Wintertime Pagan Holiday During the winter season, various cultures around the world celebrate pagan holidays with festivities and traditions that predate modern religions. Paganism, a term often used to describe non-Abrahamic religions, encompasses a wide range of beliefs, rituals, and practices that are deeply rooted in nature and the changing of the seasons. One notable wintertime pagan holiday is Yule, celebrated by many people of European descent. Yule, also known as the Winter Solstice, marks the shortest day and longest night of the year. It is a time to honor the return of the sun and the gradual lengthening of daylight. The holiday is often associated with the rebirth of the sun god and the triumph of light over darkness.
I’d be remiss to not point out the Cleveland connection here. I’m a Cleveland guy and it’s always nice to see my home town represented in films I’m watching. I love the fact that Eddie features locations in and around the Cleveland area. While I always support indie filmmakers I’ll always go out of my way to support the CLE!
That said, those times really were overshadowed by some out of the blue kills, some great jump scares and a simple story that grabs your attention and doesn t let go. Not much blood or atmosphere but plenty of hysterical acting and a villain that looks like a cross between the Woman in Black and former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.
The holiday is often associated with the rebirth of the sun god and the triumph of light over darkness. Yule celebrations vary across different pagan traditions, but common customs include lighting bonfires or candles and decorating homes with evergreen branches and mistletoe. These symbols represent life, fertility, and the promise of a bountiful spring to come.
The Curse of Lilith Ratchet (2018) – Play The Game. Call Her Name.
Next up on my review plate was the latest (and greatest) feature film from Eddie Lengyel known as The Curse of Lilith Ratchet. I reviewed another Lengyel film back in September Mother Krampus 2: Slay Ride and at the time I felt Slay Ride was his best looking flick. Well, that’s only because I hadn’t seen Ratchet yet. This takes the cake in that department as it looks phenomenal. This may be a ‘low budget’ indie film but it certainly doesn’t look or feel that way.
The film has been officially titled American Poltergeist: The Curse of Lilith Ratchet as it is the next installment in the popular “American Poltergeist” series, which is current ly available on Netflix.
SPOILER ALERT: This review will talk openly about some plot points of the film. I’ll try not to ruin any major surprises but if you want to be totally spoiler free skip this until you’ve watched the film.
Feasting and merriment are also central to Yule festivities, with friends and family gathering to enjoy hearty meals and exchange gifts. Another winter pagan holiday is the Feast of Saturnalia, which was celebrated in ancient Rome in honor of the god Saturn. Lasting for several days in December, Saturnalia was a time of revelry, feasting, and gift-giving. Slaves were temporarily freed from their duties, and social roles were inverted, with masters serving their servants. This festival, much like Yule, celebrated the turning of the year and the return of longer days. In addition to Yule and Saturnalia, other wintertime pagan holidays include the Celtic festival of Midwinter, the Norse celebration of Yule, and the Slavic feast of Koliada. These pagan holidays remind us of the deep connection between humans and nature, as well as the importance of honoring and celebrating the cycles of life. While modern society has often shifted away from these ancient traditions in favor of more commercialized holidays, many people are rediscovering the beauty and meaning behind these wintertime celebrations. In conclusion, wintertime pagan holidays such as Yule and Saturnalia provide an opportunity to reconnect with nature, celebrate the changing of the seasons, and embrace the joy and warmth of community. These ancient traditions offer a sense of continuity, reminding us of our place in the natural world and the shared experiences of generations that came before us..
Reviews for "The Pagan Roots of Holiday Traditions: Yule and Christmas"
1. Emily - 2 out of 5 stars - I was really disappointed with "Wintertime pagan holiday". The storyline felt disjointed and the characters were underdeveloped. The whole concept of a pagan holiday during winter seemed interesting, but it wasn't executed well. The pacing of the story was off, and I found myself losing interest quickly. Overall, it was a letdown and I wouldn't recommend it.
2. Justin - 1 out of 5 stars - "Wintertime pagan holiday" was a complete waste of time for me. The writing was dull and uninspiring, making it difficult to connect with the story and the characters. The plot lacked depth and the supposed pagan holiday aspect was barely explored. It felt like a missed opportunity to create something truly unique and captivating. I had high hopes for this book, but unfortunately, it fell flat in every aspect.
3. Sarah - 2 out of 5 stars - I struggled to get through "Wintertime pagan holiday". The pacing was sluggish, and the writing style didn't engage me. The world-building was lacking, and I never felt fully immersed in the story. The characters also felt one-dimensional and lacked depth, making it hard to care about their fates. Overall, it was a forgettable read and not one I would recommend to others.
4. Alex - 2.5 out of 5 stars - "Wintertime pagan holiday" had an interesting premise, but it didn't live up to its potential. The execution of the story felt half-hearted, leaving me feeling unsatisfied. The pacing was inconsistent, and the plot lacked clarity. Additionally, the character development was weak, making it difficult to truly invest in their journeys. While there were some enjoyable moments, overall, it was a mediocre read for me.
5. Jessica - 2 out of 5 stars - I had high hopes for "Wintertime pagan holiday" but was ultimately disappointed. The story felt predictable and lacked originality. The writing style was average at best, failing to create a captivating atmosphere or sense of wonder. The pagan holiday aspect was underdeveloped and left me wanting more. Overall, it was a forgettable read that didn't leave a lasting impression.