Pagans

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /ˈpeɪɡənz/

Definitions

  1. A group of individuals who practice polytheistic or nature-based religions, often characterized by a reverence for nature and ancient traditions | Followers of spiritual paths that encompass various belief systems outside of the major world religions, emphasizing personal connections with the divine | A term used historically to describe people who adhere to beliefs and rituals rooted in ancient cultures and often include a variety of earth-centric spiritual practices
  2. A collective of individuals who adhere to belief systems that celebrate multiple deities or the natural world, often embracing ancient customs and traditions
  3. People engaging in spiritual practices that fall outside the dominant religious frameworks, focusing on nature and personal spiritual connections

Etymology: Before it became a general term for non-Christians, this word originally referred to rural inhabitants or villagers. In the late Roman Empire, as Christianity spread mainly through the cities, those who lived in the countryside tended to hold on to traditional polytheistic religions. Urban Christians began using the term somewhat pejoratively to describe these rural folk who had not converted. The Latin root is "paganus," which simply meant "country dweller" or "villager." Over time, its meaning shifted to signify a person who adhered to the old religions rather than the new Christian faith. This semantic transformation likely took hold between the 4th and 5th centuries CE, as Christianity became the dominant religion of the Roman world. The word entered English in the late Middle Ages, around the 13th century, through Old French "paien" or "pagan," which inherited the meaning of a non-Christian or heathen. It was used in religious contexts to label those outside the Christian community, often carrying connotations of superstition or idolatry. Interestingly, the original meaning tied to rural life was not entirely lost; it lingered in the background as a reminder of the social and cultural divides between urban Christians and their less converted rural neighbors. This evolution from a simple geographic descriptor to a religious label illustrates how language can track profound cultural and religious shifts in history.

Synonyms: heathens, idolaters

Antonyms: monotheists