Neopagan

Part of speech: noun, adjective

Definitions

1. A modern religious movement that draws on ancient pagan traditions | A spiritual practice that revives historical polytheism and folklore | A belief system that incorporates elements of traditional paganism in contemporary worship settings
2. A contemporary belief system that integrates ancient pagan traditions | A religious practice rooted in historical polytheistic rituals and spiritual customs | A modern spiritual movement that revives and adapts old pagan beliefs for current adherents
3. A modern spiritual practice that embraces and revives ancient pagan customs | A belief system characterized by the adaptation of historical pagan traditions for contemporary worship | A movement focused on incorporating elements of ancient polytheism and folklore into current spiritual practices

Etymology: The term emerged in the early 20th century to describe a modern revival of ancient pagan beliefs and practices. It was coined to distinguish these contemporary movements from the historical pagan religions that predated Christianity. The prefix "neo-" comes from the Greek "neos," meaning "new" or "recent," signaling a fresh or renewed form of paganism rather than a direct continuation. This revival often draws inspiration from a variety of pre-Christian European traditions, reinterpreted or reconstructed based on historical texts, folklore, and archaeological findings. The adoption of "neo-" indicates both a conscious effort to create a modern spiritual identity and a recognition that these practices, while ancient in origin, have been adapted for contemporary contexts. The root "pagan" itself comes from the Latin "paganus," originally meaning "country dweller" or "civilian," which in the Roman Empire came to denote those who practiced polytheistic religions outside the Christian faith. By attaching "neo-" to "pagan," the word neatly encapsulates the idea of a new form of spirituality rooted in ancient, non-Christian traditions. This term gained wider usage as various groups formed in the 20th century seeking to revive or reinvent these old beliefs, often emphasizing nature worship, polytheism, and ritual practice. It captures a complex blend of historical homage and modern spiritual creativity.

Synonyms: modern pagan, revivalist