Magical Lights Ohio is an enchanting event that takes place in Ohio every year during the holiday season. It is a grand display of lights and decorations that create a magical atmosphere for visitors of all ages. The event features numerous light installations, including dazzling light shows, animated displays, and illuminated sculptures. One of the main highlights of Magical Lights Ohio is the stunning light show that takes place every evening. The show combines choreographed music with thousands of synchronized lights, creating a mesmerizing spectacle that is sure to leave visitors in awe. The lights dance and twinkle in perfect harmony with the music, creating a magical and immersive experience.
The True (Pagan) Meaning of Christmas
But, soon enough, someone with a condescending smile will remind you of the ‘True Meaning of Christmas’ and what they mean by this is the ‘True Christian Meaning of Christmas’ (and also ‘stop buying gingerbread-spiced things, it makes capitalism weirdly directed over the Christmas period.’) Let’s not forget, though, that the story of Christmas begins long before Jesus was born.
For thousands of years, pagans have celebrated the Winter Solstice, the shortest day of the year. Falling on the 21st or 22nd December, the solstice is when daylight lasts just seven hours.
For pagans, Yule is the Sabbat that falls on the Winter Solstice and marks the day when the dark half of the year surrenders to the light half. At Samhain (Halloween), the Goddess follows the God into the Underworld, sending the earth into wintery darkness. But, when Yule comes, the Goddess returns pregnant and births the God of the Waxing Sun who defeats the God of the Waning. Yule mourns the old god and lord of winter, interpreted through the years as Santa Claus and Father Christmas.
Yule is also a time of celebration for pagans and Wicca across the world. The light is returning, and it’s a time to honour the gods associated with the sun and rebirth – Odin, Saturn/Kronos, and Pan. The first celebrations can be traced to Stonehenge and then further, all across the world. It wasn’t until 325 AD that Christmas was introduced over the spring equinox (March 25th) and another 25 years before it was moved to the winter solstice with the pagan sun gods. It was Pope Gregory in 1582 who created the Gregorian calendar and moved Christmas to December 25th.
Despite modern Christianisation of the winter solstice, many pagan traditions remain today.
The Christmas tree can be traced back to prehistoric times; pagans have decorated trees to celebrate the solstice across the world. In Rome during the solstice festival of Saturnalia, clippings of shrubs would be brought inside, hung with tin ornaments and masks of Bacchus (the Roman god of wine), and in Norse paganism, Odin is honoured by decorating trees with fruit and candles. Sacrificial victims were often buried under trees, and sacred groves were grown, this meant that when pagans worshipped the gods, they offered presents at the foot of the tree, a tradition that led to the laying of gifts under the Christmas tree.
Carolling arguably begins in Rome when bands of naked celebrators paraded the streets singing to celebrate the solstice. It can also be seen in Scandinavian paganism where, on the morning of the solstice, a girl would dress in a white gown and crown of candles, waking each member of the family with carols and gifts.
The tradition of mistletoe comes from the Norse tale of Baldur, son of Odin and Frigga. After a premonition of his death, his mother protected him against all the elements to secure his immortality but forgot about mistletoe. The mischievous god, Loki, then made an arrow tipped with mistletoe and killed Baldur. Heartbroken, his mother resurrected him and vowed that mistletoe would never again be used for harm – her tears became the white berries of the plant, and she promised that whoever walked under it would be kissed.
Our culture is enriched in pagan history and tradition. Remember that the next time someone frets about commercialisation losing the ‘True Meaning of Christmas’.
Pagan holiday definition
You’re in a conversation and someone says, “Christmas is a pagan holiday, so Christians shouldn’t celebrate it.”
What would you say?
Perhaps you’ve heard a skeptic or maybe even a Christian claim that Christmas, including decorated trees, gifts, the date of December 25 and even the idea of a virgin birth are actually just leftovers that were taken from non-Christian religions. And because they are, Christians shouldn’t participate in Christmas celebrations.
So, the next time someone says, “Christmas is a pagan holiday, so Christians should stop celebrating it,” here are three things to remember:
First, Christmas is rooted in Scripture, and it’s always been about Christ.
Second, the date of Christmas probably has nothing to do with pagan festivals.
Third, it’s okay to adopt and redeem some pagan traditions.
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You’re in a conversation and someone says, “Christmas is a pagan holiday, so Christians shouldn’t celebrate it.” What would you say? Perhaps you’ve heard a skeptic or maybe even a Christian claim that Christmas, including decorated trees, gifts, the date of December 25 and even the idea of a virgin birth are actually just leftovers that were taken from non-Christian religions. And because they are, Christians shouldn’t participate in Christmas celebrations. Relax. Even if the origins of some Christmas traditions are unclear, that’s not really a problem for Christians. So, the next time someone says, “Christmas is a pagan holiday, so Christians should stop celebrating it,” here are three things to remember: Number 1: Christmas is rooted in Scripture, and it’s always been about Christ. The accounts of Jesus’ birth in Matthew and Luke were written in the first century. No serious historian believes that Jesus’ Jewish disciples were copying some pagan tradition when they told this story. Even before the church settled on a date or the word “Christmas” was invented, the reason for the season was right there in the Gospels. When we read the accounts of Jesus’ birth in the Gospels, and sing carols about Him, and show our gratitude to God for giving us His Son by giving to others, we are doing what the very earliest Christians would have done. In fact, the song that became the very first Advent hymn is Mary’s “Magnificat.” You can find it in Luke chapter 1. Number 2: The date of Christmas probably has nothing to do with pagan festivals. No one is exactly sure when Jesus was born. Sometimes people claim that December 25th was chosen as the date of His birth because it coincided with a Roman feast day. But this theory has actually fallen out of favor with many historians. In fact, according to the Biblical Archaeology Society, “…we don’t have evidence of Christians adopting pagan festivals in the third century, at which point dates for Christmas were established. Thus, it seems unlikely that the date was simply selected to correspond with pagan solar festivals.” A more convincing theory is that the early church simply calculated December 25th as Jesus’ birthday because it was nine months from the day they believed to be the date of His conception and death: March 25th. For instance, Saint Augustine wrote: “For [Jesus] is believed to have been conceived on the 25th of March, upon which day he also suffered…But he was born, according to tradition, upon December the 25th.” In fact, it wasn’t until the 12th century that any writer even suggested the date for Christmas was influenced by a pagan festival. Number 3: It’s okay to adopt and redeem some pagan traditions. The origins of decorated trees, yule logs, mistletoe and other seasonal trappings aren’t exactly clear. Historians think they were traditional to parts of Europe before Christianity arrived. But just because a tradition has pagan roots doesn’t mean Christians can’t enjoy it. The cross that sits on top of many church steeples and hangs around many necks was a Roman tool of torture, before it was transformed into a symbol of eternal life by Christ. Several months of our year are named after Roman deities, and the very days of the week, like “Woden’s Day,” and “Thor’s Day” are named after Norse gods. Yet Christians use calendars. Christ is Lord of all. He created pine trees. He’s not trapped by the ways that pagans thought of them long ago. Even the idea of Santa Claus is based on a Christian saint. As long as these traditions don’t distract us from the true meaning of Christmas, there’s nothing wrong with Christians using them to celebrate Jesus’ birth. So, the next time someone says, “Christmas is a pagan holiday,” remember these three things: Number 1: Christmas is rooted in Scripture, and it’s always been about Christ. Number 2: The date of Christmas probably has nothing to do with pagan festivals. Number 3: It’s okay to adopt and redeem some pagan traditions. For What Would You Say, I’m Shane Morris. Merry Christmas.
Is Easter a Pagan Holiday? Some Say Yes—but Is It Really?
Some of the angriest comments I’ve ever received came on a post I wrote about Easter. I honestly forgot that some Christians are very upset about the use of a(n allegedly) “pagan” word to describe the preeminent Christian holiday. Here’s what one commenter wrote:
Easter is a bad translation of a word that does not appear in the original language.… Easter is a carryover from the Greco-Roman world; which was engulfed in sun-worship…. The holiday and the word should be changed back to Passover.
This was one of the best comments from the say-no-to-Easter perspective: it was clear, avoided ad hominem, and was written in lower case. But you should have seen the abuse I got behind the scenes. I am a closet pagan; I am destroying the Christian faith; I am the most ignorantest person ever (that last one may be true, I’ll admit, but not the other two).
The lights dance and twinkle in perfect harmony with the music, creating a magical and immersive experience. In addition to the light show, Magical Lights Ohio also features an array of animated displays. These displays bring to life favorite holiday characters and scenes, making visitors feel like they have stepped into a real-life winter wonderland.
Is Easter a pagan holiday?
Now, I do understand: we as believers don’t want our holy days to be sullied by association with idolatry. And I want to state at the outset that no one should call Easter Easter against his or her conscience. But I don’t think we ought to be upset about the word Easter. Here’s why.
1. We’re not sure that “Easter” was a pagan word.
The most sober and reliable source out there, the Oxford English Dictionary, dutifully cites the Venerable Bede’s contention from 1,300 years ago that Easter is derived from a pagan holiday. But that holiday was not Greco-Roman; it was Anglo-Saxon—Easter (Bede says) was the goddess of spring.
And yet the OED says that this view
is not confirmed by any other source, and the goddess has been suspected by some scholars to be an invention of Bede’s. However, it seems unlikely that Bede would have invented a fictitious pagan festival in order to account for a Christian one.
This is what you get with scholars, and this is what you should get: an on-the-one-hand followed by an on-the-other-hand—an admission that the evidence is not sufficient for making a determination. We simply don’t know the history of the word Easter. So why fight about it? If you discovered that 38% of scholars believed that O.K. was an ancient curse derived from Ο Κύριος! (O Kurios, “O Lord!”)—would you refuse to hit the Okay button in a computer dialogue box?
2. Words mean what we use them to mean.
It’s usage, not etymology, that determines the meaning of English words. In my work as a writer and Bible teacher, I’m always underscoring this fact. (So don’t learn this lesson too well or I’ll be out of a job.)
But let me illustrate what I’m arguing with a word that doesn’t occur in Scripture: spinster. The word spinster is now a derogatory way to refer to an unmarried woman who is, shall we say, “past the flower of her youth.” It doesn’t matter that the word spinster once used to mean “a woman who works a spinning wheel.” It doesn’t matter that the word had an in-between stage, too, when it just meant “unmarried woman.” Official census records in the seventeenth century could list a woman this way: “Sarah Harris, Boston, spinster.” We wouldn’t do this nowadays, because words mean what people use them to mean, and that changes over time.
What do English speakers mean when they use the word Easter? Who among all the countless English speakers who used the word Easter this very day had any idea that the word might possibly have a pagan origin? The “authorial intention” of every one of them was to refer to the Christian celebration, I promise you. Why should one set of sounds (PAS-soh-vr) be superior to another one (EE-str) to name something, as long as everybody understands just what EE-str means? EE-str has no associations with paganism anymore, if it ever really did.
We all say Thursday despite its very clear pagan origins (Thor’s Day). All the days of the week in English draw their names from paganism. The Easter alternative “Resurrection Sunday,” then, is just as guilty of pagan associations as Easter supposedly is, because Sunday derives from sun worship. Thankfully, no one means sun worship when they say Sunday. We all know what we all mean by that word, and sun worship is not included.
If the true meaning of a word were found in its etymology, we’d have endless word fights about what we were all really saying without knowing it. I encourage people to revel in their ignorance of what words used to mean and work instead to be sure of what people use them to mean now.
3. Word fights distract us from the substantive issues.
“Word fights” are explicitly condemned by Paul in the pastoral epistles (1 Tim 6:4; 2 Tim 2:14). If you can truly say of an argument, “It’s all semantics,” then it’s a mere quarrel and we’re not supposed to engage in it. (So what am I doing writing about it? Well, I’m trying to get everybody to stop fighting—so I’m okay. I hope.)
One of the problems with word fights is that they distract us from truly substantive issues. As with the Christmas holidays, my problem is not with the label we use but with the cultural practices and symbols and “habits of the heart” now associated with them. The commercialization of Christmas is oft-lamented. How about the commercialization of Easter? It gets lamented, too, but maybe not enough.
Whatever pastels and painted eggs and white rabbits used to mean centuries ago (I, frankly, have no idea), I know just what they mean today: candy. Now, I like candy. There’s no necessary harm in having some of it each spring. My kids get Easter baskets, okay? I gauge the love of relatives by whether my chocolate Easter bunny is hollow or solid. But so far even our best theologians have not been able to figure out what candy has to do with Jesus rising from the dead. And I see a lot more possible harm in my kids losing the significance of the holiday through sugar rushes than through the Easter label. Speaking only for my kids, they are a lot more tempted to worship the god of Mars Bars and to make pilgrimages to Hershey, PA, than to burrow into my OED, discover that Easter may possibly have referred to an ancient goddess they’ve never heard of, and become her pagan devotees.
Maybe your kids are different.
I would like to say to my fellow Christians about Easter what I say to my own kids on a regular basis: You are not going to argue! If you do, I swear I will pull this Internet over to the side of the road and ground you till Mark Zuckerberg is a hundred! One day you’ll thank me.
I would like to say that, but I won’t. We’re all adults here. But you can’t blame me for thinking it. Can’t we all just get along?
Easter—Christ’s true, physical resurrection—lies at the very heart of the Christian faith.
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- The Triumphal Entry: The Pathway to Glory
- Did Jesus Go to Hell after He Died?
- Is the Word ‘Easter’ in the Bible?
- Palm Sunday, and Why the ‘Date’ Is So Significant
From Santa Claus and his sleigh to playful reindeer and snowmen, these animated displays are sure to bring a smile to everyone's face. Another highlight of Magical Lights Ohio is the collection of illuminated sculptures. These sculptures are created using thousands of colorful lights, forming larger-than-life figures and objects. Visitors can walk among these sculptures and marvel at their impressive size and intricate details. From giant snowflakes to towering Christmas trees, these illuminated sculptures add an extra touch of magic to the event. Magical Lights Ohio is not just about the lights and decorations; it is also about creating cherished memories with loved ones. Families and friends can stroll through the event hand in hand, admiring the beauty of the lights and enjoying quality time together. The event provides a perfect opportunity to slow down, disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, and simply enjoy the magic of the holiday season. Overall, Magical Lights Ohio is a must-visit event for anyone looking to experience the wonder and beauty of the holiday season. With its dazzling light shows, animated displays, and illuminated sculptures, it truly lives up to its name, creating a truly magical experience for all who attend. Whether you are young or old, this event is sure to leave you with a sense of awe and wonder that will stay with you long after the holiday season is over..
Reviews for "Ohio's Magical Lights: An Unforgettable Holiday Experience"
1. John - 2 stars - While I had high hopes for Magical Lights Ohio, I was ultimately disappointed. The lights were underwhelming and lacked creativity. It felt like I was just driving through a basic neighborhood with a few random Christmas lights. The admission fee was also not justified by the lackluster display. I wouldn't recommend it if you're looking for a truly magical light show experience.
2. Sarah - 1 star - I can't understand why anyone would enjoy Magical Lights Ohio. The light show was incredibly boring and repetitive. There was no variety or unique displays to keep my interest. The ticket prices were outrageous for what we got, and I feel like I wasted my money. Save yourself the disappointment and skip this attraction.
3. Mike - 2 stars - I was so excited to visit Magical Lights Ohio, but it fell short of my expectations. The lights were mediocre at best, and the lack of organization and traffic control made the experience frustrating. It seemed like everyone was trying to get through the display at the same time, causing a long wait and slow-moving traffic. The whole event felt very disorganized and amateurish. I was disappointed and won't be returning.
4. Emily - 1 star - I regret going to Magical Lights Ohio. The lights were dull and uninspiring. The whole experience was over in a matter of minutes, and it definitely wasn't worth the high admission price. The lack of creativity and effort put into the displays was evident. It's a shame because I was hoping for a truly magical light show that would put me in the holiday spirit, but this was far from it. Don't waste your time or money on this disappointing attraction.