Pagan Christmas music is a term that refers to songs and melodies that have pagan origins but are now associated with the Christmas holiday. These songs often have ancient roots in pagan traditions and have been adapted and incorporated into the modern Christian celebration of Christmas. One of the most well-known examples of pagan Christmas music is the song "Deck the Halls." This festive tune originally comes from a Welsh winter carol called "Nos Galan," which dates back to the 17th century. The lyrics of the song focus on merriment and joy during the Christmas season, featuring phrases like "troll the ancient Yuletide carol" that allude to pagan traditions. Another popular example is the song "The Holly and the Ivy.
Speaking of wreaths, why not decorate one of your own? Take an evergreen wreath to bring peace and prosperity into your home. Wrap your wreath with natural elements like fir, pine, cedar, yew, holly, mistletoe, juniper, and ivy. It is said in Paganism that pine will bring forth healing, mistletoe brings fertility and love, yew directly aligns to the season of rebirth and transformation, and holly can protect you and your home from negative energy. Once these have all been wound together, you can start to add your own magical touches like small ornaments, winterberries, baby’s breath, and more to bring it all together and make it uniquely yours. Once complete, hang on your front door to commemorate your solstice celebration and encourage others to do the same!
Cooking seasonal produce, filling your home with the scent of spices and herbs, and bringing together loved ones is a way to warm the heart, home, and belly on the solstice. This time of year is always a major turning point, as each day after the winter solstice brings more sunlight, which is why this celebration is also dubbed the return of the sun.
Another popular example is the song "The Holly and the Ivy." This traditional English carol celebrates the symbolism of the holly and ivy plants during the Christmas season. Holly, with its vibrant red berries, and ivy, with its evergreen leaves, were believed to have had mystical significance in pagan folklore, representing fertility and eternal life.
4 Winter Solstice Rituals From Around the World
Members of the Shakti Sings choir sing as druids, pagans and revelers gather in the center of Stonehenge in Wiltshire, England to celebrate the 2016 winter solstice.
Matt Cardy—Getty Images December 13, 2017 5:08 PM ESTT housands of people around the globe will herald the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, with centuries-old rituals like soaking in fruit-filled baths and dressing up as a devilish folklore legend that punishes naughty children around Christmas.
The solstice, which falls on Dec. 21 this year, marks the first day of winter. It starts the moment the Northern Hemisphere is pointed at its farthest distance from the sun. The winter solstice is considered a turning point in the year in many cultures. The sacred day is also called Yule to pagans celebrating the birth of the new solar year, according to Circle Sanctuary, a prominent pagan group in America. Dozens of pagans and druids head to Stonehenge, an iconic site in England, to pay tribute to the sun during the solstice.
Here are some of the ways people celebrate the winter solstice around the world:
"God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen" is another song that has pagan roots. This English carol dating back to the 16th century calls for joy and merriment during the Christmas season. The phrase "God rest ye merry" is derived from the Middle English word "reste," meaning "keep or make," while "merry" referred to being joyful and strong. Together, the phrase roughly translates to "God make you joyful, gentlemen." While these songs and others may have pagan origins, they have been embraced and integrated into Christian traditions over time. They serve as a reminder of the rich cultural history surrounding Christmas celebrations and the blending of different customs and beliefs. In conclusion, pagan Christmas music refers to songs and melodies that have pagan origins but are now associated with the Christian celebration of Christmas. These songs, such as "Deck the Halls," "The Holly and the Ivy," and "God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen," have ancient roots and symbolize the merging of different cultural traditions in the holiday season..
Reviews for "Pagan Christmas Music: Songs of Nature and Spirituality"
1. John - 2 stars - While I appreciate the attempt to be different and eclectic, I found the "Pagan Christmas music" to be just too bizarre and strange for my taste. The unfamiliar vocal styles and strange instruments completely overshadowed any sense of holiday cheer. It felt more like an experimental art project than a collection of Christmas songs. Perhaps it would resonate with a niche audience, but for me, it missed the mark.
2. Sarah - 1 star - I was excited to try something new and unique with the "Pagan Christmas music", but unfortunately, it turned out to be a disappointment. The combination of pagan themes and Christmas music felt forced and unnatural. The songs lacked the warmth and nostalgia that I associate with traditional holiday tunes. Instead, I was left feeling confused and disconnected. I admire the attempt to bring something different to the table, but it simply didn't work for me.
3. Mark - 3 stars - While I can appreciate the effort to explore different cultural influences, I found the "Pagan Christmas music" to be a bit too niche and inaccessible. The unfamiliar rhythms and melodies made it difficult for me to connect with the songs on an emotional level. I was hoping for a more inclusive and festive experience, but instead, I felt disconnected from the music. It's certainly an interesting concept, but it's not something I would personally listen to again during the holiday season.
4. Emma - 2 stars - As someone who enjoys traditional Christmas music, the "Pagan Christmas music" failed to capture the spirit and essence of the holiday for me. The ancient pagan influences felt out of place and didn't blend well with the familiar tunes. It ended up feeling like a mishmash of conflicting styles rather than a cohesive collection. I appreciate the intention to create something unique, but it missed the mark in terms of creating a joyful and festive atmosphere.