Satanic Monument Displayed Alongside Nativity Scene in New Hampshire

Although Christmas is not usually associated with Satanism, at least one state is bringing both together in a public display. As of this writing, a Baphomet Satanic monument sits alongside a nativity scene at Concord City Hall Plaza in New Hampshire. This has prompted numerous headlines and various responses across the nation. Putting the controversy aside, however, it is important to understand what this display says about religious freedom and equality in the United States. 

Satanic Monument Appears at Concord City Hall Plaza

In early December of 2024, various sources reported on the appearance of a Satanic monument at the Concord City Hall Plaza in New Hampshire. The statue in question is a “Baphomet,” an official deity of the Satanic Temple with the head of a goat and the body of a human. The statue in Concord features red eyes and a dark cloak. It also holds a Satanic flag in one hand and a bouquet of lilacs in the other. Representatives of the Satanic Temple say that the lilacs represent a gesture of goodwill, as they are the official flower of New Hampshire. 

Although many assumed as much, this was not an act of vandalism – and local authorities are fully aware of the statue’s presence. The State of New Hampshire’s official position is to allow this statue to stand, even if it looms just feet away from a Christmas nativity scene. In fact, the nearby Christmas nativity scene nearby explains the Baphomet’s presence. 

The First Amendment in Practice

According to the common interpretation of the First Amendment of the Constitution, the government is not allowed to favor one religion over the other in the United States. As a result, the fact that New Hampshire allowed the nativity scene gave them no choice but to also allow the Baphomet statue. Although it might seem shocking to some, the presence of both religious symbols on government property highlights the prohibition of religious discrimination of any kind. If you’re going to allow a Christmas nativity scene, you also have to allow a Satanic monument. 

Nevertheless, the City of Concord seemed apologetic when explaining the Baphomet’s presence on social media. They spoke of the Satanic Temple’s willingness to sue governments for First Amendment violations – something that it has done on countless previous occasions. In the end, the municipal government tried to present the Baphomet as a “show of unity and religious pluralism.” 

Inevitably, many have criticized the Satanic symbol. Some claim that Satanism is not a genuine religion at all and it is simply a political tool used by atheists to frustrate Christians. 

The Surprising Link Between Christmas and Satanism

Many believe that the modern celebration of Christmas has surprising parallels with some Satanist concepts. Christmas is a modernization of the Ancient Roman pagan festival of “Saturnalia.” This involved the worship of Saturn, a Roman copy of the Greek god Cronus. Among other evil acts, Cronus ate numerous babies and castrated his own father.

Christmas is also associated with the pagan festival of Yule, another curious celebration that involved animal (and sometimes human) sacrifices in Norse and Anglo-Saxon communities. In addition, Yule involved the worship of the “Yule goat,” which is perhaps the most definitive connection between the modern Baphomet and ancient Christmas traditions. 

The Universal Life Church Respects Diverse Faith Backgrounds

The Universal Life Church (ULC) respects people from all different faith backgrounds. Although the situation in Iowa has critics on both sides, we encourage everyone to strive to do that which is right and respect diverse points of view. To learn more about the Universal Life Church, do not hesitate to reach out.