The Pagan Roots of Christmas: Why Does it Matter?

The annual conversation between pagans and Christians has begun. Some people who celebrate Christmas in the Christian tradition argue that it is purely a Christian religion that took nothing from existing pagan religions of the time. Pagans talk about the historical roots of the holiday and how the church adopted pagan symbology to facilitate people's indoctrination in the new religion. But does it really matter? Is it really worth getting worked up about?

Christmas Borrowed from Pagan Religions

The fact that some Christmas symbology was borrowed from pagan religions seems unarguable. Christmas trees - pine trees decorated with lights and ornaments - were used in Yule and solstice celebrations. The Yule log is a direct transplant, even keeping the name of the pagan religion's holiday. It is obvious that many Christmas decorations have their roots in paganism.

Even the time of the Christmas holiday has roots in the winter solstice celebration. As some pagans celebrate the return of the sun, often described as the birth of the sun king to a nature goddess, Christians celebrate the birth of the son of God. Bible historians make a case for the actual birth of Jesus in the spring. The church decided to celebrate Christmas at the time of the winter solstice, perhaps to coincide with the existing pagan celebrations.

Interesting! But does it matter?

Some Christians deny all this. Some pagans accuse the Christian church of stealing their holiday. While history shows that church practices to convert pagans were not always peaceful, that has little bearing on the religions today.

Fourteen hundred years of Christmas celebrations have passed since the holiday was given its date in late December. This establishes a tradition that cannot be changed due to modern bible interpretations or any offense of pagan holiday usurpation. Christmas trees, yule logs, holly and candles - all firmly rooted in pagan symbolism - have become integral parts of the Christian holiday celebration.