Modern Holidays and Pagan Origins

Happy all the holidays from past and to all in the future to you!

Since we've wrapped up the past year, and those holidays are behind us. With some in front of us in our bellies as we've feasted and enjoyed good food! (what’s been your favorite holiday food last year?) I wanted to have a bit of a chat in regards to the celebrations that are present today in various religions and main-stream events, and how these have origins from the past.

A lot of what's observed in today's world is based from pagan origins and festivities from many years ago. There's a plethora of symbols we've seen throughout the holidays that are interpreted and used one way, but had past meanings in another. Some examples include candles, holiday trees, gift giving, specific foods and etc.

Towards the end of the year Saturnalia, Yule, and Christmas are celebrated. These have very close similarities and it’s fascinating to compare between them. One observation is that they incorporate an evergreen tree as a decoration. From the pagan tradition this was a symbol of everlasting life, fertility, and a reminder that the sun will return again. It’s decorated with candles (or modern lights), ornaments, and other items which strengthen the symbolism of nature and the turning of the wheel of the year. Christmas decorations also incorporate the holiday tree, although it seems to have lost it’s spiritual meaning and has become a beautiful centerpiece for display.

Something I find curious when it comes to holidays and traditions, is that there are so many people which are not aware there are deeper meanings to what these traditions symbolize, or that a lot of what’s celebrated today has an ancient origin.

What other traditions are similar between different holidays? What are your thoughts on the connections between past pagan origins and the more modern ones celebrated today?