The book "Pagan Holidays" is a comprehensive guide that delves into the rich history and origins of various holidays celebrated by Pagans. Authored by renowned anthropologist and Pagan practitioner, Dr. Sarah Greenfield, the book provides a deep exploration of the significance and rituals associated with these ancient festivals. In this book, Dr. Greenfield explores the pagan roots of holidays such as Samhain, Yule, Imbolc, Ostara, Beltane, Litha, Lughnasadh, and Mabon. Each chapter delves into the historical and cultural context of the holiday, discussing its origins and evolution through time.
Mistletoe has been around for a long time, and has been considered a magical plant by everyone from the Druids to the Vikings. The ancient Romans honored the god Saturn, and to keep him happy they conducted fertility rituals under the mistletoe. Today, we don't go quite that far under the mistletoe (at least not usually) but this could explain where the kissing tradition comes from. The Norse Eddas tell of warriors from opposing tribes meeting under mistletoe and laying down their arms, so it’s certainly considered a plant of peace and reconciliation. Also in Norse mythology, mistletoe is associated with Frigga, a goddess of love—who wouldn’t want to smooch under her watchful eye?
Sure, we ve all heard of Santa Claus, who has his roots in the Dutch Sinterklaas mythology, with a few elements of Odin and Saint Nicholas thrown in for good measure. Only in recent modern festivities organized in cities do dancers use real bear costumes offered by various sponsors, among them hunting associations.
Each chapter delves into the historical and cultural context of the holiday, discussing its origins and evolution through time. The author also highlights the various practices and customs associated with each celebration, including sacred rituals, bonfires, feasts, and traditional dances. Dr.
9 Christmas Traditions With Pagan Roots
Patti Wigington is a pagan author, educator, and licensed clergy. She is the author of Daily Spellbook for the Good Witch, Wicca Practical Magic and The Daily Spell Journal.
Updated on June 25, 2019During the winter solstice season, people around the world practice all kinds of Christmas traditions, from eating candy canes to giving presents. But did you know that many Christmas customs can trace their roots back to pagan origins? Here are nine little-known bits of trivia about Yule season traditions.
of 09Greenfield's extensive research and expertise in the field of Paganism provide readers with a thorough understanding of these ancient traditions. She also delves into the connection between the natural cycles of the Earth and the significance of these holidays, emphasizing the pagan belief in the interconnectedness of all living beings. The book also addresses common misconceptions and stereotypes associated with Pagan holidays, shedding light on the true essence and intentions behind these celebrations. Dr. Greenfield's writing style is accessible and engaging, making the book an enjoyable read for both newcomers to Paganism and seasoned practitioners. "Pagan Holidays" serves as a valuable resource for those interested in learning about the rituals and traditions of ancient Pagan cultures. It celebrates the diversity and richness of Pagan practices, offering readers a glimpse into the spiritual and cultural significance of these holidays. Whether one is interested in exploring their own Pagan heritage or seeks to gain knowledge about different belief systems, this book provides a comprehensive and insightful guide to Pagan holidays..
Reviews for "Finding Your Path: Oagan Holiday Books for Beginners and Beyond"
1. Kristen - 2 stars
I recently read the "Pagan Holidays" book and I have to say, I was quite disappointed. While I was intrigued by the concept of exploring different pagan holidays and their histories, I found the execution to be lacking. The writing style was dry and dull, making it difficult to stay engaged with the content. Additionally, the information provided felt surface-level and lacked depth. Overall, I was hoping for a more immersive and insightful experience, but unfortunately, this book did not deliver.
2. Andrew - 1 star
I found the "Pagan Holidays" book to be extremely misleading. The title and the description made it seem like it would provide a comprehensive guide to various pagan holidays, but it fell short on multiple fronts. Firstly, the book barely scratched the surface of each holiday, providing only basic information that could easily be found on a quick internet search. Secondly, the writing was disjointed and lacked flow, making it difficult to follow along. Overall, I felt misled and would not recommend this book to anyone looking for a thorough exploration of pagan holidays.
3. Emily - 2 stars
As someone who was hoping to learn more about pagan holidays, I was disappointed with this book. The information provided felt superficial and lacking in depth. The author briefly touched on each holiday without delving into their significance or traditional practices. Additionally, the writing style was dry and uninspiring, making it difficult to maintain interest. Overall, I found this book to be a missed opportunity to provide a comprehensive and engaging exploration of pagan holidays. I would not recommend it to others seeking a deeper understanding of this topic.
4. Mark - 2 stars
I was not impressed with the "Pagan Holidays" book. While I appreciated the attempt to shed light on lesser-known holidays, I found the lack of proper research and references to be concerning. The author presented information as fact without providing any sources or citations, leaving me questioning the accuracy of the content. Furthermore, the writing style was unengaging and failed to captivate my interest. Overall, I would caution readers to approach this book with skepticism and look for more reliable sources on the subject of pagan holidays.