Pagan holidays are ancient celebrations that have been observed by various pagan cultures throughout history. These holidays are often associated with nature and the changing seasons, and they are still celebrated to this day by modern pagans and those interested in pagan spirituality. One of the most well-known pagan holidays is the celebration of the winter solstice, also known as Yule. This holiday marks the shortest day and longest night of the year, and it typically falls around December 21st. During Yule, pagans honor the rebirth of the sun and the return of longer days. Rituals can include lighting candles, offering gifts to the earth, and celebrating with feasts and gatherings.
What Do We Do With All Them Pagan Holidays
Okay. I am here to help. Social media gets pretty confusing around Halloween time. People are, again, saying how evil it is for Christians to celebrate the day. In a few weeks more articles will come out talking about how Pagan Christmas is, and then three months later the same for Easter. No one complains about American Thanksgiving– a harvest festival much like those practiced by Pagan cultures around the world. If you don’t find that strange, consider that Halloween is lambasted annually for being related (a bit loosely) with Samhain, a Celtic harvest festival, after all. And no one seems to complain about the “Fourth of July” despite its use of fireworks— a pagan instrument used by cultures for centuries to scare away evil spirits. With all of these inconsistencies, I would like to offer a bit of help to know how best to deal with all of these different “pagan holidays.”
I would like to suggest a range of Christian responses or non-Christian responses to the issue of celebrations.
Rituals can include lighting candles, offering gifts to the earth, and celebrating with feasts and gatherings. Another important pagan holiday is Beltane, which is celebrated on May 1st. Beltane marks the beginning of summer and is associated with fertility and the blossoming of life.
Possible Good Christian Responses.
#1. Celebrate every day. All days are created by God so every day is holy and worthy of celebration.
#2. Celebrate no days. Arguably this is just the same as the previous one. To celebrate each day means to treat each day as no more special than any other. So, in essence, one is celebrating or honoring no day as special. Since primitive Christianity gave us no days that MUST be honored above other days, celebrating no days is certainly a viable option.
#3. Celebrate some days. This one probably needs to be sub-divided.
#3A. Celebrate those days that have become considered to be “Christian Holidays.” As Christians we share a common heritage— a two thousand year heritage. When we celebrate Christmas, Easter, Palm Sunday, Lent, Pentecost, Epiphany, and many many other days in the liturgical calendar, we connect in some small way with our brothers and sisters in faith around the world and across time. That seems a good enough reason by itself to celebrate. I don’t feel like we have to triplecheck to make sure that no pagan, neo-pagan, or satanic group is trying to lay claim to the day. If Christians decided to view July 19 (to grab a day somewhat at random) as a new Christian holiday, I don’t think we have to be worried that some group has already messed it up.
#3B. Celebrate those days that are culturally or civically significant that are not “anti-Christian.” We are part of a culture and a community that goes beyond the church. We are not only citizens of heaven, but citizens of nations, and products of history. Therefore, days that honor civil institutions, or historical events certainly can be celebrated. In fact, if Christians do not celebrate these, it could be argued that this makes Christianity alien to the culture and foreign to the nation in which it exists. Christianity is suppose to fulfill culture, or perhaps subvert it, but certainly not destroy it or ignore it.
#3C. Celebrate those days that are one’s neighbors celebrate even if they are “non-Christian.” We know meat offered to Zeus is not tainted by Greek gods. We know that each day is created pure and good by God. We can redeem any symbol we wish, and we can avoid any symbol that we are uncomfortable with. If Christians were able to “Christianize” an instrument of torture, murder, and shame (the “cross”) we can certainly Christianize or redeem any symbol. The roots of symbols have no power any more than Zeus has power.
It is a time of joy and celebration, with traditional activities including maypole dancing, bonfires, and the creation of flower crowns. It is also considered a time for lovers to come together and embrace the energy of the season. Samhain, celebrated on October 31st, is another significant pagan holiday. This holiday, also known as Halloween, marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. It is a time when pagans believe that the veil between the living and the spirit world is thinnest, allowing for communication with ancestors and departed loved ones. Festivities can include carving pumpkins, dressing in costumes, and setting up altars to honor the dead. Celebrating pagan holidays can be a deeply personal and spiritual experience. Many pagans choose to celebrate in nature, connecting with the energy of the earth and the changing seasons. Others may choose to create rituals and ceremonies in their own homes, incorporating elements such as candles, incense, and sacred symbols. The specific rituals and traditions observed during pagan holidays can vary greatly depending on individual beliefs and cultural practices. Overall, pagan holidays offer an opportunity for people to connect with the cycle of nature and honor the sacredness of life. Whether through communal celebrations or personal rituals, these holidays invite individuals to embrace the interconnectedness of all things and find meaning in the ever-changing world around them..
Reviews for "Pagan Altars: Creating Sacred Spaces for Holiday Worship"
1. Emily - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "Pagan holidays and how to celebrate". Firstly, the book lacked depth and failed to provide any meaningful insights into pagan holidays. It felt more like a shallow overview rather than a comprehensive guide. Additionally, the writing style was dry and uninspiring, making it difficult to stay engaged. Overall, I would not recommend this book for anyone seeking a thorough understanding of pagan holidays.
2. James - 1 star - "Pagan holidays and how to celebrate" was a complete letdown. The information provided in this book was basic and didn't go beyond what a quick online search could offer. The author seemed to have a limited understanding of the subject matter, and it showed in the vague explanations and lack of detailed references. Furthermore, the organization was unclear, and it often felt disjointed. Save your money and find better resources if you are genuinely interested in learning about pagan holidays.
3. Sarah - 2 stars - I found "Pagan holidays and how to celebrate" to be quite underwhelming. The author seemed to rely heavily on personal anecdotes rather than providing factual information or historical context. This made the book feel more like a memoir than an informative guide. Additionally, the writing style was overly casual and at times unprofessional. Overall, I was disappointed by the lack of substance and would recommend seeking alternative sources for a more comprehensive understanding of pagan holidays.
4. Michael - 1 star - I regret purchasing "Pagan holidays and how to celebrate". The content was incredibly basic and failed to offer any unique insights or perspectives. It felt like a rehashing of common knowledge without providing any depth or analysis. The lack of references or citations further diminished the book's credibility. I would not recommend this book to anyone serious about learning about pagan holidays - there are far better resources available.