Why are Pagans given a bad rep when many christian traditions are derived from us?

[HarryCovert]

I imagine you could speculate that the exchanging of gifts at Christmas may go back as far as the Roman Saturnalia festival, which was celebrated at the winter solstice the week prior to Christmas. One of the customs during that festival was to exchange gifts. As others have pointed out, however, this is a custom associated with Christmas that may or may not have pagan origins, but is not actually part of the Holy Day celebration itself. I think you will find that to be true of most of the alleged derivations from paganism associated with Christianity. It must be remembered that among the first converts were, in fact, converts from paganism. It's only natural that they would want to "baptise" their cherised customs.

 

[SpiritualAntiseptic]

You're right, Christmas, Easter, Halloween, etc. all were orginally derived from Pagan orgin. They are not Christian holidays.

That's completely false. They are all Christian holidays and originated from the Christian faith. There are a lot of false myths about their origins, but they are all wrong.

 

[Husky7]

That's completely false. They are all Christian holidays and originated from the Christian faith. There are a lot of false myths about their origins, but they are all wrong.

So you're saying Halloween is Christian? So you're saying that Christmas trees, and easter bunnies, and all that jazz is from Christian orgin? Have you ever researched the history behind these holidays? If you haven't, I suggest that you do.

 

[SpiritualAntiseptic]

So you're saying Halloween is Christian?

Yes, it comes from "All Hallows Eve" or the evening before all Saint's Day. Hallowed is still used in the our father, is that pagan too?

The myth is that it came from some Irish pagan celebration- when in fact, Halloween never occured on the same date as the pagan celebration. Another myth that isn't true.

So you're saying that Christmas trees, and easter bunnies, and all that jazz is from Christian orgin? Have you ever researched the history behind these holidays? If you haven't, I suggest that you do.

I actually have, a lot more than you might realize.

Firstly, Christmas trees and Easter bunnies are not part of those celebrations. Those are TRADITIONS that people in the United States and other countries have recently adopted. There is a huge difference between a holiday being pagan and someone having a tradition on a holiday in a particular country.

Secondly, the Christmas tree is actually very Christian. It came from German plays during the winter. The tree of the knowledge of good and evil was represented by an evergreen tree adorned with apples. Over time, the apples became glass balls that hung on the tree.

Bunnies relate to Easter because they are usually born around that time. They represent new life. So do eggs- eggs were used to teach child about Jesus being in a 'tomb' and eventually breaking out into a new life.

 

[DomainRider]

I don't see what the fuss is about - surely, if you want to integrate your religion into a new culture, it makes sense to adopt the times and even symbology of existing celebrations and simply change their focus. That assumes integration is the aim, of course.

 

[Ranae of Cedar]

I don't see what the fuss is about - surely, if you want to integrate your religion into a new culture, it makes sense to adopt the times and even symbology of existing celebrations and simply change their focus. That assumes integration is the aim, of course.

I agree with you.. whats the big deal??

 

[Daniel25]

"Paganism" was invented in the mid 18th century.

Unless you are doing human/animal sacrifice, etc, your energy crystals and psychobabble self help books have nothing to do with historical traditions of various barbarian tribes.