Pagan Christmas tree decorations have a long and fascinating history, drawing from ancient traditions and beliefs that predate the Christian holiday. Many cultures have celebrated the winter solstice with evergreen trees adorned with various ornaments and decorations. These pagan symbols and practices eventually became intertwined with Christian traditions and continue to be used in modern Christmas celebrations. The use of evergreen trees as a symbol of life during the winter months predates the Christian era. Ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians, Romans, and Celts, as well as some Nordic tribes, decorated trees during the winter solstice as a form of worship and to bring good fortune for the coming year. The green foliage of these trees represented fertility and renewal.
“Dead Hot” — which premieres April 14 on Tubi — is a true passion project for Hudgens and Magree, who are fascinated with the spirit world and came up with the idea to document their experience together. In the film, the duo set out to Salem, Mass., where they explore witchcraft, ghost hunting and connect with spirits.
During the pandemic, they spent their quarantine together watching shows about the afterlife, and exploring how ghost hunters, mediums and witches engaged with the spiritual world. We had shot an episode of a ghost hunt, which was so much fun and absolutely thrilling, but then as our questions deepened about spirit, so did the curiosity, Hudgens says.
The green foliage of these trees represented fertility and renewal. In pagan beliefs, many of the decorations used on Christmas trees hold symbolic meaning. For example, ornaments representing the sun, moon, and stars were common additions, symbolizing the connection between the heavens and Earth.
Vanessa Hudgens Announces Documentary About Her Journey with Witchcraft: 'A Coming-of-Age Story'
Vanessa Hudgens is taking viewers on a magical journey.
The High School Musical alum, 33, revealed Friday that she has teamed up with Bunim-Murray Productions to make a documentary about her journey with witchcraft.
Entitled Dead Hot: Season of the Witch, the project follows Hudgens and her best friend, musician GG Magree, as they travel through Salem, Massachusetts, learning about witchcraft, ghost hunting and connecting with the spirit world.
The 90-minute film is described on its official Instagram as an "intimate journey into the supernatural realm" that serves as a "coming-of-age story that explores identity, feminine power and sisterhood."
Other posts on the film's Instagram show the pair serving some witchy looks, including one of Magree and Hudgens holding goats in a field. Hudgens posted a behind-the-scenes shot on her own Instagram, as well as the official poster for the film.
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Variety reported that the film came about after Hudgens and Magree agreed to seek out proper mentorship and training in the art of witchcraft, of which the outlet notes the pair are "self-taught students." They invited the crew to come along to document their findings.
"They've been doing little spells since they were kids, and they were just really interested in that world," Julie Pizzi, president of Bunim-Murray, told Variety.
She explained that the project took on a deeper message as they went on, despite it being a fun-filled shoot. Pizzi said the best way to describe the film is The Craft meets The Simple Life.
"They're so into it," she explained. "As we got to know them, we realized that their curiosity in connecting with the spirit realm and paranormal and supernatural exploration was so much deeper than ghost hunting. It's an exploration in the spiritual realm. It's a lot about self love, and them finding their inner strength and power."
The Tick, Tick … Boom! actress has been candid in the past about her interest in the spirit world. In April, during an appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show, Hudgens told host Kelly Clarkson that she's had "a lot" of run-ins with spiritual beings over the years and said she's "accepted the fact that I see things and I hear things."
"I remember getting ready for school when I was 8 years old, and there was … You know those ducks [toys] that you pull [the string]? There was one of those on the dining room table, and I started walking, and it just started going alongside me," she said.
"I kind of shut it down for a while because it's scary," Hudgens continued. "The unknown is scary. But recently I was like, 'No, this is a gift and something that I have the ability to do, so I'm going to lean into it.'"
Dimitrios Kambouris/GettyHudgens added that she uses a "spirit box," which she said helps her analyze "radio frequencies really quickly," adding: "Something about the electricity that it creates allows spirits to speak through it."
It has been a longtime hobby for Hudgens to explore worlds beyond. Speaking with PEOPLE in 2011, the actress said she was visited by an unearthly presence — something she could only explain as a ghost — while filming in North Carolina.
Hudgens recalled hearing footsteps while staying at an old house on location but couldn't find the source of them. "I was chasing around my ghost for like 10 minutes solid, and then it got way too freaky, and I just left," she said at the time.
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Hudgens confessed she was scared by the ghostly encounter, however, she tried to figure out the meaning of it.
"I feel like she might have lost a husband at war and she's waiting for her man to come back to her," Hudgens said. "It was definitely a female spirit. I could tell."
Julie Pizzi, president of Bunim-Murray Productions, which produced “Dead Hot,” says that the tone of the project isn’t necessarily what you’d expect with witchcraft at the center. Hudgens and Magree “really wanted to live in this space of growth, positivity, love and kindness,” Pizzi says. “To marry that with ghost hunting felt very magical.”
The use of candles on trees represented the return of the sun's light after the winter solstice, while apples and other fruits represented the harvest and abundance. Other popular pagan symbols associated with Christmas tree decorations include holly, mistletoe, and pine cones. Holly, with its prickly leaves and red berries, was believed to ward off evil spirits and protect against witchcraft. Mistletoe was seen as a sacred plant that could bring fertility and protection against illness and evil. Pine cones symbolized the seeds of the new year and were often used to represent growth and fertility. Over time, these pagan traditions were incorporated into Christian celebrations of Christmas. As Christianity spread, the use of evergreen trees and pagan symbols became popular in Europe and eventually made their way to America. Today, pagan Christmas tree decorations continue to be used alongside more modern Christian symbols. Many people appreciate the rich history and symbolism associated with these decorations and use them to connect with their ancestral traditions or simply as a way to add a unique touch to their holiday celebrations. In conclusion, pagan Christmas tree decorations have deep roots in ancient beliefs and traditions. They are symbols of fertility, renewal, and protection that have carried through generations. Whether used for religious purposes or simply as a form of decoration, these symbols continue to be a timeless part of the holiday season..
Reviews for "The Folklore and Legends Behind Pagan Christmas Tree Ornaments"
1. John - 2/5: I was really disappointed with these pagan Christmas tree decorations. I wanted something unique and different, but all I got were cheap-looking and tacky ornaments. The quality was clearly lacking, and the designs were not as appealing as I had hoped. I don't recommend them if you're looking for something special to add to your holiday decor.
2. Emily - 1/5: These pagan Christmas tree decorations were a complete waste of money. The description online made them sound so enchanting and beautiful, but when they arrived, they were flimsy and poorly made. Some of the ornaments were even cracked or chipped, which was incredibly disappointing. I would strongly advise against purchasing these decorations if you want something of decent quality.
3. Sarah - 2/5: I bought these pagan Christmas tree decorations with high expectations, but they fell short. The colors on the ornaments were not vibrant as shown in the pictures, and the overall appearance was lackluster. Additionally, the hanging strings attached to the ornaments seemed fragile, and I was worried they would snap easily. I regret spending my money on these decorations and will not be buying from this seller again.
4. Michael - 3/5: Although the pagan Christmas tree decorations were not terrible, they were not as impressive as I hoped they would be. The craftsmanship was average, and the designs lacked originality. I feel like I could have found similar ornaments at a cheaper price elsewhere. If you're looking for truly unique and visually appealing decorations, I would suggest exploring other options before settling on these.
5. Laura - 2/5: I wanted to incorporate some pagan elements into my Christmas decor, and these ornaments seemed like the perfect fit. However, I was disappointed with the size and weight of the decorations. They were much smaller and lighter than I anticipated, making them appear cheap and insignificant on the tree. I wish I had known this before purchasing, as I would have chosen something more substantial. Overall, not satisfied with these pagan Christmas tree decorations.