Thu Oct 31 10:00:00 UTC 2024: ## Reformation Day and the Enduring Legacy of Paganism
**Hyperallergic**
In a thought-provoking essay, Ed Simon explores the complex relationship between Reformation Day, a celebration of the Protestant break from the Catholic Church, and the enduring legacy of paganism.
While Reformation Day is often seen as a victory of Christianity over paganism, Simon argues that the erasure of pagan traditions was never complete. From the persecution of Kirsten Iversdatter, a Sámi woman accused of witchcraft in 1674, to the persistence of folk beliefs and rituals throughout history, paganism has continued to exert a subtle influence on European culture.
Simon points to the work of historians like Margaret Murray and Carlo Ginzburg, who have argued that the persecution of witches in the 16th and 17th centuries was fueled by a fear of lingering pagan practices. He suggests that even though Reformation Day aimed to sever ties with the past, the essential energies of mysticism and magic, represented by Halloween and other folk traditions, remain present in our world.
The essay concludes by acknowledging the enduring power of pagan beliefs and their influence on contemporary art and culture, reminding us that the battle between Christianity and paganism, while symbolically significant, is far from over.
Simon’s piece encourages readers to consider the complex interplay of history, culture, and belief, highlighting the importance of acknowledging and appreciating the enduring legacy of paganism in our modern world.
First Piper 