fly up to Heaven. They'll soon see.
I have no problem with the Pagan roots of this holiday. Christmas or Yule, it is all a reminder that we are not stuck in the cold darkness of winter forever. The sun will come back. It's like the ultimate"it gets better" PSA.
As Christians we are well aware the pope tried to do away with pagan customs and change them to Christian customs. Sadly some of the pagan customs remain. However I am not giving Christmas back to the pagans. You don't have to put up a Christmas tree etc but I'm not going to stop celebrating Christmas and remembering Jesus birth.
Stop arguing over Christian vs. Pagan and realize the true meaning of Christmas: Buying people crap they don't need. The amount of money you spend directly reflects your Christmas spirit.
P.S. Guys: Unless you buy diamonds for your woman, you aren't a real man and your penis is too small.
I don't really remember EVER burning a yule log in our family's "Christian" Christmas celebration. Someone doesn't know what she's talking about. But I do agree with most of the article.
I will leave the 3 comment message here because I do not believe in censure. However, I just wanted to point out that I do not agree with evangelizing either.
name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit and teaching them to obey every thing I have commanded you." Matthew 28:19-20. This is the great and last commission Christ has given to His followers to follow. May the Lord help us to fulfill this task which our Lord entrusted to His followers. pvariel@gmail.com
this till His second coming. Christians cannot neglect this institution, because it is His commandment. Christians are looking forward to the Lord's glorious appearing the second time. Instead of wasting time, money and energy on merry-making and celebrations, why not take the opportunity to tell others about His first coming. Let us make known the teaching of the Lord to many who do not yet know Him even after 2000 years of His coming.
A survey says the greatest number of accidents take place on the eve of Christmas. What does it show? People go about the day in an unworthy manner, and that leads to number of accidents.
The time is very short. The Bible says, "The end of all things is at hand" therefore be serious and watchful in prayer (I Pet. 4:7). Recent world events are vivid signs of His imminent return. Before His coming, let us strive together and faithfully go about the Lord's great commission, "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the nam
The Pagan Roots of Christmas: Why Does it Matter?
Though these celebrations are originally developed from the pagan festivals the Christians celebrate it world wide. Its very pathetic to note that in the midst of all these celebrations the main theme the Lord Jesus and His teachings miserably miss many a time.
One cannot understand the madness of people for this merry making on that day when the fact is very clear in the Bible:
"Jesus never asked His followers to remember His Birth; instead he commanded his followers to remember His DEATH. This is very clearly mentioned in the book of Luke, " ...And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of me. Likewise He also took the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is shed for you (Luke 22: 19 -20)." This institution is called ''The Lord's Supper'', He has asked the believers to carry out this till His se
As a Pagan, I would like to say THANK YOU, Robin. Too many people waste their time making a huge issue out of this. Personally, I'd rather people choose the holidays they wish to celebrate and then ENJOY it, not complain or argue about another's choice of holidays. :)