Returning Holidays To Pagan Roots

Ever wonder what bunnies have to do with the Resurrection? Or what evergreens have to do with Christ’s birth? Or what drinking has to do with being Irish?

OK, bad example.

The first two examples reference modern Christian holidays that still retain vestiges of their pagan roots. The last alludes to a latter-day pagan bacchanalia with barely discernible Christian roots.

When the Emperor Constantine converted in the fourth century A.D., he not only redefined Rome as a Christian empire but also began refurbishing age-old holidays to coordinate with his new religion.

Thus what was once an observance of winter solstice became a celebration of Christ’s birth, even though many scholars now believe he was born in April. More conveniently, century-old spring fertility rites corresponded perfectly with Easter and its promise of new life. Full Story

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