Throughout history, there are many cultures that have told stories of gods or savior figures who share striking similarities, particularly those involving miraculous births and significant dates like December 25th. Long before the emergence of Christianity, myths about divine beings born of virgins on this date were already part of ancient religions. While all of these claims are often debated, especially among scholars and theologians, they still remain an important part of comparative religion and historical studies.
Below, I have listed some of the deities that various sources and authors allege were born of a virgin on December 25th, predating the birth of Jesus Christ.
List of Pagan Gods Allegedly Born on December 25th by a Virgin
1. HORUS
Origin: Egypt (Ethiopian-Sudanese region)
Birth: Allegedly born of a virgin on December 25th, approximately 3,000 years before Jesus.
Horus was worshipped as the sky god and was said to be born to the goddess Isis following the death of her husband Osiris.
2. BUDDHA
Origin: Nepal
Birth: Some traditions claim that Buddha was born of a virgin on December 25th, around 563 years before Jesus. Although, mainstream Buddhist books do not claim a December 25th birth, however, some comparative religious theories draw parallels based on symbolic interpretations.
3. KRISHNA
Origin: India
Birth: Was said to have been born of the virgin Devaki on December 25th, roughly 900 years before Jesus.
Krishna is a highly regarded deity in Hinduism, and his miraculous birth is often compared to that of Christ.
4. ZARATHUSTRA (ZOROASTER)
Origin: Ancient Persia (modern-day Iran)
Birth: Was allegedly born of a virgin on December 25th, around 1,000 years before Jesus’ birth.
Zarathustra is regarded as the founder of Zoroastrianism, which is one of the world’s oldest monotheistic religions.
5. HERCULES
Origin: Greece
Birth: According to myth, Hercules was born of a mortal woman, Alcmene, who was impregnated by Zeus, around 800 years before Jesus. Some claim a December 25th birth. Hercules is often seen as a divine hero with supernatural strength, and is a well-known figure in Greek mythology.
6. MITHRA
Origin: Persia
Birth: Was alleged to have been born of a virgin in a cave on December 25th, approximately 600 years before Jesus. The cult of Mithra was widespread in the Roman Empire, and many parallels are drawn between Mithraism and early Christianity.
7. DIONYSUS
Origin: Greece
Birth: Was said to have been born of a virgin on December 25th, around 500 years before Jesus.
Dionysus, the god of wine and ecstasy, was also associated with death and rebirth themes.
8. THAMMUZ
Origin: Babylon
Birth: Was alleged to have been born of a virgin on December 25th, around 400 years before Jesus.
Tammuz was a deity associated with fertility and seasonal cycles, and was often worshipped through lamentation rituals.
9. HERMES
Origin: Greece
Birth: Some traditions claim that he was born of a virgin on December 25th, around 200 years before Jesus. Hermes is the messenger god in Greek mythology, which is known for his speed and cunning.
10. ADONIS
Origin: Phoenicia
Birth: Was said to be born of a virgin on December 25th, around 200 years before Jesus. Adonis is another god associated with rebirth and seasonal renewal.
11. JESUS CHRIST
Origin: Roman Judea
Birth: Was born of the Virgin Mary, widely celebrated on December 25th, around 1–30 AD. Although the actual date of Jesus’ birth is unknown, December 25th was chosen as the official date of celebrating His birth by the Roman Catholic Church in the 4th century, likely to align with existing pagan celebrations like Saturnalia.
Sources and Further Reading
If you are interested in exploring these claims further, there are several authors and texts that delved into the topic of pre-Christian savior myths and virgin birth narratives: I have listed some below:
- The World’s Sixteen Crucified Saviors – Kersey Graves
- Christianity Before Christ – John G. Jackson
- Bible Myths and Their Parallels in Other Religions – T.W. Doane
- Nailed: Ten Christian Myths That Show Jesus Never Existed at All – David Fitzgerald
- Jesus Never Existed – Kenneth Humphreys
- Caesar’s Messiah – Joseph Atwill
- 101 Myths of the Bible – Gary Greenberg
- Anacalypsis (Vol. 1 & 2) – Godfrey Higgins
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Were there actually gods born on December 25th before Jesus?
Yes, according to a lot of many historians and religious theorists who claim that the birth of several deities were associated with December 25th, though scholarly consensus varies widely.
2. Is Jesus’ birth on December 25th historically accurate?
Well, most scholars agree that Jesus was likely not born on December 25th. However, the date was chosen centuries later (after he has ascended to Heaven) to align with existing Roman festivals.
3. Why do so many myths include virgin births?
So many myths include virgin births because it symbolizes divine intervention and the uniqueness of the savior figure. It is a recurring motif across various cultures and religions.
Final Thoughts
This article is not meant to disrespect any other faith but to shed light on recurring patterns in mythological and religious storytelling throughout history. Therefore, understanding these claims can enrich your knowledge of world religions and provoke thoughtful discussion.
