The original Pagan festival of the Roman Saturnalia - the name of
which was later changed after Constantine’s ilk in to Christ(’s)mass,
following on from his conversion to Orthodox Christianity, became far
from orthodox! As centuries past the persecuted minorities of Christians
were replaced by the persecuting majority of Pagans who – to court
imperial privileges – lined up to be baptized with little change of
heart. Yes, and bringing their old Pagan feasts of debauchery
drunkenness and carnivorous lust with them. Indeed, how many of us
realise that the two most prominent festivals of the churches calendar,
Christmas and Easter (name given to the goddess of the dawn!); are the
cruellest for the animals?
On these two Pagan festivals which – thanks to a church calendar! –
have become intertwined with the birth, or death and resurrection of
Jesus - more animals are heartlessly slaughtered in Britain than at any
other season. Consequently, it is strange, indeed, that many animal
activists who have turned their backs on Christianity should proudly
affirm themselves as Pagans. Obviously, they haven’t gone far back in to
the history of such a religion! But then, no more are these new Pagans
consistent than are those animal activists who claim to follow the
religious practices of the American Indians. These may well put up their
dream catchers above their beds; but if they are to be consistent then
they will need to revive gruesome methods of ritual slaughter. Well, God
forbid!