A PAGAN CHRISTMAS part 5

A PAGAN CHRISTMAS

part 5

DECEMBER 25TH VS DECEMBER 25TH

Christmas, a fixed holiday on the Julian Calendar for Christians to celebrate the birth of Christ the 'Messiah'. Yule, a fixed holiday for the Pagan's to celebrate (also known as Mithra, Saturnalia, Feast of Sol [sun] ). Both on the same day oddly enough. 

While there has always been discussion on the exact date of birth for Christ. Pagans have been celebrating Yule for centuries on the 25th of December before the birth of Christ came along. It marked the time where they would worship the Sun gods in great celebrations. It was a way to ensure the return of the sun and spring.

As the religious practices of Ancient times faded away into obscurity, Christians seized the opportunity and decreed December 25th the 'official' birthday for the Messiah.

This holiday season don't look at the differences in religions, look at the similarities. We are all one and we only have this one earth. Whether it is Merry Yule or Merry Christmas, either way, we are all celebrating!

namaste'

A PAGAN CHRISTMAS part 4

A PAGAN CHRISTMAS

part 4

Saturnalia in Ancient Roman times was a winter festival that Pagans would celebrate with the glitz and glam of 'modern' Hollywood. 

Elaborate meals would be prepared. Silver and gold would be mingled in the evergreens for decoration and a sign of prosperity for the hosting families. The more gold you wore or showed off, the more prosperous you were. Of course, sacrifices and gifts to both the Gods and to one another was very important in the celebration rituals. 

Christians, later adopted several of the Saturnalia practices as Christmas became the more predominant holiday. The ritual of gift giving for Christians comes from the Magi presenting Jesus gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Now it's DVDs, jewelry and an ugly tie for 'Uncle Joe'.  Just like their Pagan cousins, Christians also gather to celebrate with elaborate Christmas dinners. 

Every nationality has their own special 'dishes' for the holiday season. From Potica to Stollen to Buche de Noel; food plays a pivotal role in modern day celebrations. Pagans and Christians alike both enjoy and share in this rich and tasty tradition. 

Now where did I put my fork?

*Potica -Slovak/Czech bread

*Stollen - German cake

*Buche de Noel - France and Quebec cake (Yule Log)