Why do so many Christians all over the world celebrate yule with pagan trimmings?

Question

You know: evergreen tree, mistletoe, feasting, decorations, gifts, yule log, etc etc..?

Why would a religion from the Middle East use Northern Pagan symbols in it's celebration of the so-called birthday of avowedly anti-pagan Jesus?

Only Christians who put up these things please? I'm interested in why you would do it?

Matthew S, so why canlt you answer this question? Insults aren't welcome. Answers are.

Answer 1

Look at ancient church history and see that in order to convert pagans, they incorporated these things into their celebrations. The Puritans for many many years refused to do it, but succumbed to popular wishes of the people rather than loose their flock to others who did!

Answer 2

Eh, it's been a Christmas tradition for so long - like 500-700 years - that it's just the way it is now. It was originally marketing and mixed family stuff. I mean, one family member might have been Christian, but the rest were pagan so majority ruled. And making a Christian holiday co-incide with the pagan celebrations that people didn't want to give up made conversion easier. I mean, many pagans celebrate Christmas now just because it's fun. Same thing happened when Christmas was a pagan holiday.

Answer 3

It all has to do with history and politics. A lot of religious observances were adopted and adapted from pre-Christian religions in order to accomodate the public wants of previous eras. It is known for example that Jesus was actually born during the summer, but Christmas obviously occurs in the winter. Why? It accomodated to existing religious celebrations of the Roman era and made adoption of Christianity by the masses that much more convenient for them. I think everybody enjoys some of the more convenient and "fun" aspects of religious observance, who wouldn't enjoy the warmth and beauty of a Christmas tree? Or of a family gathering around a feast? Or a fun little kiss on the cheek or elsewhere from being under the mistletoe? Or the exchange of gifts? All the "hard" part of religion is easy to forget, whether that be actually forgiving your enemies or actually giving (yes, GIVING) to poor strangers. Ultimately, making religion convenient takes the devotion out of it, but thats what the masses seem to want. Its all just marketing, as crass as selling dog food.

Answer 4

Speaking only for me, okay? As a person with a lot of Scotch-Irish ancestry, I'm well aware of the pagan origins of evergreens, etc. When I go into the woods outside my door and gather these things, I feel a little closer to my ancestors. As a Christian, the holiday is replete with religious meaning. I confess; I'm a syncretist. You got me.

Answer 5

Because my cultural origin is Northern European and my religion is Christian. Its mix and match. People do that, have done this since the begining to time. Its actually a human strength. Take the best of differing systems and combine them into something wholly new.

Answer 6

They secretly believe in the Pagan gods and use Festivus as a time when they can reach out for the truth they know to be real.

Answer 7

December 25 was a cataloged day of his death.
Romans kept up with that.

We celibrate Easter according to the Jewish calender do to They not knowing his birthday

Answer 8

Will you just stop pretending. You want to be a christian so bad you can taste it. You just want someone to tell you that God thinks exactly like you do before you commit and it ain't gonna happen. To answer your question....no you know what? you ask me a question that actually challenges me and I'll answer it. Geez, your like my sisters kids trying to stump me.

Answer 9

because they are romans in disguise