Pagan Winter Traditions Pagan winter traditions are ancient customs and practices that have been passed down through generations in various pagan cultures. These traditions are rooted in nature and are often celebrated around the winter solstice, the shortest day and longest night of the year. Here are some notable pagan winter traditions: 1. Yule: Yule is derived from the Norse word "jol", and it marks the winter solstice in pagan traditions. It is celebrated with feasting, bonfires, and the exchange of gifts. Yule is a time to honor the return of the sun and celebrate the renewal of life.
Yule is a time to honor the return of the sun and celebrate the renewal of life. 2. Wassailing: Wassailing is an English pagan tradition that involves singing and drinking to bless the apple trees and ensure a bountiful harvest in the coming year.
Hocus Pocus (1993)
Cat Out of the Bag Alert! This review contains some spoilers for this film!
Synopsis: In 1639 Salem, three dastardly witches, Winifred (Bette Midler), Sarah (Sarah Jessica Parker) and Mary (Kathy Najimy) are hung for killing a young girl to steal her life force. The villagers don’t know that the witches have turned the girl’s brother, Thackery Binx (Sean Murray), into a cat and have condemned him to eternal life. Three hundred years later on Halloween night a new kid in town, Max Dennison (Omri Katz), accidentally resurrects the sisters who then plot to steal Max’s little sister Dani’s (Thora Birch) life force. With the help of Binx, who is still a cat (voiced by Jason Marsden), and a fellow student named Allison (Vinessa Shaw), they struggle to put an end to the witches’ evil practices once and for all.
Featured Feline: Thackery Binx is turned into a cat by the Sanderson sisters after he attempts to rescue his little sister. Along with the change is a curse that dooms the boy to remain a cat forever and never be able to die.
Poor Binx is not able to explain to his family what happened to him and they consider him lost.
Three hundred years later when Max, Allison and Dani enter the Sanderson’s house, Binx watches them through the window.
Binx tries to stop Max from stupidly lighting the black candle by jumping on him.
Unfortunately Max still lights the candle and the witches appear. Binx tries to stop Winifred from hurting Dani by jumping on the witch’s shoulder.
As the kids make their escape, Binx says “Nice going, Max!” then urges him to grab the Book. Max is shocked that the cat can talk.
Binx leads them to a graveyard, which is hallowed ground the witches cannot enter, and explains his story.
Winifred casts a spell to raise the dead, bringing up Billy Butcherson (Doug Jones) which shocks the kids and Binx.
Kitty Carnage Warning! Binx helps the kids escape through a sewer but is unfortunately hit by a bus (driven by Sarah) when they emerge. But Binx, although flattened (and obviously fake), comes back to life, having been cursed with eternal life.
The kids try to convince the adults at a Halloween party about the Sister’s resurrection but the witches cast a spell on the entire party, instructing them to dance all night.
Luring the witches to the school, the kids and Binx trap them in a kiln and roast them.
Thinking themselves safe, Binx is offered a home by Max and Dani.
While Binx sleeps with Dani, Max and Allison open the Book, which leads the witches to them. Binx jumps on the Book and swipes at them, warning them that nothing good can come from looking into the Book.
The witches come after the kids and they run to the graveyard again but Dani is captured. Binx bravely runs up a tree to the rescue.
Kitty Carnage Warning! Attacking Winnifred, Binx saves Dani from immediate danger but is thrown violently to the ground, hitting a rock.
Sadly Binx dies but with the defeat of the witches Thackery’s soul is finally released.
This is a somewhat dark and scary movie considering it’s for kids, but despite really harsh and unfair initial criticism upon its initial release, the film has garnered a loyal following over the years, and has become a favorite for many, especially around Halloween, even spawning a sequel.
It often takes place around Christmas or the twelfth night. 3. Midwinter celebrations: Many pagan cultures have midwinter celebrations to commemorate the rebirth of the sun. These celebrations involve lighting bonfires, feasting, and performing rituals to bring good fortune in the new year. 4. The Green Man: The Green Man is a symbol of nature's fertility and life force. In pagan winter traditions, the Green Man is often depicted wearing green leaves or a crown of holly. He represents the life that lies dormant in winter and will return in the spring. 5. Mistletoe: Mistletoe has long been associated with pagan winter traditions. It was believed to have magical and healing properties, and it was hung in homes to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits. The custom of kissing under the mistletoe originated from pagan traditions. 6. Fire rituals: Fire has a significant role in pagan winter traditions. It is believed to bring warmth, light, and purify negative energies. Lighting bonfires, candles, or hearth fires is a common practice during pagan winter celebrations. 7. Evergreen decorations: Pagan traditions often incorporate evergreen plants, such as holly, ivy, and pine, as decorations during the winter season. These plants symbolize resilience and everlasting life. Wreaths, garlands, and Christmas trees are all derived from pagan winter traditions. 8. Feasting: Feasting is an essential part of pagan winter traditions. It is a time to celebrate abundance and share communal meals with family and friends. Traditional winter foods, such as roasted meats, root vegetables, and spiced drinks, are commonly enjoyed during these feasts. These are just a few examples of pagan winter traditions that have persisted through the ages. They serve as a reminder of our connection to nature and the cycles of life. Whether it's celebrating the winter solstice or embracing the symbolism of evergreen decorations, these traditions continue to bring joy and meaning to the winter season..
Reviews for "The Magic of Pagan Winter Solstice Celebrations"
1. Jack - 1/5 stars - I was really disappointed with "Pagan Winter Traditions". I was expecting an in-depth exploration of pagan beliefs and practices during the winter season, but instead, I found the book to be shallow and poorly researched. The author seems to rely on generic information that is readily available on the internet, without bringing anything new or insightful to the table. Furthermore, the writing style is dull and lacks any spark of enthusiasm. Overall, I would not recommend this book to anyone genuinely interested in the subject.
2. Emily - 2/5 stars - While "Pagan Winter Traditions" does cover various pagan traditions associated with the winter season, I felt the information provided was too basic and lacked depth. It seemed like the author just scratched the surface of each tradition without delving deeper into their meaning or historical context. The book also lacked proper citations or references, making it difficult to verify the accuracy of the information presented. Additionally, the writing style was dry and uninspiring, failing to capture my interest and leaving me wanting more. Overall, I believe there are better resources available for those looking to learn about pagan winter traditions.
3. Samantha - 2/5 stars - "Pagan Winter Traditions" was a letdown for me. I had hoped to find a book that would provide a detailed and informative exploration of pagan beliefs and practices specifically during the winter months. However, the book failed to deliver on that front. The information felt superficial, and it seemed like the author only scratched the surface of each topic. The writing style also left much to be desired, as it lacked flow and engaging storytelling. Overall, I wouldn't recommend this book to someone looking for an in-depth understanding of pagan winter traditions.