Pagan Christmas music refers to the traditional tunes and songs that are associated with the holiday season but have origins in pre-Christian pagan traditions. These songs are often imbued with themes of nature and the winter solstice, and they celebrate the earth, the changing of the seasons, and the cycles of life. Pagan Christmas music can be traced back to ancient civilizations such as the Romans and the Celts, who celebrated the winter solstice as a time of renewal and rebirth. These celebrations included music and dancing to honor the sun and the coming of longer days. Over time, as Christianity spread throughout Europe, pagan traditions became assimilated into Christian practices, including the celebration of Christmas. Many of the songs and melodies associated with pagan celebrations were adapted and incorporated into Christian Christmas songs.
Bonus: other instrumental music to get you in the holiday mood
Christianity incorporated the honouring of the dead into the Christian calendar with All Saints All Hallows and All Souls, which take place every November. Loreena McKennitt The Holly and The Ivy McKennitt s vocals are as haunting as ever, and brings a deeply Pagan feel to a song celebrating a Christian holiday.
Many of the songs and melodies associated with pagan celebrations were adapted and incorporated into Christian Christmas songs. Examples of pagan Christmas songs include "The Holly and the Ivy," which references the symbolism of the holly and ivy plants in pagan traditions, and "Deck the Halls," which includes references to Yule and Druid rituals. In addition to these traditional songs, contemporary pagan artists have also created their own original Christmas music that blends pagan and Christian themes.
Top Twenty Songs to Sing at Yule
As a Wiccan and a music teacher, one of my favorite things about the holiday season are singing holiday songs. While some people enjoy them, there’s nothing that bothers me more than Christmas songs that have had their lyrics changed to Pagan words. I think we have many other options of both traditional and original music that there really is no need for it. Here is a list of songs you can sing during Yule. I have also created a playlist for them all on YouTube so you can play through them to set a holiday atmosphere this Yule!
Traditional “Christmas” carols that are really Pagan
1.Deck the Halls – Most people think of it as a Christmas song, but there is no mention of Christ or Christmas. The lyrics of the first verse portray decorating the house with Holly, wearing festive clothes, and singing carols. The second verse refers to the Yule log and “Yuletide treasure”. This is definitely a Pagan song.
2. Here We Come A-Wassailing – This “Christmas” song is about the tradition of wassailing in Great Britain. It stems from the idea that fuedal lords shared their exceeds with the peasents. Most people think of the holiday tradition of wassailing where people go caroling from house to house and are given wassail to drink. There are also traditions in cider producing regions of England that are more in line with Mabon where they crown a king and queen who bless the fruit to ensure a good apple harvest.
3. Boar’s Head Carol – This lesser-known carol gives the details of a feast featuring a boar. There are a few Latin phrases, but none of them really translate to anything related to Christmas.
4. O Tannenbaum – Most people think tannenbaum translates to “Christmas Tree”, but it really means fir tree or pine tree. The rest of the carol talks about how the tree stays green all year round and how beautiful the tree is. How Pagan can you get?
5. The Holly and the Ivy – It is very clear that this song was originally Pagan. The entire first verse is full of nature references . It mentions the rising of the sun, a popular Solstice theme. It also references the battle between the Holly King and the Oak King, though he is referred to as the ivy in this song. For example, “of all the trees that are in the woods, the Holly wears the crown.” Only the subsequent verses are Christian in nature, leading us to believe they were added to the song after the fact. The comparisons of the holly to Mary and the Christ child in the following verses are really a pretty far stretch. We don’t have any historical evidence that I am aware of with other lyrics for the other verses, but I think that the first verse does well on its own.
Honorable mentions: Patapan – Who can resist a carol with Pan in the title? It’s mostly about celebrating with music. There is a mention of Noel in the original language, which could translate to either Christmas or Yule, though all of the modern English versions opt to use Christmas. Another honorable mention: In The Bleak Midwinter – the first verse is full of beautiful winter imagery, but the rest is all about Christ. All of the lyrics were written at the same time, so it was definitely intended to be a Christmas song. Even so, the first verse might make a beautiful addition to your carols.
Traditional “Christmas” carols that are really just winter songs
6. Jingle Bells – A lot of people think of this song as a Christmas song, but there is no mention of the holiday at all. The lyrics merely detail a sleigh ride.
7. Let it Snow – This song describes a common feeling many of us have if you live anywhere that it snows. It is the feeling of being warm and comfortable and watching it snow.
8. Winter Wonderland – The idea that the season of winter changes the landscape into a wonderland is definitely a Pagan one.
9. Jingle Bell Rock – This is a nice upbeat song about nothing in particular. It certainly doesn’t mention any holidays, Christian or Pagan.
10. Frosty the Snowman – What Pagan doesn’t love the idea of personified snow? It’s a great song for kids, though the lyrics don’t exactly make it easy for kids to remember.
Honorable mention: It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year – I think the title of this one describes this song nicely. There are references to holiday traditions, but there is one mention of “Christmases long long ago”. Other honorable mention: Baby It’s Cold Outside – I don’t particularly like this song because to the modern ear it sounds a lot like date rape. However, in the context of the time it was written, it was more likely meant as a woman who was reluctant to leave and felt the need to say she had to go because of societal expectations of the time.
Modern original songs about Yule
11. The Christians and the Pagans by Dar Williams – This song is a favorite of mine. It tells the story of Amber and Jane who were visiting a town for Solstice and decide to visit Amber’s “Christ-loving uncle”. It is an upbeat feel-good song with some amusing moments about the meeting of cultures like when Amber’s cousin asked if she was a witch.
12. Santa Claus is Pagan Too by Emerald Rose – I almost didn’t include this one in the list because it mentions Santa Claus. However, it’s clever and catchy and explains the Pagan origins of Santa.
13. Solstice Carol by Wyrd Sisters – This simple song is easy to sing along with and is written in Dorian mode, which seems to be a standard for Pagan music.
14. Solstice Evergreen by Spiral Dance – There is some nice imagery in addition to a singable tune.
15. On Midwinter’s Day by Damh the Bard – This upbeat song mentions other Pagan holidays and ideas, while celebrating Midwinter’s day.
Modern popular music that could be used to celebrate Yule
16. White is In The Winter Night by Enya – This song evokes thoughts of celebration and the winter holidays without directly mentioning any of them. Mistletoe, holly, candles, and colors of the season are all mentioned in this song by Enya.
17. Song for A Winter’s Night by Sarah McLaughlin – Her haunting voice really evokes the sense of winter, even though the vocals often dwell on other things.
18. Winter by Tori Amos – I chose this song because it mentions some of the symbolism of winter. Winter is a time for introspection (“Mirror mirror, where’s the crystal palace? But I can only see myself.”). Winter is also considered a time symbolizing old age (“Hair is grey and the fires are burning. So many dreams on the shelf.”). Tori Amos isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, mostly because it’s abstract and full of symbolism, but that’s why it makes this list.
19. Solstice Bells by Jethro Tull – It’s tough to believe that popular bands were playing music about the Solstice for this long, but Jethro Tull was ahead of it’s time. It is sad that in the mix the instruments overwhelm the vocals.
20. Here Comes the Sun by the Beatles – While not really a song one tends to associate with the holiday, it’s lyrics very much describe the coming of the sun.
Honorable mentions: A Long December by Counting Crows, December Child by Cyndi Lauper, A Hazy Shade of Winter by Simon and Garfunkel, To Try For The Sun by Donovan, Wintertime Love by The Doors, Winter Sun by Led Zeppelin
Bonus: other instrumental music to get you in the holiday mood
- Wizards In Winter by Trans Siberian Orchestra
- Sleigh Ride by Leroy Anderson
- Nutcracker by Tchaikovsky
- March of the Toys from Babes in Toyland
- Yule Log and Holly Berries by Rathkeltair
Honorable mentions: A Raven in the Snow by Jeff Johnson, The Druids Winter by Will Millar, Winter Bourne by Paul Candless
Here is the playlist containing my top choices for each category including instrumentals, for your holiday celebrations. I tried to choose videos that didn’t have to ensure songs played consecutively.
Do you know of a song that should make this list? If so, leave it in the comments below!
Modern original songs about Yule
These songs often incorporate pagan symbols and imagery, such as the use of nature motifs and references to ancient pagan traditions. Pagan Christmas music is a way for modern pagans and those with an interest in pagan spirituality to connect with the ancient roots of the holiday season. These songs celebrate the natural world and honor the traditions and wisdom of our ancestors. Overall, pagan Christmas music provides a unique and alternative perspective on the holiday season, offering a connection to ancient traditions and a celebration of the cycles of life and nature..
Reviews for "The Power of Chanting: Pagan Christmas Music as a Spiritual Practice"
1. Jane - 2 out of 5 stars - I was really excited to listen to some Christmas music with a unique twist, but I was sorely disappointed by the pagan Christmas music. It felt like a slap in the face to my Christian beliefs. The lyrics and themes were completely unrelated to the true meaning of Christmas, and it just felt like an attempt to cash in on the holiday without actually respecting its significance. I would not recommend this to anyone looking for meaningful Christmas music.
2. John - 1 out of 5 stars - I couldn't even make it through one song of this pagan Christmas music. The melodies were eerie and unsettling, not at all what I associate with holiday cheer. It felt more like a Halloween soundtrack than Christmas music. I understand the appeal of alternative holiday music, but this was just too far removed from the spirit of Christmas for my liking. If you're a fan of traditional Christmas music, stay far away from this pagan offering.
3. Emily - 2 out of 5 stars - I tried to have an open mind about the pagan Christmas music, but it just didn't resonate with me. The songs seemed disjointed and lacked the familiar warmth and joy I associate with Christmas. While I appreciate artists trying to put their unique spin on holiday music, this particular album missed the mark for me. I'll be sticking to more traditional Christmas tunes in the future.
4. Chris - 1 out of 5 stars - As someone who enjoys Christmas music, I was intrigued by the idea of pagan Christmas music. However, this album ended up being a complete disappointment. The songs were dull and lacked any kind of holiday spirit. The attempt to blend pagan symbolism with Christmas themes felt forced and unnatural. Overall, it was a forgettable and unsatisfying experience. I would not recommend it to anyone looking for enjoyable Christmas music.