But back to the tree and other Christmas customs. I, as a pagan, do not mind sharing my ... nor did I understand the true meaning of the separation of church and state, which certainly needs ...

Later, in the 1600s, Christians in Germany were documented bringing evergreen trees inside ... Christ − or Christmas. Before the word took on its current meaning, yule was a pagan midwinter ...

From Estonia to Antarctica, this once-pagan ... A Christmas tree towers outside St. Peter’s church in Riga, Latvia. Folklore offers a number of different explanations for the meaning of the ...

O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, nobody knows your origin. It's true — historians don't agree on where people started celebrating Christmas with a decorated fir tree, and who did it first.

Some Christmas traditions mirror pre-Christian festivities, but some pagan influences may have been overstated. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Few symbols encapsulate the Christmas season quite as well as the Christmas tree. Each year, homes around the world are illuminated by their festive lights. Strands of tinsel and ornaments reflect ...

How should Christmas ... of pagan cultures. German and Celtic Yule rites came to the West when Teutonic barbarians arrived in Gaul and Britain. Fires and torches symbolising life and warmth have ...

Historian Lucy Worsley traces the roots of Christmas by exploring the Anglo-Saxon tradition, wassailing where people sing to the apple trees to celebrate the winter solstice. Watch the full ...