Unveiling the Date of the Pagan New Year Celebration

The pagan New Year is not celebrated on a fixed date like the traditional New Year that we observe on January 1st. Instead, it is rooted in ancient pagan beliefs and practices, which recognized the changing of seasons and natural cycles as significant markers of time. In many pagan traditions, the New Year is celebrated during the winter solstice, which typically falls between December 20th and December 23rd in the Northern Hemisphere. This is the shortest day and longest night of the year and marks the beginning of winter. The winter solstice holds great significance for pagans as it symbolizes rebirth and renewal, as the days gradually become longer and the darkness of winter gives way to the return of light and warmth. However, it's important to note that pagan traditions and celebrations vary across different cultures and belief systems.

The Summer Solstice or Litha (c. 21st June) marks the longest day, and is celebrated notably at Stonehenge. This festival is celebrated either on the actual longest day (usually 21 st or 22 nd June) or on 24 th June which was the date of midsummer in earlier times and is favoured by the British Druid Order (see, e.g., http://greywolf.druidry.co.uk/2015/06/merry-midsummer/). In Christian tradition 24 th June is St. John’s Day (John the Baptist), not so much noticed in England, but very important in Scandinavian countries where midsummer bonfires are lit.

Many of the Pagan festivals coincide with Christian ones as noted above, and this seems in part due to deliberate policy on the part of Christian authorities to baptise existing celebrations and make use of the seasonal symbolism. This festival is celebrated either on the actual longest day usually 21 st or 22 nd June or on 24 th June which was the date of midsummer in earlier times and is favoured by the British Druid Order see, e.

However, it's important to note that pagan traditions and celebrations vary across different cultures and belief systems. For example, some pagans may celebrate the New Year during the autumn equinox, which falls around September 21st and marks the transition from summer to fall. Others may follow different lunar or solar calendars that determine the specific date for their New Year festivities.

Are New Year Celebrations Pagan in Origin?

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Are New Year Celebrations Pagan in Origin?

In the earliest days of the Church (the first and second centuries after Christ) there were no such celebrations as Christmas and New Year’s Day.

The New Catholic Encyclopedia states: “According to the hypothesis . . . accepted by most scholars today, the birth of Christ was assigned the date of the winter solstice (December 25 in the Julian [Roman] Calendar, January 6 in the Egyptian), because on this day, as the sun began to return to northern skies, the pagan devotees of Mithra celebrated dies natalis Solis Invicti (birthday of the invincible sun)” (1967, Vol. 3, p. 656).

Those customs carried over in the observance of Christmas (with its many traditions and practices steeped in paganism), and the “birth” of the “new year” of the sun. This is why the Roman calendar in use today designates Jan. 1 as the beginning of the new year as opposed to God’s designation of the spring month of Abib or Nisan on the Hebrew calendar as the beginning of the year (Exodus 12:1-2).

Much of the symbolism associated with New Year’s celebrations today has very definite pagan origins. Kissing at the moment of transition to the next year is rooted in pagan sexual practice and superstition. And evergreen wreaths associated with Christmas were originally part of the pagan Calend celebration of Jan. 1.

Because we live in this secular society and most of the world operates according to the commonly used Roman calendar, it’s common to think of a new calendar year as beginning Jan. 1. Yet involvement in the celebration of that is not appropriate.

That said, one should be careful not to become too judgmental if, for example, someone is viewing a football game or parade at that time of year—as opposed to actually celebrating a New Year festival.

If you’d like to learn more, many resources are available that show the pagan origins of New Year’s Day celebrations. You can find related material in reference encyclopedias and online research resources as well.

Perfect balance returns, light and dark in harmony again for the final harvest. As we wheel in the last-lit days of seasonal symmetry, face the coming darkness together with gratitude for what we've learned about light. Autumn's grain is spring's seed; paradox surrounds us with ripening wisdom. If we lose hope, remember that Hope has two daughters to support our balancing acts: Anger and Courage.

Are New Year Celebrations Pagan in Origin?

In the earliest days of the Church (the first and second centuries after Christ) there were no such celebrations as Christmas and New Year’s Day.

The New Catholic Encyclopedia states: “According to the hypothesis . . . accepted by most scholars today, the birth of Christ was assigned the date of the winter solstice (December 25 in the Julian [Roman] Calendar, January 6 in the Egyptian), because on this day, as the sun began to return to northern skies, the pagan devotees of Mithra celebrated dies natalis Solis Invicti (birthday of the invincible sun)” (1967, Vol. 3, p. 656).

Those customs carried over in the observance of Christmas (with its many traditions and practices steeped in paganism), and the “birth” of the “new year” of the sun. This is why the Roman calendar in use today designates Jan. 1 as the beginning of the new year as opposed to God’s designation of the spring month of Abib or Nisan on the Hebrew calendar as the beginning of the year (Exodus 12:1-2).

Much of the symbolism associated with New Year’s celebrations today has very definite pagan origins. Kissing at the moment of transition to the next year is rooted in pagan sexual practice and superstition. And evergreen wreaths associated with Christmas were originally part of the pagan Calend celebration of Jan. 1.

Because we live in this secular society and most of the world operates according to the commonly used Roman calendar, it’s common to think of a new calendar year as beginning Jan. 1. Yet involvement in the celebration of that is not appropriate.

That said, one should be careful not to become too judgmental if, for example, someone is viewing a football game or parade at that time of year—as opposed to actually celebrating a New Year festival.

If you’d like to learn more, many resources are available that show the pagan origins of New Year’s Day celebrations. You can find related material in reference encyclopedias and online research resources as well.

Regardless of the specific date, pagan New Year celebrations often involve rituals, ceremonies, and gatherings that honor the cycles of nature and invite positive energies for the coming year. These celebrations typically draw inspiration from ancient folklore, mythology, and spiritual practices that are deeply rooted in nature. In conclusion, the pagan New Year does not have a fixed date but is often celebrated during the winter solstice or other significant natural events. It serves as a time for pagans to connect with nature, honor the changing seasons, and embrace the cycles of life and renewal..

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Diving into the Traditions of the Pagan New Year