Black Friday is one of the most anticipated days of the year for shoppers looking to get the best deals on items they want and need. But did you ever wonder where this day of deals and discounts originated? It turns out that the origin of Black Friday has more to do with pagan rituals than you might think. This article will discuss the pagan origins of Black Friday, its connection to the holiday season, and how its significance has evolved over time.
Black Friday is an unofficial holiday, celebrated on the fourth Friday in November in many countries around the world. It is the day after Thanksgiving, which marks the beginning of the Christmas shopping season. The origin of the term “Black Friday” is uncertain, but it is thought to have originated in the late 19th century, when retailers began to offer discounts on the day after Thanksgiving to mark the beginning of the Christmas shopping season. Over the years, the tradition has grown and the term “Black Friday” has become a widely recognized term.
What is the origin of Black Friday?
The origin of the term “Black Friday” is disputed. Some believe it originated in Philadelphia in the late 19th century, when police used the term to describe the chaotic traffic and crowded sidewalks that occurred on the day after Thanksgiving. Other sources claim that the term was used by retailers to describe the surge in shopping that occurred on the day after Thanksgiving, when shoppers flocked to stores to take advantage of the holiday sales.
It is also believed that the term “Black Friday” was used to describe the day when retailers could finally go “into the black”—or make a profit—after months of being “in the red”—or losing money. Whatever its origin, the term “Black Friday” has become a widely recognized term and a popular day for shoppers.
How has Black Friday changed?
In recent years, Black Friday has become increasingly commercialized. Retailers now focus on offering deep discounts to entice shoppers to buy. Many stores open early on Black Friday, and some even offer doorbuster deals that allow shoppers to get a head start on their holiday shopping. Online retailers have also gotten in on the action, offering their own Black Friday deals that can be accessed from anywhere.
The holiday shopping season has also gotten a lot longer. Many stores now offer deals that start weeks before Black Friday, and the deals often continue right up until the end of December. Additionally, many stores now offer “Cyber Monday” deals, which are discounts offered exclusively online on the Monday after Black Friday.
What is the pagan origin of Black Friday?
The pagan origin of Black Friday is thought to be related to the winter solstice, which falls on the fourth Friday in November in the Northern Hemisphere. The solstice marks the shortest day of the year and the longest night of the year, and is seen as a time of renewal and rebirth. Some believe that the term “Black Friday” is a reference to this time of year, as the darkness of winter gives way to the light of spring.
It is also thought that the pagan origin of the term “Black Friday” may be related to an ancient Celtic festival known as Samhain. This festival was celebrated on the same date as the winter solstice and was seen as a time when the veil between the living and the dead was at its thinnest. It was believed that during this time, spirits could cross over into the world of the living, and offerings were made to appease them.
Conclusion
Black Friday is an unofficial holiday that is celebrated on the fourth Friday in November in many countries around the world. The origin of the term “Black Friday” is uncertain, but it is thought to have originated in the late 19th century, when retailers began to offer discounts on the day after Thanksgiving. Over the years, Black Friday has become increasingly commercialized, with retailers offering deep discounts to entice shoppers to buy. The pagan origin of Black Friday is thought to be related to the winter solstice, which falls on the same date, and an ancient Celtic festival known as Samhain.
Black Friday is a phenomenon that has become embedded in our culture, but its pagan origins have been largely forgotten. Despite its commercialization, this special day still has the potential to bring people together and remind us of our shared humanity. We should take a moment to appreciate the beauty of this tradition and the power of the collective spirit it represents. By recognizing the true meaning of Black Friday, we can celebrate it with a renewed sense of joy and appreciation. In doing so, we can ensure that Black Friday continues to be a day of unity and celebration for generations to come.
