How to Do Pagan Holidays Around Non-Pagans

Some of the most familiar symbols of Judeo-Christian holidays derive from much older pagan rituals and icons. Sharing holidays together builds knowledge and respect among those of differing faiths. Here are some steps that will help you to do pagan holidays around non-pagans.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Invite non-pagan friends or family members to share a holiday. For example, Yule is celebrated on December 21, the time of the winter solstice. Since Yule shares many customs and symbols associated with Christmas, non pagans will appreciate the carols, trees, mistletoe and gifts. They will also enjoy the Yule log, of which they may have heard about, but not actually experienced.
2. Set expectations and help your guests prepare for the event. This will help to alleviate stress and apprehension about celebrating a pagan holiday. If the pagan holiday requires special clothing or other preparations, provide your guests with all the information that they need beforehand so that they can prepare for your celebration.
3. Explain the significance of the pagan holiday. For example, tell your guests why the Solstice is celebrated. This longest night of the year is a turning point in the yearly cycle. The Great Mother once again gives birth to the Sun King who embodies light, hope and renewal as the days begin to lengthen and the promise of spring beckons. Explain how the evergreen, holly and mistletoe that deck the halls of pagans and non pagans alike, symbolize fertility and eternal life. Non pagans will see why the Yule Story and the Christmas story have so much in common. No doubt they will also enjoy the Wassail.
4. Include non pagans in pagan holidays that may be less familiar to them, but that also have common roots. For example, "Imbolc" or "Oimelc" is the pagan Festival of Lights. It is also a celebration of Brigit, the Irish goddess associated with flame, smithcraft, midwifery, healing and poetry.
5. Tell your non pagan friends about Samhain, the pagan high holy day that inspires the modern Halloween and Day of the Dead. Explain that this autumn holiday marks the beginning of winter and originally signified the end of the pagan year. Like Yule, Samhain is a time of transition. As a day "between years," barriers blur. The dead make their presence known and the past, present and future converge.
6. Honor your beliefs and do not apologize for them. No one should mock or degrade pagan holidays and beliefs, any more than they should pass judgment on any other faith.