Some people have very narrow definitions of what it means to be pagan. Over the years, my understanding of what it means to be pagan has broadened to become virtually all-inclusive. A lot can be gained from looking at the etymology of the word.
Pagan: late 14c., from L.L. paganus "pagan," in classical Latin "villager, rustic, civilian," from pagus "rural district," originally "district limited by markers," thus related to pangere "to fix, fasten," from PIE root *pag- "to fix". Applied to modern pantheists and nature-worshippers from 1908. (source)
To me, a pagan is anyone who feels a pull toward the wild, a desire to connect to the land, to grow your own food, and to live a simple life. To be pagan is to be peaceful, as the word was at some point used to mean civilians, those people who are not of the military. A pagan delights in flowers and trees, knowing the best things in life are free. A pagan knows that material wealth doesn't necessarily equate to happiness. A pagan finds spiritual inspiration in quiet woodland groves and sunny meadows. To me, paganism is a lifestyle, not a religion.
As Christianity rose to prominence in Europe, the term pagan was often applied to those rural villagers who had yet to be converted by the "soldiers of Christ". There are connotations of worshipping pre-Christian gods and goddesses. A pagan is not necessarily a polytheist, and is not necessarily opposed to Christianity. A pagan could adhere to an ancient religion or a pagan could be spiritually eclectic and inspired by many religions. Paganism has connotations of old beliefs, folklore and superstition. A pagan is not necessarily opposed to new ideas, scientific progress, or technological development. A pagan knows that you don't need the latest gadgets or mod cons to be happy.
Pagan: late 14c., from L.L. paganus "pagan," in classical Latin "villager, rustic, civilian," from pagus "rural district," originally "district limited by markers," thus related to pangere "to fix, fasten," from PIE root *pag- "to fix". Applied to modern pantheists and nature-worshippers from 1908. (source)
To me, a pagan is anyone who feels a pull toward the wild, a desire to connect to the land, to grow your own food, and to live a simple life. To be pagan is to be peaceful, as the word was at some point used to mean civilians, those people who are not of the military. A pagan delights in flowers and trees, knowing the best things in life are free. A pagan knows that material wealth doesn't necessarily equate to happiness. A pagan finds spiritual inspiration in quiet woodland groves and sunny meadows. To me, paganism is a lifestyle, not a religion.
As Christianity rose to prominence in Europe, the term pagan was often applied to those rural villagers who had yet to be converted by the "soldiers of Christ". There are connotations of worshipping pre-Christian gods and goddesses. A pagan is not necessarily a polytheist, and is not necessarily opposed to Christianity. A pagan could adhere to an ancient religion or a pagan could be spiritually eclectic and inspired by many religions. Paganism has connotations of old beliefs, folklore and superstition. A pagan is not necessarily opposed to new ideas, scientific progress, or technological development. A pagan knows that you don't need the latest gadgets or mod cons to be happy.
This is a beautiful little post. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThank you very much, I'm glad you enjoyed! Blessings )O(
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