Christmas Pagan traditions?

Question

Okay, I know decorating trees inside houses, December 25, yule logs, round decorations all came from Druid traditions (way before Christianity), but what other "Christmas" traditions have pagan roots?

Answer 1

Roman Saturnalia.

But who cares?

Merry Christmas!!!!!

Answer 2

First of all, the date. Christmas over took the Winter Solstice, which is usually the 21-22. No scholar believes that Jesus was even born during the winter.

The general tradition of bringing greenery inside is Pagan. You already mentioned trees, but wreaths are important too because they represent rebirth.

The association with the birth of God is also Pagan. Mithra, Baal, Dionysus, and Heru (Horus), all celebrate their birthdays on the same day.

Answer 3

The real holiday is actually Dec. 21st - the winter solstice. What Pagans are celebrating is the beginning of the Sun's return journey to the northern lands. Some other traditions are building a bonfire, wearing your coat inside-out (so evil spirits won't recognize you during the longest night of the year) and feasting! Enjoy.

Answer 4

As far as I know, long before the roman catholic church, There was a guy named, "Nimrod" and he was a great hunter, so very great that when he died his spirit was said to have gone into the evergreen tree. During the winter solstice celebration of the pagans, they would go out into the forest and not only decorate evergreen trees, but also place gifts around the tree as a sort of offering to the spirit of Nimrod. they would hold hands and sing songs around the tree, and getting drunk was also on the list of things to do.

Answer 5

Actually, it's not Druid traditions - Yule (or Jul) is Germanic, not Celtic.

Answer 6

did you know that many pagan religions copied christianity when it first came out in order to gain followers because it was so popular>