IST 605: Pagan to Christian Holidays

Explains how pagan elements were knowingly incorporated into the Christian faith to ease the transition. Shows how all the major holidays in the Christian calendar are modeled on pagan rituals and myths, including Easter and Christmas. In revealing the pagan roots of many Christian figures, stories, and rituals, Walter provides a new understanding of the evolution of religious belief. Philippe Walter is a professor of medieval French literature at the Université Stendhal in Grenoble.

A compelling history of radical transformation in the fourth-century--when Christianity decimated the practices of traditional pagan religion in the Roman Empire. Suitable for the general reader as well as students and scholars of the ancient world. Written by history professor Edward J. Watts from the University of California, San Diego.

Marianne Sághy was Associate Professor at the Department of Medieval Studies, Central European University and Edward M. Schoolman is Assistant Professor of History at the University of Nevada, Reno. This collection of essays offers valuable insight into the discussion of Pagan-Christian relations over a broad territory and time-span, the Roman Empire from the fourth to the eighth century. It does not provide detail on the conversion of Pagan rituals to Christian holidays; however, it delivers historical context for the period when the dominant religion of Europe changed from Paganism to Christianity.