The Symbolic World 428 - Why they want you to think Christmas is pagan
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Dec 24, 2025 Explore the debate around the origins of Christmas and its supposed pagan roots. Discover how the date of December 25th was linked to Christian traditions, countering critiques from Puritans and Enlightenment thinkers. Delve into the symbolic meanings of Christmas traditions like the tree and star, viewed as representations of divine revelation. Jonathan highlights the transformation of pre-Christian practices, urging a deeper understanding rather than reductionist views. Celebrate the rich symbolism of Christmas with a fresh perspective!
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Origin Of December 25 Explained
- Christians dated December 25 by linking conception (Annunciation) to the day of Christ's death and adding nine months.
- This internal theological calculation, not pagan borrowing, explains the chosen date.
Why The Pagan Claim Persists
- Puritans and later scholars claimed Christmas was pagan because it aligns with Sol Invictus and solstice festivities.
- Pageau argues this technical claim is false but senses a deeper symbolic overlap between solstice and Christ's birth.
Cosmic Patterns Link Nativity And Solstice
- The symbolism of the sun's return at the solstice naturally resonates with the Nativity as the 'true rising sun.'
- Shared cosmic patterns can be meaningful without implying pagan theft of Christian truth.