"God rest ye merry pagan folk" is a popular phrase often associated with the winter holiday season. The phrase, which is derived from an old English carol, carries an interesting historical and cultural significance. "Pagan" refers to ancient polytheistic religions that predates Christianity. These religions, which included beliefs in multiple gods and goddesses, had their own traditions, rituals, and celebrations surrounding the winter solstice. According to some historians, many of these pagan beliefs and practices were integrated into Christianity as it began to spread across Europe. The phrase "God rest ye merry pagan folk" can be seen as a recognition and perhaps a celebration of the ancient pagan roots that have influenced modern Christian holiday traditions.

God rest ye merry pagan folk

Last night, my Women's Drumming and Goddess Chanting Circle met for our annual Winter Solstice celebration. (The Circle meets on the first Wednesday evening of every month, which is why our festive partying seems so early!) Anyway, we had our usual singalong of Solstice songs and chants, including several "reclaimed" Christmas carols. Lyrics for such reclaimed carols are widely available on the Internet.

26 comments:

Love it! Sharing!

Oh, awesome! I want to find a good pagan CD of Yule music for the season. Any suggestions? That's so awesome that you have a drumming/chanting circle--I'm jealous! Alas, I'll live vicariously through your fun.

I like this version! It is light and carefree and positive. Nice change.
Jim

Brilliant!! I *love* this Christmas song anyways and *love* the reclaimed version!

Hmmm. I'll have to check out other songs now.

beautiful.. would love to be in the arms of the goddess comforted and protected from all harm.

Oh man..I am learning that song and I'm going to go around the apts caroling and singing it..ha..I just love it..now are those the original words and the Christians took the song and changed it. bastids.

I love this version. Thanks for sharing it.
Mary

Very big smile of the frog queens face. I think I am going to go home tonight and give that a try at the piano :)

Thank you for sharing! :)

Just picture me singing this out loud to my cats and my dog, who think anything that comes out of my mouth is miraculous and are the best audience ever! I love the Goddess lyrics. do you have others that have been adapted?

And I really enjoyed your Wikileaks comment, Debra. you're always so sharp!

I like it!! This is my first Christmas since leaving Christianity and I'm having a hard time getting away from all the Christocentric music. Love it!

Kathy -- Speaking as a Pagan who was raised Christian, let me tell you that you don't have to give up Christmas music if you don't want to! You don't have to agree with the lyrics of a song to enjoy it.

~i'll be singing this the rest of the night. hehehe. l♥ve it! thank you for sharing this with us. warm wishes and brightest blessings~

Dear Friend,
NAMASTE!
Good Morning From India!
HAPPY DECEMBER!
I love this season,
The time to forgive and forget.
To spread love and cheer,
Thnks a lot for sharing the beautiful song.
Wishing you a beautiful day ahead,
Sasneham,
Anu

"Let nothing you display" would have been cheekier.

Oh, I like that. Very much. That means there's only 19 days til we start moving closer to Spring. I can deal with that.

"The Goddess rest ye merry, too,
And keep you safe from harm.
Remember that we live within
The circle of Her arms." So beautiful.

Love, love, love it!

Sounds like a very cool drum circle!

Oh yeah! Love it!

I love this idea!

Thank you for sharing this. I love to hear all the different ways people observe the various holidays at this time of year. There's such a push from certain groups to put the focus back on the Christian tradition, but I really feel that our celebrations are richer when we embrace and honour the varied backgrounds that make us who we are as a nation!!
Stepping off of soapbox now.

Select a country or region

Copyright © 2024 Apple Inc. All rights reserved.

• Internet Service Terms
• Apple Music & Privacy
• Cookie Warning
• Support
• Feedback

Select a country or region

The phrase "God rest ye merry pagan folk" can be seen as a recognition and perhaps a celebration of the ancient pagan roots that have influenced modern Christian holiday traditions. It implies that the merriment and joy associated with the holiday season go beyond religious boundaries and have a history that extends much further back in time. Furthermore, the phrase also highlights the idea that all people, regardless of their religious beliefs, can come together and experience the happiness and cheer that accompany the holiday season.

Africa, Middle East, and India

See All

It suggests that the holiday spirit is not limited to a specific religious group but can be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of their faith or background. In today's multicultural and diverse world, embracing the idea of inclusivity and recognizing the various traditions and customs that make up our collective heritage becomes increasingly important. The phrase "God rest ye merry pagan folk" serves as a reminder of this broader perspective and encourages individuals to appreciate the rich tapestry of traditions that contribute to the festive atmosphere of the holiday season. Overall, "God rest ye merry pagan folk" holds a special place in the realm of holiday greetings for its historical significance and its ability to bridge religious and cultural divides. It reminds us to celebrate the joys of the season while honoring and respecting the diverse beliefs and traditions that have shaped our collective celebration of this time of year..

Reviews for "The Witches' Carol: The Pagan History of "God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen"

1. Jane - 2/5 stars - "I was really excited to read 'God rest ye merry pagan folk' as I love Christmas-themed books. However, I was disappointed with this one. The storyline seemed forced and rushed, and the characters were one-dimensional. Additionally, the pagan elements felt tacked on and didn't integrate well with the overall plot. Overall, I found it to be a lackluster and forgettable read."

2. Mark - 3/5 stars - "I had mixed feelings about 'God rest ye merry pagan folk'. While I appreciated the unique concept and the attempt to incorporate pagan traditions into a Christmas theme, I felt that the execution fell short. The pacing was uneven, with slow and dragged-out scenes alternating with rushed and underdeveloped plot points. The character development was also lacking, making it difficult to connect with any of the protagonists. Although it had potential, the book ultimately left me feeling underwhelmed."

3. Susan - 2/5 stars - "I had high hopes for 'God rest ye merry pagan folk' as a fan of both Christmas and pagan traditions. Unfortunately, I found the book to be confusing and disjointed. The narrative jumped between different timelines and perspectives without clear transitions, which made it difficult to follow the story. Additionally, the writing style felt choppy and inconsistent, detracting from the overall reading experience. I was disappointed with the lack of cohesion and found it hard to engage with the plot."

4. David - 1/5 stars - "I cannot recommend 'God rest ye merry pagan folk' based on my reading experience. The plot was convoluted and predictable, while the characters were clichéd and lacked depth. The pagan elements were poorly researched and incorporated, often feeling like an afterthought rather than an integral part of the storyline. The dialogue was stiff and unnatural, making it hard to connect with the characters or become invested in their journey. Overall, it was a disappointing read that missed the mark in several areas."

The Pagan Connection: Understanding "God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen