In the fourth century AD, Christianity had become the de facto religion of the Roman Empire. It had fortified itself at the centre of the power structure and was given a privilege and prestige afforded to no other faith. Christians, ready to flex their newfound muscle, had to come up with a way to distance themselves from all other religious traditions and practices that were no longer considered acceptable. They invented the word “pagan” and applied it to those who practiced any spirituality different from their own. Pagan means, “rustic”, “simple”, “rural”. It was a subtle, but not-so-subtle way of putting them in their place.
I am grateful today that we can look back on those ancient traditions labelled as “pagan”, and realize that far from being a threat, they were a rich and authentic expression of human spirituality. You may or may not be surprised to know, that many of the traditions that we associate with the Christian festival of Christmas came not from the church, but from the traditions so callously labelled as “pagan”.
Here are a few:
Mistletoe – The ancient Druids believed mistletoe was a powerful healing plant that could cure disease. They also believed that enemies who met under a mistletoe plant would have to lay down their arms and embrace.
Christmas Trees – Evergreen trees were used by “pagan” traditions to symbolize the return of light and life as the days got longer after the winter solstice. Martin Luther would build on this tradition by using them as a symbol of the eternal love of God.
Wassailing – The word “wassail” comes from the Old Norse “ves hail” which means to “drink to good health”. Wassailing was a raucous, alcohol-heavy activity that was connected to the extra grain from fall harvests that was turned into beer and liquor. Christmas carolling was believed to have come from the tradition of “wassail”.
Yule Log – In Scandinavia, the Norse celebrated Yule from December 21 through January. They would bring home large logs and set them on fire to celebrate the return of the sun.
Christmas Stockings – Long before Santa, early Germanic tribes worshipped a bearded god called Odin. It was said that during the dark days of winter, Odin would fly through the skies on his 8-legged horse and visit homes. Children would fill their socks with carrots and straw, and in return, Odin would leave them a gift.
December 25th – I hate to break it to you, but Jesus was not born on December 25th. He was likely born in the spring. Why then do we celebrate his birth when we do? The Romans celebrated Saturnalia between December 17th and December 25th. It was to honour Saturn, the god of agriculture. The week was filled with feasting and the exchange of gifts. The early Christians figured they could piggyback onto this party. All they had to do was change the reason for the feasting and gifting, and VOILA, Christmas Day was born!!
This month as you decorate your “Christmas” tree, take a moment to give thanks for the richness and diversity of human spirituality, and all the ways it has gifted our much-valued traditions.
