The pagan holidays were a significant part of ancient cultures and were derived from the believe in multiple gods and goddesses. These holidays played a pivotal role in the religious and social life of those societies, and many of their traditions and customs continue to influence modern celebrations. One of the most well-known pagan holidays is Yule, which marked the winter solstice and the rebirth of the sun. It was a time of feasting, drinking, and gift-giving, and many of its traditions have been incorporated into Christmas celebrations today. Another important pagan holiday was Imbolc, celebrated on February 1st. It marked the midpoint between the winter solstice and the spring equinox and was associated with the beginning of spring.
Chief of the adinkra symbols. Symbol of Greatness, Charisma and Leadership
In chapter nine, Bronte references that Jane looks at snowdrops, crocuses, purple auriculas and gold eyed pansies , which corresponds to her feeling hopeful, cheerful, modest and preoccupied. This Flower Meanings Chart is full of flower symbolism - there may be some meanings that come from different cultures, from the east and west and around the world - even Latin language and the age of the Greeks.
It marked the midpoint between the winter solstice and the spring equinox and was associated with the beginning of spring. It was a time for purification rituals and honoring the goddess Brigid. Beltane, observed on May 1st, celebrated the arrival of summer and the fertility of the land.
Floriography: The Secret Language of Flowers in the Victorian Era
If you received a bouquet of flowers from a colleague, friend or co-worker your first move may be to thank them and find a pretty vase to display them in. However, if you were living in the 19th century you may have just received a hidden message.
History is riddled with stories of women in society (Click here to see the flowers of Downton Abbey) utilizing flowers to pass messages to lovers, friends and enemies. It’s been documented that harem women utilized “Floriography” in order to communicate without their guards knowledge. By 1810 French publishers began putting out flower dictionaries that detailed many different floral codes collected over the years.
So where do these meanings come from?
Some of the hidden meanings come directly from the root name which was sometimes based from mythology, i.e. “narcissus” would correspond to egotism. Other meanings came from the flowers directly. The colors, medical properties and even “magical” superstition surrounding these flowers helped create this hidden “language”. Below are some of the more obvious connections from the Victorian Era.
- Cabbage – looks like cash, meaning wealth, profit or money
- Walnuts – symbolized intellect as they look like a brain
- Pennyroyal, rue and Tansy – often used in teas as abortifacients. The flowers in a bouquet often symbolized “you must leave”, disdain or “war”
However, not all the meanings were as easy to derive. Some of the following make a less sense:
- Hydrangea – heartless
- Delphinium – Haughty
- Azelea – Take Care of Yourself
- Buttercup - Childishness
- Basil – I hate you
- Dill - lust
- Stripped Carnation – no, refusal
- Oleander – Beware
- Birdsfoot Trefoil – my revenge (Thee flower to give passive aggressively)
- Green Carnations - homosexuality
"Haughtiness" was symbolized by the Sunflower due to its exaggerated size.
Authors also used floral decoding in literary novels like Jane Eyre. In chapter nine, Bronte references that Jane looks at “snowdrops, crocuses, purple auriculas and gold eyed pansies”, which corresponds to her feeling “hopeful, cheerful, modest and preoccupied.
To learn more about Floriography and the Language of Flowers visit:
Previous PreviousIt was a time of bonfires, dancing, and rituals to encourage the growth of crops and livestock. Lughnasadh, held on August 1st, marked the beginning of the harvest season. It was a time to give thanks for the abundance of the land and to celebrate with games, feasting, and music. Samhain, observed on October 31st, is perhaps the most well-known pagan holiday and is the origin of modern Halloween. It marked the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. It was believed that on this night, the veil between the living and the dead was thinnest, allowing spirits to cross over. It was a time for honoring ancestors and seeking guidance from the otherworldly. Throughout history, Christianity has often incorporated pagan holidays into its own calendar to make the transition to the new religion easier for the people. This can be seen in the adoption of Christmas, Easter, and other holidays that have roots in pagan rituals. Overall, the pagan holidays were an integral part of ancient cultures, and their influence can still be felt today in our modern celebrations. They provide a fascinating glimpse into the religious and social practices of our ancestors and a reminder of the deep connections we have with the natural world..
Reviews for "Pagan Holiday Celebrations as a Form of Self-Expression and Identity"
1. John Doe - 1/5 stars - I was extremely disappointed with "The Pagan Holidays." The book claims to provide a comprehensive guide to understanding pagan traditions, but it fell short in so many ways. The information provided was surface-level at best and lacked depth and insight. The author seemed to have a limited understanding of these holidays, and it showed in the book's content. I was expecting a thorough exploration of pagan celebrations, rituals, and beliefs, but all I got was a mere introduction.
2. Jane Smith - 2/5 stars - "The Pagan Holidays" was meant to be an informative and educational read for me, but it failed to deliver. While the book offered a brief overview of various pagan holidays, it lacked coherence and organization. It felt scattered and disjointed, with no clear structure or flow. Additionally, the writing style was dry and uninspiring. I was hoping for a more engaging narrative that would draw me into the world of paganism, but unfortunately, this book did not achieve that. Overall, I found it to be a lackluster and shallow exploration of pagan holidays.
3. Sam Wilson - 2/5 stars - As someone who has a genuine interest in pagan traditions and practices, I was looking forward to reading "The Pagan Holidays." However, I was left feeling unsatisfied and underwhelmed. The book provided only surface-level information and failed to delve deeper into the significance and origins of these holidays. It came across as a shallow overview rather than a comprehensive guide. Additionally, the lack of references and sources made it difficult to trust the accuracy of the information presented. If you're truly interested in learning about pagan holidays, I would recommend seeking more reputable and well-researched sources.