Christmas is widely celebrated around the world as a time of joy, love, and generosity. However, over the years, the original pagan origins and traditions of Christmas have been overshadowed and diluted by modern societal norms. It is time to bring back the drunken pagan debauchery that characterized the true essence of Christmas. The origins of Christmas can be traced back to pagan celebrations such as the Roman festival of Saturnalia and the Scandinavian festival of Yule. These festivals were known for their excessive revelry, feasting, and merriment, often accompanied by copious amounts of alcohol. They embraced a spirit of uninhibited joy and celebration, which has been lost in modern society.
They embraced a spirit of uninhibited joy and celebration, which has been lost in modern society. By reclaiming the tradition of drunken pagan debauchery at Christmas, we can rediscover the true spirit of the holiday. It is not about excessive consumerism or attending polite dinner parties; it is about letting go of societal constraints and indulging in revelry and laughter.
Historically, Christmas is basically about drunken debauchery
The man whose viral Facebook post started the Great Starbucks Cup Debate insisted that “Starbucks REMOVED CHRISTMAS from their cups because they hate Jesus.” But despite ongoing complaints about a secular “war on Christmas,” many of the origins of the holiday have very little to do with Christ.
For one thing, Luke’s gospel says that when Mary and Joseph gathered in a manger near Bethlehem, there were shepherds watching over their flock in the fields by night , which some take as evidence that Jesus was born in springtime. British theologian and Biblical scholar Adam Clarke wrote that flocks would not have been kept in the field by night any later than September, and so, “On this very ground, the nativity in December should be given up.”
AdvertisementBut December has long been a time of festivities, and it’s likely that these have been co-opted by the Christian tradition. Matthew Nicholls, professor of classics at the University of Reading, told the BBC , ”Christmas in December is a Western, Roman idea” that answered ”the social need for a festival of some sort around that date [mid-winter].”
In the late 4th Century, Christian writer Scriptor Syrus explained that Christmas was planned to coincide with the birthday of the pagan deity Sol Invictus. He wrote :
“It was a custom of the pagans to celebrate on the same 25 December the birthday of the Sun, at which they kindled lights in token of festivity. In these solemnities and revelries the Christians also took part. Accordingly when the doctors of the Church perceived that the Christians had a leaning to this festival, they took counsel and resolved that the true Nativity should be solemnized on that day.
And both these holidays were likely inspired by the Roman festival of Saturnalia, which ran from 17 to 25 Dec. The Romans used Saturnalia as a time of wild merrymaking: Some of the more sedate activities included excessive eating and drinking, singing in the streets while naked, and exchanging gifts. These festivities then became the hallmarks of Christmas, as Stephen Nissenbaum, a historian, writes in his book, The Battle for Christmas . “In return for ensuring massive observance of the anniversary of the Savior’s birth by assigning it to this resonant date, the Church for its part tacitly agreed to allow the holiday to be celebrated more or less the way it had always been.”
AdvertisementIn fact, Christmas was once seen as so un-Christian that various religious groups tried to ban it altogether. In the 17th century, English puritans—who believed December 25 should be treated like any other day—prohibited Christmas celebrations. The public reacted with much resentment; puritan-owned shops that had opened on Christmas were attacked and forced to close again . Oliver Cromwell, who overthrew King Charles I and ruled Britain from 1653 to 1658, saw Christmas as idolatrous and banned carolling , christmas decorations, and Christmas feasts while he was in power.
American puritans had a similar attitude; anyone found to be celebrating Christmas in Massachusetts from 1659 to 1681 would be fined 5 shillings for the offence, according to PRI , which was roughly a week’s wages. But just as in England, the ban was unpopular and gradually eased over the years. The festival was finally proclaimed a national holiday in the US in 1870.
Many of the ways we celebrate Christmas today can be attributed to secular influences , rather than religious ones. Indeed, Charles Dickens’ novel A Christmas Carol didn’t simply describe the ways the holiday was celebrated in Victorian Britain, but helped popularize many of the customs. So don’t worry about too much about the birth of Jesus tomorrow: The true spirit of Christmas has always been about eating, drinking, and having a good time.
Incorporating elements such as wild parties, excessive drinking, and uninhibited dancing can bring back the vitality and energy that has been drained from modern Christmas celebrations. Embracing these traditions allows us to connect with our ancient ancestors and tap into a more primal, authentic expression of joy and celebration. Of course, it is essential to practice these rituals responsibly and ensure everyone's safety. The focus should be on letting loose and having fun, not causing harm or endangering oneself or others. It is crucial to set boundaries, provide alternative options for those who wish to refrain from excessive drinking, and prioritize consent and respect in all activities. Bringing back the drunken pagan debauchery into Christmas may not be for everyone, but for those seeking a more authentic and vibrant holiday experience, it offers a way to break free from the mundane and embrace the true spirit of Christmas. By embracing our pagan heritage, we can create a holiday season filled with unabashed joy, laughter, and uninhibited celebration. So let us raise our glasses and toast to putting the drunken pagan debauchery back into Christmas!.
Reviews for "Rediscovering the Spirit of Yule: Embracing Drunken Pagan Traditions at Christmas"
1. Jessica - 2/5 stars - I found "Put the drunken pagan debauchery back into Christmas" to be a distasteful and offensive display. The play portrayed excessive drinking, crude behavior, and lewd language as a way to celebrate Christmas. I believe that Christmas should be about love, joy, and spending quality time with family and loved ones. This production completely missed the mark by promoting reckless behavior and promoting negative stereotypes. Overall, I was disappointed and would not recommend it.
2. Michael - 1/5 stars - "Put the drunken pagan debauchery back into Christmas" was a complete waste of time and money. The play had no substance and relied solely on shock value and crude humor. It lacked creativity and failed to provide any meaningful commentary on the holiday season. Instead, it seemed like a desperate attempt to be edgy and controversial. I was left feeling disgusted and regretful for attending. Save your time and find another Christmas production that actually celebrates the true spirit of the holiday.
3. Sarah - 2/5 stars - I understand the intention behind "Put the drunken pagan debauchery back into Christmas," but it fell short in execution. While I appreciate the attempt to critique the commercialization of Christmas, the play relied too heavily on offensive jokes and vulgar language. It seemed more focused on shock value rather than offering a thought-provoking commentary. Additionally, the excessive drinking and crude behavior overshadowed any potential message, making it difficult to take seriously. Overall, I was disappointed with this production and would not recommend it to others seeking a meaningful Christmas experience.