>>5266721People don't realise how much Pagan traditions are integrated into European culture.
Christianity was successful because it mixed with paganism. It didn't subjugate the old religion; it adaped.
My church has a labyrinth in it. It's supposed to be Christian, but it's utterly pagan in origin. You are supposed to pray as you walk it. There are loads of other pagan traditions. My grandmother taught me how to use plants to cure and at New Year's Eve she would make me go outside with a piece of coal in one hand and salt in the other to 'bring in the year'. The symbolism is striking; coal is black but burns to make light, salt is white and was once so important that Roman soldiers got paid in it - it's where the word 'salary' comes from. Also the contrast between coal and salt is like the Yin-Yang in Chinese symbolism.
Even the days of the week are named after pagan gods.
