Cornish Paganism - 17th century

[Ursus]

Strange rites involving fowl have been discovered in the 17th century Cornish countryside, at a time when non-Christians were being executed as "witches."

 

The article insinuates there were surviving fertility rites from Celtic times.

 

 

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/s...icle3517036.ece

[caldrail]

This is another, if older, example of neo-pagnism. I really do doubt it has any connection with pre-christian beliefs as such. Far from it, its more likely a cult put together by those who want an alternative to christianity - something we see today. They needed to keep their rites under wraps because back then it was more risky. These days you just get flamed or moaned at on the internet, pamphlets through your door, visits from smiling caring salespeople - the usual treatment. I had one guy performing exrcisms at the back of my flat on sunday mornings a few years back. Didn't he know its Ozzy Osbourne who's the Prince of Evil?

Edited March 12, 2008 by caldrail

[Kosmo]

Not necesary Caldrail. Here in Romania, one can find in rural areas many rituals that are pre-christian. Some have also a christian meaning added, but most have not despite being performed by christians. The people who make this rituals are christians not pagans, but they still respect their pre-christian customs.

[Northern Neil]

Is not 90% of Christian mythology and ritual pagan in origin?