How to Use pre-Christian in a Sentence

pre-Christian

adjective
  • Well, there’s this ancient pre-Christian festival twice a year called the Eisteddfod.
    — Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 21 June 2026
  • The pre-Christian tombs offer new insight into the religious beliefs of ancient people in the region.
    — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2025
  • For example, the tradition of Easter eggs stems from pre-Christian pagan traditions, per the outlet.
    — Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2026
  • As an ancient symbol of new life, eggs were often associated with pagan festivals celebrating spring in pre-Christian societies.
    — Catherine Messier, The Providence Journal, 31 Mar. 2026
  • In pagan and other pre-Christian traditions, legends arose of mythical beings who emerged during the long nights around the solstice to dole out more extreme punishments to those who weren't on their best behavior.
    — Carlie Procell, USA Today, 20 Dec. 2025
  • The tradition has ancient roots in pre-Christian European spring celebrations, with the Church later adopting it as a Christian practice.
    — Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 23 Jan. 2026
  • Though Christmas officially celebrates the birth of Jesus, it was clearly associated with pre-Christian celebrations that emphasized the winter solstice and the return of light and life.
    — Bobbi Sutherland, The Conversation, 19 Dec. 2025
  • Bakers have been shaping cookies to resemble animals since at least the 6th or 7th century, when they were used for a pre-Christian Germanic/Nordic midwinter festival known as Julfest.
    — Gretchen McKay, Twin Cities, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Contemporary Paganism is a set of religions that base their practice on what is known about pre-Christian religions in Europe, mixed with literature, science fiction and personal inspiration.
    — Helen A. Berger, The Conversation, 23 Feb. 2023
  • There are flashes of overwhelming tenderness and wind-stopping moments, and the songs are generally rich and full of character, populated by her usual cast of gay witches, Southern Baptist girls, medicine women, saints, and pre-Christian gods.
    — Emma Madden, Pitchfork, 30 Apr. 2026
  • Other highlights include Raphael's Rooms, former papal chambers featuring paintings by the Renaissance master, and the Profane Museum, which displays pre-Christian art and artifacts.
    — Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 30 Apr. 2026

Some of these examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'pre-Christian.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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