Pagan Christmas music is a term that refers to songs and melodies that have pagan origins but are now associated with the Christmas holiday. These songs often have ancient roots in pagan traditions and have been adapted and incorporated into the modern Christian celebration of Christmas. One of the most well-known examples of pagan Christmas music is the song "Deck the Halls." This festive tune originally comes from a Welsh winter carol called "Nos Galan," which dates back to the 17th century. The lyrics of the song focus on merriment and joy during the Christmas season, featuring phrases like "troll the ancient Yuletide carol" that allude to pagan traditions. Another popular example is the song "The Holly and the Ivy.
Another popular example is the song "The Holly and the Ivy." This traditional English carol celebrates the symbolism of the holly and ivy plants during the Christmas season. Holly, with its vibrant red berries, and ivy, with its evergreen leaves, were believed to have had mystical significance in pagan folklore, representing fertility and eternal life.
Thunder (Denver Broncos)
Thunder is the stage name for the horse who is the official live animal mascot for the Denver Broncos football team. Three purebred Arabians have held this position, all gray horses whose coats lightened with age until they were completely white. Thunder has appeared in four Super Bowls with the Broncos, including an appearance by "Thunder III" at Super Bowl 50 in 2016. Thunder shares mascot duties with Miles, a human who wears a fake horse head and a Broncos uniform.
Thunder's job usually includes leading the team onto the field at the start of every home game and running from one end of the field to the other when the team scores a touchdown or a field goal. He and his rider also interact with fans prior to each game; the horse is particularly popular with children, who are allowed to pet him. The horses who have served as Thunder are trained to trust their handlers and to remain calm in situations that would normally frighten horses, including being inside loud football stadiums filled with thousands of fans and performing in the presence of exploding pyrotechnics, loud music, cheerleaders waving pom-poms, skydivers landing on the field, and other spectacles common to both American Football League (AFL) and National Football League (NFL) games. The first Thunder performed at two Super Bowl games during his career, and, as of 2016, Thunder III has appeared at Super Bowl XLVIII and Super Bowl 50. In 2014, Thunder III also made promotional appearances in Times Square and on television morning news shows in New York City. Thunder is routinely asked to appear in parades and at many other public functions. He has needed to travel in airplanes, ride on elevators, appear indoors for press conferences, visit hospitals and schools, and on at least one occasion, walked amongst banquet tables in a hotel ballroom.
The first Thunder, later named "Thunder, Sr.", was a stallion whose registered name was JB Kobask. Originally a show horse, he was the original mascot from 1993 until his retirement in 2004, and continued to make community appearances until his death in 2009. He was succeeded by the gelding Winter Solstyce, foaled in 1994, the personal pleasure riding horse for his owner, who took over as "Thunder II" in 2004. Thunder II retired from performing in games in early 2014 after the Broncos won the AFC Championship for the 2013-2014 season, but continued to make public appearances. "Thunder III", whose registered name is Me N Myshadow, was the understudy to Thunder II, specifically trained to become the next Thunder, beginning when he was started under saddle at age three, and began performing at preseason games in 2013. Although Thunder II was the mascot for the 2013-14 season, Thunder III went to Super Bowl XLVIII because he was younger and better able to handle being shipped by air to the east coast. Each mascot had a different personality: JB Kobask was very bold, while Winter Solstyce was more timid at first but grew into the role, being notable for his friendliness to people and for his tendency to pose for cameras. Me N Myshadow is laid-back and would prefer to doze off during games when he is not performing; he wears ear plugs to protect his hearing. Sharon Magness-Blake has owned all three horses. The trainer and rider of Thunder is Ann Judge-Wegener.
"God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen" is another song that has pagan roots. This English carol dating back to the 16th century calls for joy and merriment during the Christmas season. The phrase "God rest ye merry" is derived from the Middle English word "reste," meaning "keep or make," while "merry" referred to being joyful and strong. Together, the phrase roughly translates to "God make you joyful, gentlemen." While these songs and others may have pagan origins, they have been embraced and integrated into Christian traditions over time. They serve as a reminder of the rich cultural history surrounding Christmas celebrations and the blending of different customs and beliefs. In conclusion, pagan Christmas music refers to songs and melodies that have pagan origins but are now associated with the Christian celebration of Christmas. These songs, such as "Deck the Halls," "The Holly and the Ivy," and "God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen," have ancient roots and symbolize the merging of different cultural traditions in the holiday season..
Reviews for "The Pagan Influence on Classic Christmas Songs"
1. John - 2 stars - While I appreciate the attempt to be different and eclectic, I found the "Pagan Christmas music" to be just too bizarre and strange for my taste. The unfamiliar vocal styles and strange instruments completely overshadowed any sense of holiday cheer. It felt more like an experimental art project than a collection of Christmas songs. Perhaps it would resonate with a niche audience, but for me, it missed the mark.
2. Sarah - 1 star - I was excited to try something new and unique with the "Pagan Christmas music", but unfortunately, it turned out to be a disappointment. The combination of pagan themes and Christmas music felt forced and unnatural. The songs lacked the warmth and nostalgia that I associate with traditional holiday tunes. Instead, I was left feeling confused and disconnected. I admire the attempt to bring something different to the table, but it simply didn't work for me.
3. Mark - 3 stars - While I can appreciate the effort to explore different cultural influences, I found the "Pagan Christmas music" to be a bit too niche and inaccessible. The unfamiliar rhythms and melodies made it difficult for me to connect with the songs on an emotional level. I was hoping for a more inclusive and festive experience, but instead, I felt disconnected from the music. It's certainly an interesting concept, but it's not something I would personally listen to again during the holiday season.
4. Emma - 2 stars - As someone who enjoys traditional Christmas music, the "Pagan Christmas music" failed to capture the spirit and essence of the holiday for me. The ancient pagan influences felt out of place and didn't blend well with the familiar tunes. It ended up feeling like a mishmash of conflicting styles rather than a cohesive collection. I appreciate the intention to create something unique, but it missed the mark in terms of creating a joyful and festive atmosphere.