neopagan

[ nee-oh-pey-guhn ]

noun

1. a modern practitioner of a specific pre-Christian polytheistic religious tradition or of the worship of nature, fertility, etc., as represented by various deities:

   Germanic neopagans call their summer solstice festival Litha.

   As a neopagan, I try to counter misconceptions about my faith wherever I find them.

adjective

1. of, relating to, or participating in the modern revival of interest in a specific pre-Christian polytheistic religious tradition or the worship of nature, fertility, etc., as represented by various deities:

   There is no set teaching on vegetarianism within the diverse neopagan communities.

Usage Note

Some people object to the label neopagan and prefer pagan, polytheist, or a more specific term. As with any other matter of personal identity, the best way to refer to someone's religious beliefs is the word or name they have told you they prefer.

Word History and Origins

Origin of neopagan¹

First recorded in 1865–70; neo- ( def ) + pagan ( def )