pagan

Everyday

1. (history) A pagan was a person who followed an old religion with many gods and goddesses, before Christianity or Islam spread, such as the old religions of the Romans, Anglo-Saxons and Vikings. tree →
2. (today) A Pagan is a follower of a modern nature-based religion, such as Wicca or Druidry. tree →
3. (old, often unkind) Christians in the past used «pagan» for anyone who was not Christian, Jewish or Muslim. tree →

In the lessons

In history and religious education lessons Anglo-Saxons and Vikings were pagans who worshipped gods like Woden (Odin) and Thor; many days of the week come from pagan gods (Wednesday = Woden's day, Thursday = Thor's day). Some Christian festivals took over pagan customs, such as Yule and Easter eggs. Phrases: «pagan gods», «pagan festivals», «pagan times».

Examples

• The Anglo-Saxons were pagans before they became Christian. tree →
• Thursday is named after the pagan god Thor. tree →
• Stonehenge was built long before Christianity, in pagan times. tree →
• Some Christmas customs, like holly and the Yule log, have pagan roots. tree →
• Modern Pagans celebrate the summer solstice. tree →
• The missionaries tried to turn the pagans to Christianity. tree →
• The pagan wielder of the thunderbolt is represented in modern traditions by more than one Christian saint. tree →

Note

Capital «Pagan» often for modern Pagans as a religion; small «pagan» for history. In the past it was sometimes used as an insult, so use it carefully and respectfully. Said «PAY-gun».

In Jewish tradition

In history and religious education lessons Anglo-Saxons and Vikings were pagans who worshipped gods like Woden (Odin) and Thor; many days of the week come from pagan gods (Wednesday = Woden's day, Thursday = Thor's day). Some Christian festivals took over pagan customs, such as Yule and Easter eggs. Phrases: «pagan gods», «pagan festivals», «pagan times».

Note

Capital «Pagan» often for modern Pagans as a religion; small «pagan» for history. In the past it was sometimes used as an insult, so use it carefully and respectfully. Said «PAY-gun».