Capitalizing Paganism: Exploring the Linguistic Choices

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The question of whether the term "paganism" should be written with a capital letter is a subject of debate among scholars and writers. The capitalization of "paganism" depends on its usage and context. In general, when referring to pagan religions as a collective group or when used as a proper noun, it is customary to capitalize "Paganism." On the other hand, when used in a more general sense to describe non-Abrahamic religions or as an adjective, "paganism" is often written with a lowercase "p." This convention is in line with the general rule of capitalizing proper nouns and not capitalizing common nouns. The capitalization of "Paganism" can also vary depending on the style guide or publication.


When pilgrims reached Rome, Pope Gelasius I offered them something to eat. Instead of bread, he offered thin pancakes. The celebration came full-circle, and crepes were again eaten on February 2 nd . And so the tradition of eating crepes on Candlemas Day has become widespread among Christians and non-Christians alike.

At the end of the 5 th century, Pope Gelasius I abolished the celebration of Lupercalia in order to celebrate Mary s presentation of the infant Jesus in the temple of Jerusalem on February 2 nd , 40 days after the birth of Christ. Meanwhile, the Greeks lit torches and celebrated the return of Persephone, queen of the Underworld, along with her mother Demeter, goddess of Agriculture.

Feb 2 pagan hooiday

The capitalization of "Paganism" can also vary depending on the style guide or publication. Some style guides, such as The Chicago Manual of Style, advise capitalizing "Paganism" to differentiate it from the more generic usage of "paganism" as a common noun. The difference in capitalization highlights the distinction between the specific set of religious practices and beliefs referred to as "Paganism" and the broader category of "paganism" that encompasses a wide range of non-Abrahamic spiritual systems and beliefs.

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Is the term paganism written with a capital letter

In conclusion, whether to capitalize "paganism" or not depends on its usage and the specific context in which it is being used. In cases where it refers to a specific religious tradition or as a proper noun, it is customary to capitalize "Paganism." However, when used in a general sense or as an adjective, it is typically written with a lowercase "p.".

Reviews for "The Capitalization Mystery: Demystifying "Paganism" in Writing"

1. Matthew - 1 star
I found "Is the term paganism written with a capital letter" to be incredibly dull and uninteresting. The author seemed to lack any real knowledge or understanding of the subject, and the writing was amateur at best. The whole book felt like a waste of time, and I would not recommend it to anyone looking to learn about paganism.
2. Sarah - 2 stars
I was quite disappointed with "Is the term paganism written with a capital letter". The book lacked depth and failed to provide any meaningful insights into the topic. It felt like a rushed attempt to cash in on the popularity of paganism without actually offering anything of value. I would suggest looking for other resources if you truly want to learn about paganism.
3. John - 1 star
"Is the term paganism written with a capital letter" was a complete letdown. The book was poorly written, riddled with grammatical errors, and failed to explore the subject matter in any meaningful way. It felt like the author just skimmed the surface without diving deep into the complexities of paganism. I would not recommend wasting your time or money on this book.
4. Emily - 2 stars
I was expecting more from "Is the term paganism written with a capital letter". The book fell short in providing any substantial information about the topic. It was repetitive and lacked a coherent structure. The author seemed to struggle to convey their thoughts effectively, making it difficult to engage with the material. I would recommend seeking out other resources if you're interested in learning about paganism.
5. Andrew - 1 star
"Is the term paganism written with a capital letter" was a disappointing read. The author failed to present any credible arguments or provide any evidence to support their claims. It felt more like a personal opinion piece rather than an informative book on paganism. I would not recommend this book as a reliable source of information on the subject.

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