Do Christians Hijack Pagan Holidays for Their Holy Days?

There is a popular belief among some that many religious holidays were co-opted or 'hijacked' by the Catholic Church to accommodate pre-existing pagan traditions. This belief raises questions about the true origins of these holidays and whether Christianity deliberately integrated elements of pagan culture to gain wider acceptance. This article delves into the actual historical backgrounds of various religious holidays, particularly focusing on Easter, saints' days, and Christmas, to provide insight into their true origins and evolution.

The Origin of Easter: A Blend of Jewish and Christian Traditions

Central to the celebration of Easter is the Jewish Passover, a festival celebrating the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. The Aramaic word “Pascha” (which is similar to the Greek word “Pascha”) forms the basis of the English “Easter.” This is not merely a linguistic coincidence but a historical continuity. The Christian celebration of Pascha developed organically within the context of early Jewish communities that were transitioning to Christianity.

The season of Lent, a time of fasting and reflection preceding Easter, draws its origins from the 40 day fast of Christ in the wilderness, as described in the Bible. The Jerusalem Church, which was at the heart of Christian practices, extended its celebration of Pascha to incorporate a detailed re-enactment of biblical events for pilgrims and visitors. This rich tradition has been passed down through the centuries, becoming what we now know as the Paschal cycle.

The Saints' Days: A Cultural Evolution

Saints' days represent yet another layer in the complex tapestry of religious observance. These are usually celebrated on the date when a saint died or, sometimes, on the anniversary of the dedication of a church built in their honor. Historically, these days were often based on legendary accounts, especially those from the early Middle Ages. In the 20th century, the Catholic Church worked to clean up these legends, emphasizing more historical accuracy and documentation.

However, some local saints' days have roots that stretch back to pre-Christian traditions. These celebrations were not overtly religious but gradually became imbued with Christian symbolism, reflecting the syncretic nature of many cultures that blended new beliefs with old customs. The Catholic Church’s efforts to legitimize these saints by providing historical context was a significant step in the evolution of these celebrations.

Christmas and the Search for Cultural Acceptance

Christmas remains the only major holiday that raises the most contention regarding the integration of pre-existing pagan practices. The winter solstice, on which the modern celebration of Christmas is often based, had religious significance for many cultures, including some non-Christian Romans. The theory that Christmas was co-opted to coincide with pagan celebrations is plausible, but historical evidence is often lacking.

Christmas itself was not initially a major celebration. The feast of Epiphany, on January 6th, was more popular in the Eastern Church and is mentioned as early as the 200s. Christmas was not officially recognized until about a century later. This gradual evolution suggests that the Church was adapting to the cultural acceptance of celebrations but did not necessarily start these traditions.

The Early Christian Context: Finding Cultural Hooks

The early Christians faced a significant challenge: they had to find ways to meet and worship in a society that was not overtly Christian. One method was to celebrate the birthdays of martyrs or local saints, which was a culturally accepted way to gather. This provided a pretext for the Christian community to come together. Similarly, any pagan holiday that brought people together could serve as a cover for Christian worship.

Easter is not an example of re-purposing a pagan holiday. The Aramaic-speaking Christian communities around the world were already celebrating Pascha by the time the term “Easter” was adopted in England. In fact, Pascha remained the primary term for the resurrection festival in most parts of the world outside of England and Germany until relatively recently.

Conclusion

The origins of religious holidays are complex and often rooted in a mix of cultural and religious traditions. The Catholic Church did not simply co-opt pagan holidays but rather worked within the cultural and religious landscape of the time to establish and adapt religious practices. While there may have been some co-option of traditions, the majority of religious holidays have their roots in established religious practices, whether they are Jewish, Christian, or other.