20 Things Christianity Borrowed from the Pagans

Christianity, one of the world’s largest and most influential religions, has a rich history shaped by a multitude of cultural and religious influences. Among these, Pagan traditions have played a significant role. Many practices, symbols, and beliefs within Christianity have roots in pre-Christian Pagan customs.

This blending of traditions illustrates how religions evolve and adapt over time, creating a fascinating tapestry of spiritual and cultural practices.

In this blog post, we will explore 20 elements that Christianity borrowed from Paganism, providing an engaging and informative look at the intertwined histories of these belief systems.

1. Christmas Celebrations

One of the most widely recognised examples is Christmas. The date, December 25th, aligns with the Roman festival of Saturnalia, a time of feasting and gift-giving. Additionally, the celebration of the winter solstice (called Yule by Pagans), marked by many Pagan traditions, brought elements such as the Yule log and evergreen decorations into Christmas festivities.

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2. Easter Traditions

Easter, which commemorates the resurrection of Jesus, incorporates several elements from Pagan Spring festivals. The name “Easter” itself is believed to be derived from Eostre, a Germanic goddess of spring and fertility. Symbols like chicks and rabbits, representing new life and fertility, also have Pagan origins.

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3. The Christmas Tree

The tradition of decorating a tree during the winter holidays can be traced back to Pagan practices. Ancient Pagans would decorate trees with ornaments to honour deities and celebrate the return of the sun during the winter solstice.

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4. Sunday Worship

The practice of worshipping on Sunday, the “Lord’s Day,” has roots in Pagan sun worship. Sunday was the day dedicated to the sun god in Roman culture, and early Christians adopted this day for their own religious observances.

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5. Saints and Martyrs

The veneration of saints in Christianity has parallels with the Pagan practice of honouring local gods and heroes. Many early Christian saints were assigned to dates that corresponded with earlier Pagan festivals, allowing for a smoother transition to the new faith.

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6. The Halo

The halo, commonly depicted around the heads of saints and holy figures in Christian art, has its origins in Pagan iconography. Ancient Greeks and Romans used halos to signify divine or sacred status in their art.

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7. Holy Water

The use of holy water for purification and blessing in Christian rituals is reminiscent of similar practices in Pagan religions. Many ancient cultures, including the Romans and Greeks, used water in their religious ceremonies to cleanse and protect.

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8. Candles and Lamps

The use of candles and lamps in Christian rituals, such as during Mass or in votive offerings, can be traced back to Pagan practices. Lighting candles was a common way to honour deities and seek their favour in ancient religious traditions.

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9. The Cross

The cross, a central symbol of Christianity, was used as a sacred symbol in various Pagan cultures before the rise of Christianity.

The ancient Egyptians, for example, used the ankh, a cross-like symbol, to represent life and immortality.

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10. The Concept of the Trinity

While the Christian doctrine of the Trinity is unique, the idea of a triune godhead has parallels in several Pagan traditions. Many ancient religions, including those of the Egyptians, Greeks, and Hindus, worshipped triads of deities.

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11. Festivals and Feast Days

Many Christian feast days coincide with or were adapted from Pagan festivals. For example, the Feast of All Saints (Halloween) is closely linked to the Celtic festival of Samhain, a time to honour the dead and celebrate the end of the harvest season.

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12. The Virgin Birth

The concept of a virgin birth is not unique to Christianity. Various Pagan myths feature gods born to virgin mothers, including the Egyptian god Horus and the Persian god Mithras. These stories likely influenced the Christian narrative of Jesus’ birth.

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13. Baptism

The Christian sacrament of baptism has similarities to ancient Pagan purification rites. Many cultures practiced ritual bathing or washing as a means of spiritual cleansing and rebirth, a concept that carries through in Christian baptism.

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14. Easter Eggs

The tradition of decorating and hiding eggs during Easter has Pagan roots. Eggs were a symbol of new life and fertility in many ancient cultures and were used in springtime festivals celebrating renewal and rebirth.

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15. The Eucharist

The Christian practice of the Eucharist, or Holy Communion, where believers consume bread and wine representing the body and blood of Christ, has parallels with Pagan rituals involving the symbolic consumption of the deity’s body and blood.

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16. Christmas Carols

Many Christmas carols and hymns have melodies and themes that can be traced back to Pagan songs celebrating the winter solstice. These festive tunes were adapted to fit Christian themes and celebrations.

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17. The Virgin Mary

The veneration of the Virgin Mary in Christianity has echoes of ancient goddess worship. Many Pagan cultures revered mother goddesses, such as Isis in Egypt and Demeter in Greece, who embodied fertility, motherhood, and compassion.

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18. Holy Relics

The Christian practice of venerating holy relics, such as bones of saints or objects associated with Jesus, has parallels in Pagan traditions. Many ancient religions held sacred objects and relics in high regard, believing they held divine power.

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19. Pilgrimages

The tradition of pilgrimage in Christianity, such as traveling to Jerusalem or the shrine of a saint, has roots in Pagan practices. Pagans often made pilgrimages to sacred sites to seek blessings, healing, or divine favour.

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20. Sacred Architecture

The design and architecture of Christian churches, with their grandiose structures, stained glass windows, and intricate carvings, draw inspiration from Pagan temples. Many architectural elements, such as columns and domes, have been incorporated from ancient Pagan buildings.

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Conclusion

The history of Christianity is a testament to the fluid and evolving nature of religious belief. By examining the Pagan influences on Christian practices, we gain a deeper understanding of how cultures and religions interact and shape each other over time.

This blending of traditions has enriched Christianity, creating a diverse and multifaceted faith that continues to resonate with millions of people around the world.

As we celebrate these shared elements, we are reminded of our common humanity and the universal quest for meaning and connection.

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© Colin Lawson Books

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