Païenne

Païenne is a term with a complex and evolving meaning, historically used to describe individuals or cultures outside of the major monotheistic religions, particularly Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. The word originates from the Latin "paganus," meaning "rural" or "villager." Initially, it referred to those who continued to practice ancient polytheistic religions in the Roman Empire after Christianity became dominant. Over time, its usage broadened to encompass any non-Abrahamic religious beliefs.

The term often carried negative connotations, implying backwardness, superstition, or a lack of civilization, reflecting the perspective of those who used it. However, it is also used by scholars in an attempt to describe the diverse range of religious practices and beliefs that existed and continue to exist outside of the dominant world religions. Modern usage sometimes attempts to reclaim the term in a more positive light, referring to contemporary neo-pagan traditions that draw inspiration from ancient European, African, or indigenous spiritualities. These modern movements often emphasize nature worship, cyclical time, and the divine feminine.

The concept of "païenne" is therefore not monolithic. It encompasses a vast array of belief systems, from the ancient pantheons of Greece and Rome to indigenous spiritualities and contemporary reconstructed religions. Its interpretation is heavily dependent on historical context and the perspective of the speaker or writer.