Christian Traditions and Their Pagan Roots: What Believers Should Know

Introduction: Re-examining Beliefs and Traditions

In modern Christianity, many holiday traditions seem commonplace, yet a closer look reveals that some of these customs originated outside of the biblical faith. For believers seeking to follow Yehovah’s Word, understanding these origins can be essential in making informed decisions about worship. 1 Thessalonians 5:21 instructs, “Test everything; hold fast what is good.” This post explores the historical origins of some widely accepted Christian traditions and their connections to ancient, non-biblical customs, offering insight into what scripture says about these practices.

Christmas and Its Origins: From Pagan Festivals to Modern Traditions

The Christmas Tree and Evergreen Decorations

The Christmas tree, adorned with lights, ornaments, and a star or angel, is one of the most iconic symbols of Christmas. However, this custom did not originate from biblical or early Christian practices. The tradition can be traced back to pagan winter solstice celebrations, where ancient Romans and Germanic tribes used evergreen trees to symbolize life and fertility during the winter months. They decorated their homes with evergreen branches and celebrated Saturnalia, honoring Saturn, the god of agriculture.

Scripture cautions against adopting customs associated with idolatry and paganism. Jeremiah 10:2-4 warns, “Thus says the Lord: ‘Learn not the way of the nations… they decorate it with silver and gold; they fasten it with hammer and nails so that it cannot move.’” Although this passage specifically addresses idol-making, its message serves as a caution against adopting practices with non-biblical origins.

Wreaths, Holly, and Mistletoe

Other decorations commonly associated with Christmas, such as wreaths, holly, and mistletoe, also have roots in ancient traditions. The Romans and Druids used wreaths and evergreen branches as symbols of life and protection, and mistletoe was considered a mystical plant used in fertility rites. People would hang mistletoe to ward off evil spirits, and later, it became a symbol of love and romance.

In Deuteronomy 12:30-31, Yehovah warns, “Take care that you be not ensnared to follow them… and that you do not inquire about their gods, saying, ‘How did these nations serve their gods?—that I also may do the same.’” While wreaths and mistletoe might seem harmless, understanding their roots helps believers consider how to align their practices with scriptural principles.

The Yule Log and Lights

The Yule log, another common Christmas tradition, originates from Norse winter solstice customs. The ancient Norse would burn a large log to honor the god Thor, symbolizing warmth, protection, and fertility. Over time, the practice became a symbol of family warmth and cheer during Christmas. Similarly, lighting candles and hanging lights during the winter season trace back to solstice celebrations intended to welcome the sun’s return after the darkest days of winter.

However, scripture consistently directs believers to honor Yehovah as the true source of light. Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path,” and Yeshua declared Himself “the light of the world” in John 8:12. Rather than adopting symbols meant to honor the physical sun, believers are encouraged to recognize Yeshua as the eternal source of light and life.

Easter and Its Roots in Spring Fertility Rituals

Easter Eggs and Rabbits

Easter, traditionally observed to honor Yeshua’s resurrection, has many symbols that trace back to ancient fertility festivals. The term “Easter” itself likely derives from Eostre, the Anglo-Saxon goddess of spring and fertility. Symbols like eggs and rabbits were associated with her worship, representing new life and fertility. While Easter eggs have become a symbol of resurrection in Christianity, their original use in fertility rituals was unrelated to scripture.

Believers in scripture commemorated Yeshua’s resurrection by observing Passover, an event that aligns directly with biblical teachings. 1 Corinthians 5:7-8 reminds believers, “For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. Therefore let us keep the festival…” By celebrating Passover rather than adopting fertility symbols, believers can align with the biblical account of Yeshua’s sacrifice and resurrection.

Lent and Fasting Practices

Lent, a 40-day period of fasting leading up to Easter, has origins that predate Christianity. Many ancient religions practiced fasting as a means of spiritual preparation, and some speculate that Lent was influenced by these traditions. However, scripture emphasizes fasting as a personal act of worship rather than an institutionalized ritual.

Isaiah 58:6-7 reveals Yehovah’s heart for fasting: “Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke…?” Biblical fasting is intended to draw believers closer to Yehovah, rather than to fulfill an obligatory religious observance.

Halloween and Its Roots in Samhain

Halloween, celebrated on October 31, originated with the Celtic festival of Samhain, which marked the end of the harvest season. Samhain was believed to thin the veil between the physical and spiritual realms, allowing spirits to roam the earth. People wore costumes to disguise themselves from spirits and carved faces into turnips to ward off evil. When Christianity spread, the church incorporated Samhain into All Saints’ Day on November 1, with October 31 becoming All Hallows’ Eve.

However, scripture warns against engaging in practices associated with necromancy or spirit contact. Deuteronomy 18:10-12 states, “There shall not be found among you… anyone who practices divination… or a necromancer or one who inquires of the dead.” Despite Halloween’s secularization, its practices retain connections to beliefs and customs the Bible warns against.

Sunday Worship and Its Connection to the Sun God

The shift from Sabbath (Friday evening to Saturday evening) to Sunday worship began in the Roman Empire, where Sunday was dedicated to the sun god, Sol Invictus. Early believers, including Yeshua’s disciples, observed Shabbat as commanded in scripture. However, as the Roman influence over Christianity grew, worship shifted to align with the Roman weekly calendar.

Exodus 20:8-10 commands, “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy… the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God.” For those seeking a return to biblical roots, honoring Shabbat rather than Sunday worship can be a way of aligning with the practice observed by Yeshua and His disciples.

Biblical Principles for Avoiding Pagan Customs

Throughout scripture, Yehovah instructs His people to avoid customs associated with other religions. 2 Corinthians 6:17 instructs believers, “Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you.” By examining traditions for their roots, believers can ensure that their worship aligns with Yehovah’s Word.

Romans 12:2 also urges believers to live differently from the world, saying, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind.” This means examining and separating from customs that may conflict with Yehovah’s instructions.

Embracing Scriptural Symbols and Celebrations

For those who wish to avoid traditions with non-biblical roots, scripture offers a rich set of symbols and celebrations. The seven biblical feasts, outlined in Leviticus 23, are unique to Yehovah’s people and were observed by Yeshua Himself:

• Passover and Unleavened Bread celebrate deliverance and removal of sin.
• Firstfruits and Shavuot honor Yehovah’s provision and the giving of the Ruach HaKodesh.
• Trumpets, Yom Kippur, and Sukkot align with future prophetic events.

Observing these feasts connects believers with Yehovah’s appointed times, deepening their understanding of His redemptive plan.

Conclusion: Seeking Worship Aligned with Scripture

While many symbols and traditions have been absorbed into Christian practices, their origins reveal connections to pagan customs that were not originally intended to honor Yehovah. For believers committed to biblical truth, re-evaluating these traditions is a part of returning to worship that aligns with scripture. As John 4:24 reminds us, “God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” By focusing on practices that honor Yehovah’s commands, believers can celebrate in a way that truly reflects His holiness and purposes.