Do you believe in Pagan religion? Did you know that some of the traditions you follow closely are actually really old Pagan customs and related to Ancient Pagan Practices?
It might sound surprising, but it’s true!
Throughout human history, our cultural practices have deep roots that stretch far into the past. Many of our daily habits and traditions can be traced back to ancient civilizations, with some originating from enduring Pagan customs.
Often, we may not even realize the ancient origins of these practices.
Before we explore some of the Pagan traditions still present in our lives, let’s clarify what more about Ancient Pagan Practices.
It’s not a cult that worships the devil or involves human sacrifices, as sometimes depicted in horror movies. No, it’s not like that!
Paganism is a rapidly growing spiritual movement that includes various groups practicing nature-based polytheistic religions, inspired by the ancient world’s religions.
Our beliefs are diverse, drawing from various traditions, emphasizing a deep connection to nature and the physical world, and embracing non-authoritarian religious views.
You might hear us using different terms to describe ourselves, such as Wiccan, Witch, Heathen, Asatru, Druid, Faerie tradition, Solitary Practitioner, Eclectic, and more.
Nature holds great importance for us, and Ancient Pagan Practices are often environmentally conscious.
In terms of spirituality, some Pagans believe in multiple Gods and Goddesses, while others view them as symbolic names and forms that help us connect with the divine more easily.
Generally, Pagans see the divine as present in both male and female principles. Importantly, Pagans don’t actively recruit members; we believe that each person has their unique way of revering the divine, and no one religion is considered superior to another.
Here we will explore the Ancient Pagan Practices That You Still Do Unknowingly!
What is paganism?
Paganism is a diverse term covering a range of spiritual beliefs outside major world religions. Rooted in ancient traditions and nature-focused practices, it often involves honouring the Earth, nature cycles, and various deities.
Despite lacking a unified structure, Pagan belief systems can include Witchcraft, Druidism, and different forms of polytheism.
This ancient spiritual system recognizes the Divine Feminine and Masculine, celebrates interconnectedness, promotes harmony between humanity and nature, and uses rituals to manifest desires through intention and incantations.
This article explores obscure Pagan traditions that persist in modern culture, delving into practices that have become a norm in our lives.
We have adopted some of pagan tradition in our culture. Let’s talk about some of them.
Ancient Pagan Practices that people still follow unknowingly
Paganism traces its origins to the pre-Christian religions of Europe. Its resurgence in Britain is similar to trends in other Western countries, experiencing significant growth since the 1950s.
The pagan community values unity in diversity, reflected in its social infrastructure—a network of interconnected traditions, local groups, and larger organizations. In Scotland, the Pagan Federation serves as an educational and representative body.
Pagans perceive deity as present in nature, acknowledging divinity in various forms, including goddesses and gods. Goddess worship holds a central place in paganism.
Ancient Pagan Practices regard nature as sacred, attributing deep spiritual meanings to the natural cycles of birth, growth, and death.
Humans are seen as integral parts of nature, sharing this earth with animals, trees, stones, plants, and everything else. Many pagans embrace the idea of reincarnation, viewing death as a transition within an ongoing process of existence.
There are 8 Ancient Pagan Practices out of popular pagan belief we still follow in our culture.
1. Pagan belief
In our lives, we often hold onto superstitions and beliefs that influence how we act and decide things.
Ancient Pagan Practices and beliefs with ancient origins, like breaking a mirror or crossing fingers for luck, have become part of our daily rituals.
In ancient Rome, breaking a mirror was believed to shatter one’s soul, and crossing fingers symbolized making the sign of the cross to ward off evil spirits.
There are lot of other superstition people still believe and follow and no doubt it is all part of Ancient Pagan Practices.
2. The Custom of Blowing Candles
Blowing out candles on a birthday cake is a long-standing tradition in many celebrations, and its roots are as old as the custom itself.
The Greeks are credited as the original creators of this tradition.
Ancient Pagan Practices used to offer round cakes to Artemis, the moon goddess, adorned with lit candles.
The flickering candles symbolized the glowing moon, and blowing them out was believed to send wishes and prayers up to heaven.
Over time, this ritual became popular and evolved into a well-known practice.
Nowadays, it’s common for people to make a wish before extinguishing the candles on their birthday cake.
3. Christmas decoration and celebration
Interested in the surprising Pagan origin of Christmas? Many ancient cultures associated the winter solstice with the triumph of light or life over darkness or death.
As Christianity spread, it incorporated and adapted various ancient practices, linking the birth of Jesus Christ with the solstice.
In modern times, it’s common to find homes adorned with Christmas trees covered in lights and ornaments.
In Ancient Pagan Practices and culture, evergreen trees like pine, spruce, and fir symbolized life, resilience, and the unyielding spirit of nature during harsh winter months.
Evergreen boughs and wreaths were used to represent hope or the promise of renewal as the world transitioned from the dark winter into the approaching light of spring.
Today, this tradition seamlessly fits into contemporary celebrations, especially during the Christmas season when evergreen trees are decorated with lights, tinsel, and ornaments.
Read :Â The Secret Navarna Mohini Vashikaran Mantra to Attract Desired Person 5 Powerful Effect with Benefit
4. Taking and giving of gift
The tradition of giving gifts has deep roots in human civilization, often harking back to ancient customs linked to Pagan festivals and Ancient Pagan Practices from many years ago.
In December, Romans celebrated Saturnalia, a festival marked by gift exchange, believed to bring prosperity and other positive outcomes.
This notion aligns with Christian tradition, where the Three Wise Men presented gifts to baby Jesus.
Today, the act of giving gifts transcends religious or cultural differences, becoming a universal expression of love, appreciation, or celebration during various occasions.
5. Valentine day celebration
On May 1st, Beltane marked the start of summer and was a time for celebration, love, and fertility among the ancient Celts.
During this festival, people would dance around a maypole, symbolizing the intertwining of male and female energies.
Interestingly, some fertility symbols associated with Beltane are echoed in modern times through Valentine’s Day celebrations.
Although it’s now linked to St. Valentine, the day’s roots in fertility and love persist.
The tradition of exchanging flowers, dating back to the Victorian era, and the emphasis on romantic gestures can be seen as contemporary echoes of Beltane’s celebration of love.
6. Showing gratitude and celebration
Mabon, a Pagan festival occurring around September 21st during the autumnal equinox, marks a time of balance when day and night are equal.
Named after the Welsh god Mabon ap Modron, it celebrates the harvest and offers gratitude for the season’s abundance.
Similar themes are found in the American holiday of Thanksgiving, which originated from a 1621 feast shared by Pilgrims and Native Americans.
Both Mabon and Thanksgiving involve expressing gratitude for the plentiful harvest and the gifts of the Earth, emphasizing the act of gathering with loved ones.
Read : Most Powerful Marid Djinn in Mythology Everything You Need To Know – 5 Amazing Facts
7. Resurgence and Spring Festival
Easter, a Christian holiday commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ, includes several customs with Ancient Pagan Practices from its origin.
The Easter Bunny, a cherished symbol of fertility and new life, has roots in Germanic Paganism.
Eggs, symbolizing rebirth and renewal, were utilized in Pagan spring festivals well before becoming an integral part of Easter celebrations.
8. The Act of Disguising
Halloween, with its costumes, trick-or-treating, and spooky tales, originated from a Celtic festival known as Samhain.
In ancient Celtic beliefs, Samhain was a night when the boundary between the living and the dead was very thin, allowing spirits to roam freely. To trick and avoid malevolent spirits, Pagans would wear disguises.
This tradition of wearing costumes during Halloween has its roots in this practice.
Read :Â 100% Powerful Rare Shabar Mantra to Invoke Six Ghosts or Demons to Become Rich Overnight
Spirituality Prevailed Before Religion Came In
As we examine our cultural and Ancient Pagan Practices over time, it becomes clear that many of them carry Pagan influences and are tied to Pagan festivals.
These enduring spiritual customs, observed across different periods, still hold significant roles in our lives, often without people recognizing their Pagan origins.
Acknowledging the Pagan roots of these practices, including the surprising origin of Christmas, may seem like a lot of information to digest.
However, understanding these Pagan traditions allows us to appreciate the diversity of our cultural heritage and provides insight into how we connect as a human race.