Posted by Chieftain Trees ● Dec 24, 2022 4:46:30 PM

Yule, The Origin of Christmas

Like many modern observances, the origins of this festive holiday are routed in ancient traditions and beliefs. Yule is a pagan holiday that predates the Christian holiday of Christmas. It is traditionally celebrated by the ancient Germanic peoples, and is still recognized and celebrated by some in the modern-day.

Yule was originally a winter solstice festival, marking the shortest day of the year and the longest night. It was a time of celebration and feasting, as people looked forward to the return of the sun and the longer days that would follow.

The pagan origins of Yule can be traced back to the ancient Norse and Germanic cultures, who celebrated the holiday as a way to honor their gods and goddesses and pray for a prosperous new year. The Norse god Odin was particularly associated with Yule, and it was believed that he rode through the sky on his eight-legged horse, Sleipnir, during the winter solstice. Yule was also a time for giving gifts, as it was believed that the gods and goddesses would bestow blessings on those who were generous and kind. 

Christmas is basically a germanic pagan winter party, and has nothing to do with Christianity. Like many indigenous customs, in the early centuries of the Christian era, major festivals and ceremonies were assimilated by the church with a Christian narrative. As a result, many of the traditions and customs of Yule, such as gift-giving and the use of evergreen decorations, were adopted by the Christians and continue to be a part of the modern-day celebration of Christmas. This rewritten narrative allowed the Christian church to expand its reach and influence into pagan cultures, and slowly eradicate belief systems. 

Prior to Christianity, many indigenous spiritualities viewed the natural world as sacred, and believed that all living beings and elements are interconnected and interdependent. These principals can lead to a modern respect for the environment and a desire to live in harmony with nature, rather than exploiting or degrading it.

In addition, many indigenous European spiritualities have a strong focus on community and interconnectedness, with a belief that all living beings are connected and should work together for the common good. This can lead to a focus on sustainability and resource sharing, as well as a respect for the rights and needs of others.

Overall, the connection between indigenous European spirituality and sustainability is strong, as these spiritualities often emphasize the importance of living in harmony with nature and the environment, which is at odds with the dissonant message of the materialistic concept of Christmas.

 

Topics: Sustainability

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