Title
Pagan Christmas: The Plants, Spirits, and Rituals at the Origins of Yuletide,New
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An examination of the sacred botany and the pagan origins and rituals of Christmas Analyzes the symbolism of the many plants associated with Christmas Reveals the shamanic rituals that are at the heart of the Christmas celebrationThe day on which many commemorate the birth of Christ has its origins in pagan rituals that center on tree worship, agriculture, magic, and social exchange. But Christmas is no ordinary folk observance. It is an evolving feast that over the centuries has absorbed elements from cultures all over the worldpractices that give plants and plant spirits pride of place. In fact, the symbolic use of plants at Christmas effectively transforms the modernday living room into a place of shamanic ritual.Christian Rtsch and Claudia MllerEbeling show how the ancient meaning of the botanical elements of Christmas provides a unique view of the religion that existed in Europe before the introduction of Christianity. The fir tree was originally revered as the sacred World Tree in northern Europe. When the church was unable to drive the tree cult out of peoples consciousness, it incorporated the fir tree by dedicating it to the Christ child. Father Christmas in his redandwhite suit, who flies through the sky in a sleigh drawn by reindeer, has his mythological roots in the shamanic reindeerherding tribes of arctic Europe and Siberia. These northern shamans used the hallucinogenic fly agaric mushroom, which is red and white, to make their soul flights to the other world. Apples, which figure heavily in Christmas baking, are symbols of the sun god Apollo, so they find a natural place at winter solstice celebrations of the return of the sun. In fact, the authors contend that the emphasis of Christmas on green plants and the promise of the return of life in the dead of winter is just an adaptation of the pagan winter solstice celebration.
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We ship your order within 2–3 business days for USA deliveries and 5–8 business days for international shipments. Once your package has been dispatched from our warehouse, you'll receive an email confirmation with a tracking number, allowing you to track the status of your delivery.
Returns
To facilitate a smooth return process, a Return Authorization (RA) Number is required for all returns. Returns without a valid RA number will be declined and may incur additional fees. You can request an RA number within 15 days of the original delivery date. For more details, please refer to our Return & Refund Policy page.
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Warranty
We provide a 2-year limited warranty, from the date of purchase for all our products.
If you believe you have received a defective product, or are experiencing any problems with your product, please contact us.
This warranty strictly does not cover damages that arose from negligence, misuse, wear and tear, or not in accordance with product instructions (dropping the product, etc.).
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: What is the main focus of 'Pagan Christmas' by Christian Rätsch and Claudia Müller-Ebeling? A: The book examines the sacred botany and pagan origins of Christmas, analyzing the symbolism of various plants associated with the holiday and revealing the shamanic rituals at the heart of the Christmas celebration.
- Q: How does this book link Christmas traditions to pagan rituals? A: It discusses how many Christmas customs, such as tree worship and the use of specific plants, have their roots in ancient pagan practices that celebrate the winter solstice and the return of life.
- Q: What types of plants are discussed in this book? A: The book analyzes various plants like the fir tree, apples, and the fly agaric mushroom, exploring their symbolic meanings and roles in Christmas traditions.
- Q: Is 'Pagan Christmas' suitable for readers interested in botany or religion? A: Yes, the book offers insights into both botanical symbolism and the religious transformations of ancient customs, making it suitable for readers interested in botany, paganism, and Christianity.
- Q: What condition is the book available in? A: The book is listed as a 'Used Book in Good Condition', indicating it may have minor wear but remains readable and intact.
- Q: Who are the authors of 'Pagan Christmas'? A: The book is authored by Christian Rätsch and Claudia Müller-Ebeling, both of whom are known for their work on ethnobotany and shamanism.
- Q: What is the publication date of 'Pagan Christmas'? A: The book was published on October 24, 2006.
- Q: How many pages does 'Pagan Christmas' have? A: The book consists of 224 pages.
- Q: What is the binding type of this book? A: The book is available in paperback binding.
- Q: Can this book provide insights into the history of Christmas? A: Yes, it provides a unique perspective on the historical evolution of Christmas, focusing on how it absorbed various cultural elements over time.