Pagan feast days refer to holidays or celebrations that are observed by various pagan religions and traditions. These feast days are typically centered around the cycles of nature, such as the changing seasons or the phases of the moon. They are often marked by rituals, ceremonies, and gatherings that serve to honor and connect with the natural world. Pagan feast days vary depending on the specific pagan tradition or culture, but some common examples include the summer solstice, winter solstice, Samhain (or Halloween), Beltane, and Midsummer. These celebrations often incorporate elements such as bonfires, feasting, dancing, and the performance of specific rituals or spells. Pagan feast days are often seen as times to come together as a community, to honor the earth and its cycles, and to express gratitude for the abundance and beauty of the natural world.
Learn how Christian historian Sextus Africanus and Roman Emperor Constantine I determined Christmas's date
A second view suggests that December 25 became the date of Jesus birth by a priori reasoning that identified the spring equinox as the date of the creation of the world and the fourth day of creation, when the light was created, as the day of Jesus conception i. One widespread explanation of the origin of this date is that December 25 was the Christianizing of the dies solis invicti nati day of the birth of the unconquered sun , a popular holiday in the Roman Empire that celebrated the winter solstice as a symbol of the resurgence of the sun, the casting away of winter and the heralding of the rebirth of spring and summer.
Pagan feast days are often seen as times to come together as a community, to honor the earth and its cycles, and to express gratitude for the abundance and beauty of the natural world..
Christmas
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External Websites- English Heritage - History of Christmas
- Rutgers Today - The Surprising History of Christmas Traditions
- Learn Religion - Why Do We Celebrate Christmas on December 25?
- Christmas - Children's Encyclopedia (Ages 8-11)
- Christmas - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up)
While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions.
Select Citation Style Copy Citation Share Share Share to social media Feedback External Websites Feedback Thank you for your feedbackOur editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.
External Websites- English Heritage - History of Christmas
- Rutgers Today - The Surprising History of Christmas Traditions
- Learn Religion - Why Do We Celebrate Christmas on December 25?
- Christmas - Children's Encyclopedia (Ages 8-11)
- Christmas - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up)
Professor Emeritus of History and Religion, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina. Author of The Division of Christendom: Christianity in the Sixteenth Century and Men and Ideas in the Sixteenth.
Hans J. Hillerbrand Fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia BritannicaEncyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors.
The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Last Updated: Oct 17, 2023 • Article History Table of Contents Giotto: The Nativity Category: History & Society Related Topics: Jesus church year Yule quarter days Twelve Days of Christmas . (Show more).
Reviews for "The Spiritual Importance of Pagan Holidays"
1. John - 1 star
I found "Definition of pagan feast days" to be highly misleading and factually incorrect. The author seemed to have a biased view towards pagan practices and failed to provide any substantial evidence to support their claims. It was clear to me that the author had a predetermined agenda and did not approach the topic with an open mind. I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for an unbiased and informative exploration of pagan feast days.
2. Sarah - 2 stars
I was disappointed with "Definition of pagan feast days" as it lacked depth and thorough research. The author glossed over important historical and cultural aspects of pagan traditions, often presenting them in a negative light without providing any context. Additionally, I found the writing style to be quite dry and uninspiring. Overall, I felt that this book missed the mark in delivering a comprehensive understanding of pagan feast days.
3. Michael - 1 star
As someone who has studied pagan traditions for many years, I was highly disappointed with "Definition of pagan feast days". The author's ignorance and disdain for these traditions were apparent throughout the book. It is clear that they did not take the time to understand the significance and meaning behind these feasts, resulting in a shallow and biased examination. This book only perpetuates stereotypes and misconceptions about pagan beliefs, and I would discourage anyone from wasting their time on it.