2 of 6

Write now Article Tools

Many pagan symbols are concerned with the changing of the seasons and a desire for good harvests and fertility. This is not surprising when you consider that the very survival of towns, villages and entire populations depended on the benevolence of the weather, good harvests and production of young animals - and children- to maintain the population.

In temperate areas, it was during the depths of winter that many families and communitites needed additional support so various beliefs and traditions grew up - many of them had practical meaning as well as spiritual.

Pagans believe that every thing has a spirit and by respecting that spirit, even if you are killing something to eat - you will contine to receive bounty and fulfilment. So, if you cut wood, ask the tree spirit first, if you slaughter a cow, ask the spirit for forgiveness and blessing first.

Evergreen plants were seen as symbolic and powerful because they keep their leaves and strength long after other trees have lost theirs. Also, they smell good so bringig them into the home and laying the on the floor not only provided fresh bedding in winter but gave the home a fresh scent - which, when you perhaps had animals in at night and several members of the household who rarely washed- could have been a real blessing.

Fruits and berries held mystical meanings because they could be used for food in some cases and in others induced a state of euphoria or forgetfulness, which made the dark, cold days easier to bear.

Herbs became valuable for their medicinal and culinary benefits and pagan priests with a good knowledgeof plants could hold tremendous sway becuase of their knowledge of how to harm or heal.

Certain days held immense significance for pagans and one of these was the winter solstice. It symbolised a time when, at last, days would start to lengthen and the promise of warmer times and good food supplies ahead was in the air. The summer equinox - the time when day and night are equal also held significance because it was the time when the crossingof the two worlds of light and dark could occur.

The longest day was a time of special celebration because it symbolised the epitome of summer, a promise of harvest for those who worshipped and gave gifts and it also held great religious symbolism for pagans. The day was used to its full advantage with a dawn rising , sunrise observed and rituals performed well into the evening.

The sun herself is a powerful pagan symbol. She is the giver of life, has power to kill or bring forth bounty and provides energy upon which all other things survive. The moon is the suns' companion in the heavens and pagans knew the moon held influence on tides, river surges and other forces. Crops were planted according to the cycles of the moon (and some still practice moon gardening now) because the pull of the moon affects the sap rising in plants.

Metals were seen as valuable by pagans even though they did not really know how rare they were and precious, they put great symbolism on their strength, the ability to create weapons and their longevity. Leaders were buried with chatels and weapons of the most strong metals and the most rare stones, which also held great symbolic strength.

Pagans, although strongly regulated by the cycles of the earth iself, showed us perhaps ways to respect nature and work with her instead of against her. Because their lives were so closely tied with the cycle of life and the seasons, it is no wonder they placed huge importance on gaining favours to obtain fertility and good harvest so they could get through each year and survive into the spring and summer.

Whatever faith we have ourselves, sometimes, you begin to think a little touch of the pagan is not such a bad thing!

Learn more about this author, Sammy Stein.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about A look at pagan symbols and their meaning?
We want to hear your view. Write now!