Pagan

2010-07-09T23:46:50Z

Lauraiz: Corrected Lithuanian history and names, can provide references

'''Pagan''' can mean, variously, pre-[[Christian]] (e.g. [[ancient]] [[Greek]]), or post-[[Christian]] but unconverted (to any type of [[monotheist]]ic [[religion]]), e.g. [[Viking]] pagan, [[Baltic]] pagan, etc.

The last great pagan country in [[Europe]] was the Grand Duchy of [[Lithuania]], which began its rise under [[Gediminas]] in 1316. While the country had contact with [[Christian|Christians]] before and after this period, Grand Duke [[Jogalia|Jogalia's]] conversion to Christianity in order to marry [[Queen]] [[Jadwiga]] of [[Poland]] in 1377 and his rise to the Polish throne in 1387, officially converted the country to [[Catholic|Catholicism]]. This was an attempt to stop the Teutonic Order's crusades against Lithuania and Poland and did not succeed until 1411 with the Peace of the Thorn.

'''Pagan''' does not mean [[Heretic]], as that refers to a follower of [[Christian|Christianity]] who professes a [[doctrine]] different to that of the ruling [[church]]. Neither does it mean an [[Infidel]] such as a [[Muslim]] or a [[Jew]].

== Pagans in the [[SCA]] ==

Many [[SCAdian]]s are pagans (some prefer the term '''Neo-Pagan''') in their [[mundane]] lives. Symbolism such as a pentacle (a mullet of five points within a circle), a moon-and-pentacle emblem, assorted goddess-imagery, or a ''Thor's Hammer'' often mean the wearer is a modern pagan, whether or not their persona is.

In SCA [[heraldry]], however, a pentacle is not a permitted heraldic device although it is [[period]]. Some Pagans resent this restriction, but it is comparable to a similar ban on the [[Cross Calvary]]. Remember, [[Religion In The SCA|overt religious displays of any variety are not allowed]], but whatever you do in your [[tent]] is your business.

== Your [[SCA]] [[Persona]] is a Pagan ==

Owing to late [[Roman]] influence, Christianity was widespread throughout [[Europe]] and the [[Mediterranean]] before the [[medieval]] period. However, in more remote areas, such as [[Britain]] and [[Scandinavia]] it was either uncommon or had only thinly taken hold.

[[Norse]] personas, especially early in [[period]] would be pagan, as would [[German|Germanic]] ones. However, owing to Christian distrust of other religions, the social pressure from the ever-growing Christian community forced pagans to be regarded as the non-conformists.

Pagan personas are allowed in the [[SCA]], so long as one isn't over-the-top about it, and does a certain amount of [[research]] to support their persona.
[[Category:Religion]]

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Pagan