Why a Pagan Should Enjoy Celebrating the Holidays

I am not an expert on Paganism by any means; however, I have dabbled in it a bit. Paganism is the "worship" of nature. I use the term worship very loosely here. I would not say that Pagans actually worship nature but they do hold it in very high regard. There are many Pagan rituals, and most of them use nature in one way or another. In fact Wikipedia states, "The term pagan is from the Latin paganus, an adjective originally meaning 'rural', 'rustic' or 'of the country.'" The use of these words implies that Pagans are very close to nature. There is no reason that a modern Pagan should not enjoy celebrating the Holidays. In fact, Christmas was originally a Pagan holiday.

Christmas, a Pagan Holiday
Many Pagans were living during the time of Christ's birth. They had, and probably still have, a ritual that is very similar to what many people recognize as Christmas. Every year there was a Pagan holiday celebration where they would honor the tree. The Pagans would decorate the trees around them to show their love and worship to one of nature's most beautiful gifts, the tree. After Jesus' death, when the Romans were trying to convert Pagans to Christianity, they came up with Christmas. Jesus was really most likely born in the summer but the date was changed in order to coincide with the Pagan celebration. The reason Roman Christians meshed the Pagan celebration with Jesus' birth, in order to come up with Christmas, was to make the Pagans feel more comfortable. That way if the Christians could convert a Pagan, then the Pagan would not be out of his/her element. In other words, it would be familiar to them. If you are a Pagan, or interested in Pagan rituals, there is no reason you should not take part in the true Pagan holiday celebration.

Pagan Holiday Celebration Tips

• Own Christmas! Don't worry about the Christian form of Christmas; remember what is important to you. Enjoy the tree and how its beautiful decorations are honoring Mother Nature.

• Many winter celebrations are not necessarily Christian or have any other religious affiliation. New Years Eve is celebrated by most of the world regardless of religious or spiritual belief. Don't look at the Holidays as non-Pagan celebrations, just look at them as fun parties.

• Most importantly, remember to have fun! Don't be ashamed of your beliefs!

Resources:

History Channel

www.wikipedia.com