Occult practices have been a part of human civilization for centuries, often existing on the fringes of society. The term "occult" refers to hidden or secret knowledge that is not easily accessible to the general public. These practices involve rituals, spells, divination, and the belief in supernatural powers. In society, occult practices have often been associated with mystery, fascination, and fear. While some people may dismiss these practices as superstitious or irrational, others are drawn to the esoteric knowledge and spiritual aspects they offer. The occult has its own subculture, attracting individuals who are seeking a deeper understanding of the universe and their place in it.
Visitors may possess firearms within a national park unit provided the possession of the firearm is in compliance with the law of the State in which the National Park System unit is located.
It provided protection against troubles, evil, bad luck and even death; it foretold the future and provided hope for good luck, good health, and good fortune. Visitors may possess firearms within a national park unit provided the possession of the firearm is in compliance with the law of the State in which the National Park System unit is located.
The occult has its own subculture, attracting individuals who are seeking a deeper understanding of the universe and their place in it. Occult practices can vary greatly, depending on cultural and historical contexts. Some of the most well-known occult traditions include witchcraft, astrology, tarot card reading, and alchemy.
The Appalachian Tradition of "Old Christmas"
In this spirit of this unique holiday season, we bring you the little-known story of "Old Christmas", a centuries old Appalachian custom wherein Christmas was celebrated on January 6. This delightful stories parallels what many of us are experiencing this year due to the pandemic, and illustrates how simpler traditions bring joy, comfort, and fellowship no matter what the circumstances.
The expression “Old Christmas” perhaps conjures a sense of Christmases past or something out of Victorian England. In reality it is a term for a tradition which is now, indeed, of Christmas past: that is, the southern Appalachian custom of celebrating “Old Christmas” on January 6, the Feast of Epiphany.
This was entirely for calendar reasons but soon became its own custom after December 25 was considered “New Christmas.”
In 1752 the British Parliament voted to change the Julian calendar, from Julius Caesar’s reign in 45 BC, to the Gregorian calendar used in certain Catholic countries. This is the calendar we still use today. However, the Julian calendar added too many leap days which, by the 1700s, was eleven days behind the sun. Thus, in Britain and the American colonies, September 2 became September 14 overnight with the time adjustment.
By the 1800s, because the Julian calendar kept falling behind the Gregorian calendar, “Old Christmas” actually fell on January 6 — which is coincidentally, on the church calendar, the Feast of Epiphany when the three wisemen visited Jesus. As often happens with governmental policy, some were unhappy that Christmas could just be arbitrarily moved.
As related to Appalachia, when the Scots-Irish immigrated here, they were either too isolated after bringing the custom with them, to know of the change or just didn’t want to adapt.
Thus, “Old Christmas” was widely celebrated in deepest Appalachia by the 1800s and in some parts even into this century.
Yet, the new Christmas, on December 25, began twelve days of celebration, still practiced in Great Britain today and known as the “Twelve Days of Christmas” lasting through Epiphany.
Some of the Appalachian traditions included “serenading” from house to house, which consisted of visiting, singing, storytelling, and even dancing. Guns were often fired and bonfires set, too — all to ward off evil spirits.
Folklore claimed that the animals spoke at midnight on January 5, Old Christmas Eve, after the Holy Spirit came to earth and the elder bushes bloomed granting them that power.
Old Christmas day itself, January 6, became a non-work day for many, like a Sunday, with church-going and family time. Like many mountain traditions in the modern age, most people have not heard about, or celebrate, Old Christmas.
Lawton Brooks, who was born in the early 1900s and interviewed in A Foxfire Christmas: Appalachian Memories and Traditions recounted this:
"A lot of people celebrated both Christmas and Old Christmas — you know, the 12 days after December 25th. Some of the old people took all those days off for Christmas. Generally, everybody would get out and go places and stay with their friends and have a big time for 3 or 4 days."
There seems to have been a solemnity to Old Christmas with church, quieter family meals, Bible readings and stockings filled with nuts and fruit. The emphasis of the season was on family and friends and sharing food and fellowship together.
Fresh game, preserved fruits, and baked goods were prepared in advance and shared. Mincemeat, made with fruit and game, was also popular and another custom brought from Great Britain. The custom of fruit cake, prepared with whiskey, was also brought by Scots-Irish settlers to America.
Decoration was simple and relied upon natural plants that grew in the mountains: holly, berries, evergreens, and pinecones — even accounts of sycamore seeds wrapped in foil liners, and surely mistletoe shot down from high branches. Christmas trees were generally cedar and strewn with cut-out paper decorations, yarn dolls, or cookie ornaments.
Gifts were handmade toys, warm knitted garments for winter, or other useful and homemade things.
Several accounts speak of an Irish tradition that placed a lighted candle in a window on Christmas Eve to welcome Mary and Joseph as they searched for a place to have their baby and take shelter. This welcoming spirit, and custom, lingers today in homes across the South and around the country during the holiday season.
Reflections of a quieter and traditional holiday season seem a wonderful balm to the materialism of our modern times and a cozy anecdote to the reality that so many of us are isolated by circumstance this year.
May our days be merry and blessed and our new year bright!
Catherine Seiberling Pond
Catherine Seiberling Pond writes about home, place, and rural life from her Kentucky ridge farm where her family moved from New England in 2008. She is also marketing coordinator (remote and on site) for the National Willa Cather Center in Red Cloud, Nebraska and says the combination of vocations and locales is the best of all rural worlds. Find more at CatherinePond.com.
Want more from our blog? Subscribe to Rethink:Rural here
Subscribe to get all of our latest content sent directly to your inbox, or contact us directly with any questions you have.
Related posts
10 Fall Activities to Do in the Country Posted by Kristen Boye Looking for fun fall activities to do in your rural area or small town? Check out these 10 creative ideas the whole family will enjoy, from picking.
The Science Behind Why Leaves Change Color in Autumn Posted by Jim Mize Country living near forests affords one a beautiful view of fall colors. But have you ever wondered why leaves change color in Autumn? Read on to.
How a Growth Mindset Improved My Hunting Posted by Sarah Snipes One new hunter shares the joys and challenges of her journey of getting started hunting as an adult.
Best Homesteading Resources for Beginners Posted by Mara Watts If you are planning to join the homesteading movement, we at Rethink:Rural recommend seeking out reliable resources to guide you on your way. In this.
Summer Musing Posted by L. Woodrow Ross The final days of summer are upon us! A gardener and nature lover shares recipes and musings to inspire appreciation of the season.
Fishing Saltwater: How to Switch from Fresh to Saltwater Fly Fishing Posted by Corey Hunt Get step-by-step tips on how to convert your freshwater fishing gear to salt water from an angling expert.
Start Birdwatching With Kids to Connect With Nature Posted by Sarah Snipes A powerful connection with nature created during childhood can have lasting impacts. Learn how to start birdwatching with your kids (or any kids in.
The Joy Of Metal Detecting In Rural Places Posted by L. Woodrow Ross Metal detecting is a wonderful hobby for adults and children, especially in rural places. A survival expert and outdoorsman shares stories from a.
How to Build And Run a Short-Term Rental Business on Your Rural Land Posted by Mara Watts Are you thinking about building a short-term rental on your rural land? If so, Mara has insider tips and adviceto share from her and her family's.
Forage Blackberries for Simple Summer Fun Posted by Sarah Snipes Wild blackberries, abundant and delicious, ripen between June and August in the South. Take your kids, invite a friend and make a summer.
Fishing 101: Resources for Beginners Posted by Corey Hunt Are you interested in fishing, either alone or with your children, but don't know where to start? An experienced woman angler, outdoors expert and.
Uncle Abe's Farm Posted by Jim Mize Indulge in a rich story of yesteryear-homesteading, as author Jim Mize shares memories of visiting his Uncle Abe's off-grid farm 60 years ago.
Tips for Outdoor Cooking Posted by L. Woodrow Ross Does the warm weather make you averse to turning on the oven? Then why not cook outdoors? Get tips and family recipes from an outdoorsman, survival.
Travel Writing From Home Posted by Jim Mize Looking for ways to make extra money to support your rural lifestyle? An expert shares tips on how to make extra income, or an entire living, travel.
The Benefits Of A Bat Box Posted by Jim Mize Attracting bats to your rural property has many potential benefits, including natural insect control, plant pollination and seed spreading. Learn how.
How To Avoid Getting Lost in the Wilderness Posted by Jim Mize What would you do if you were lost in the woods without a GPS or access to your phone? Expert outdoorsman Jim Mize shares potentially life-saving.
Introduction to Seed Saving Posted by Mara Watts Seed saving is a fun, easy, and valuable skill for homesteaders and gardeners alike. We talk with the founder of a seed company to learn more about.
Spring in Rural America Posted by L. Woodrow Ross A nature lover, gardener and outdoorsman shares his musings about the unique joys of springtime in rural America.
5 Outdoor Activity Apps Everyone Should Try Posted by Corey Hunt An outdoorswoman, mom, and outdoor adventure blogger shares her favorite 5 outdoor apps for camping, planning family trips, and outdoor adventures.
How To Find Land For Sale In Baker County, FLorida Posted by Kristen Boye In the first article of our series on "How to Buy Land and Turn it Into a Homesite in Baker County Florida", we share how to find land for sale, how.
Spring in Rural America Posted by L. Woodrow Ross A nature lover, gardener and outdoorsman shares his musings about the unique joys of springtime in rural America.
These practices often involve tapping into unseen energies or forces, and manipulating them to achieve desired outcomes. One reason why occult practices have persisted throughout history is their ability to provide a sense of control or power over the unknown. The allure of divination and fortune-telling, for example, lies in the belief that one can gain insight into the future. This offers a sense of comfort and guidance in an uncertain world. However, occult practices are not without controversy. They have often been associated with accusations of fraud, manipulation, and even satanic worship. Religious authorities throughout history have condemned occult practices as heresy and devil worship, leading to persecution and witch trials. In modern society, occult practices have become more mainstream and accessible, thanks to the internet and the rise of alternative spirituality. There are now online communities, forums, and social media groups dedicated to discussing and practicing the occult. Books, workshops, and classes on occult practices are also readily available. Despite the increased visibility and acceptance of occult practices, they are still seen as unconventional and outside the mainstream. However, many individuals find solace, inspiration, and personal growth through their engagement with the occult. It is a deeply personal and individualistic path that allows individuals to explore their own beliefs and spirituality. Overall, occult practices continue to have a place in society, offering individuals a way to explore the mysteries of existence and seek guidance in a complex world. Whether one believes in their efficacy or not, the occult remains an enduring part of human culture, provoking curiosity and intrigue..
Reviews for "The Mystique of Occult Practices in Modern Society"
1. John - 2/5
I found the Occult Practices Society to be quite disappointing. The group seemed more interested in performing cheesy rituals and dressing up in Gothic attire than actually delving into the mysteries of the occult. The meetings were disorganized, with little focus or structure. I was hoping to learn more about ancient rituals and occult practices, but instead, it felt more like a social club for people who enjoy dressing up in black. Overall, I wouldn't recommend this group for anyone seeking a serious study of the occult.
2. Sarah - 1/5
The Occult Practices Society was a complete waste of my time. The leader of the group seemed to have minimal knowledge about actual occult practices and relied heavily on superficial aesthetics. The meetings consisted of poorly researched PowerPoint presentations and idle chit-chat. It felt more like a gathering of amateur enthusiasts rather than a serious group interested in learning and discovering the deeper meaning behind occult practices. I left feeling incredibly disappointed and would not recommend this society to anyone serious about the occult.
3. Alex - 2/5
I had high expectations for the Occult Practices Society, but they fell short on multiple levels. The meetings lacked structure and direction, making it difficult to understand what exactly the group aimed to achieve. Moreover, there was a lack of experienced practitioners or experts leading the discussions, resulting in superficial discussions and a shallow understanding of the occult. If you're looking for a more serious and knowledgeable group to explore occult practices, I would recommend looking elsewhere.
4. Emily - 2.5/5
While the Occult Practices Society had some interesting elements, it failed to live up to my expectations. The meetings had a heavy focus on visual aesthetics, with members putting more effort into their costumes and decorations than the actual substance of the discussions. The group lacked a clear framework or curriculum to guide our exploration of the occult, leaving the meetings feeling disjointed and unstructured. I appreciated the effort put into creating a welcoming atmosphere, but I would have preferred a more serious and organized approach to studying occult practices.