Makeup, Braids, and Wedding Rings: The Pagan Symbols Christians Forget They Wear

Dr. Lyman Montgomery

Welcome back, family, to the Sacred Greeks Podcast. I’m Dr. Lyman Montgomery, and today—we’re gonna have some fun, and probably step on a toe or two—because we’re exploring the symbols around us that most Christians just...ignore. Now, this idea hit me hard after watching a YouTube video where a very earnest sister was critiquing Black Greek Letter Organizations, saying, “It’s all pagan!” She’s got Greek letters in the crosshairs, but—listen—while she’s talking? She’s got on hoop earrings, bold eyeliner, fresh braids, a Nike crewneck, wedding ring blingin', Starbucks in hand, and, y’all, there’s an American flag perfectly placed behind her. You can’t make this stuff up.

Janet

Now you know, Dr. Montgomery, soon as you said hoop earrings, the Southern sisters tuned up, like, “Don’t touch my jewelry, doc!” Every Black family I know got at least three generations bonded by the first pair of gold hoops. My mama gave me mine when I was twelve, and child, I just knew I was grown. But you’re right—these things trace way, way back. I mean, Egyptians, right? Royalty, priestesses—they wore those hoops and beads not just for looks, but as a sign they belonged, had status, and were blessed and protected. Even this eyeliner—sis on YouTube didn’t invent that, that’s kohl, and it goes right back to the Eye of Horus. Folks were painting their faces hundreds of years before any of us could use a Sephora gift card.

Dr. Lyman Montgomery

And braids too, Janet. A lot of listeners might not realize, but braid patterns told entire stories—family lines, social standing, even what region you’re from. And some of those patterns? They’re literal maps, tied to the Nile or your village or your clan’s roots. So, when we rock these styles today, yeah, it’s about beauty and expression, but it’s also an echo of something old—something sacred, even if the meaning’s shifted.

Janet

Let me tell you, doc, it’s deeper than just “pretty.” My aunt used to sit me down, cornrow my hair, and it wasn’t just about style—it was about having patience, learning who I am, connecting to my people and their stories. So, I get a little salty when folks say, “That’s pagan!” but don’t know a lick about how tradition or culture keeps us grounded. I mean, if we’re gonna question the origins of Greek letters, don’t we gotta be just as honest about our makeup drawer, too?

Dr. Lyman Montgomery

Exactly. It’s not about judging, it’s about noticing. What was once “sacred” or “ritual” might now be beauty or identity. The meaning evolves, but the story’s still there. And if you’re gonna call out Greek symbols, don’t pretend your style is any less ancient—whether you know the story or not.

Janet

So, let’s go shiny for a minute, Lyman. Gold, silver, all that. We slap it on for special occasions, right? But shoot, go read about ancient Egypt—they thought gold was the flesh of the gods, silver the bones, and all those rings, necklaces, you name it, were tokens the divine wore. Not just “bling”—it was spiritual.

Dr. Lyman Montgomery

That’s right. And if you look at wedding rings, you see the same story but with a twist. Most folks think of marriage as this strictly Christian thing—we’ve got rings, vows, the whole ceremony. But the ring itself traces right back to Egypt, Greece, and Rome. Romans even linked it to Jupiter, their highest deity! So, when we put that band on, we’re wearing, I guess you could say, a little piece of old mythology on our hands.

Janet

Now, let’s not start any trouble at the next altar call, Dr. Lyman! See, I’ve seen sisters shout down Greek letters for their “pagan” roots, but won’t take off their rings for anything. So if we’re gonna be fair, shouldn’t we ask—do we even care about those old meanings, or is it the intent we have now that matters more?

Dr. Lyman Montgomery

That’s the big question. Origins are interesting, but what does the symbol mean in 2025, in our community, in our faith? Do we even remember the old stories after a while? Or are we making something new out of old materials?

Janet

And, you know, it’s okay if you don’t have all the answers. My grandma always said, “Ask about the roots, but don’t be afraid to trim your own branches.” Sometimes tradition gives us a sense of belonging—and sometimes, if we don’t pause and check, it might mean we’re just wearing what everybody else wears, without thinking about why.

Dr. Lyman Montgomery

Alright, let’s get real for a second. Tell me why Nike—named after a Greek goddess, that famous swoosh from her wing—doesn’t get called out as “pagan,” but Greek letters do? Or, take Starbucks. That green mermaid is a siren from mythology, supposed to tempt sailors away from home. And Mercedes? The star is a symbol of mastery, dominion over land, sea, and sky. That’s some ancient ambition coded right into our luxury vehicles.

Janet

I’m gonna mess around and get my coffee card revoked for saying this, but half the believers I know go straight from Sunday school to Starbucks without a blink. Nobody screams “mythology” at the frappuccino. Meanwhile, my Greek letters—suddenly, those are scandalous. But just ask folks about the flag that’s in every church, every courtroom. The eagle, those scales for justice—y’all, that’s Roman and Egyptian myth left and right. We just accept it ’cause, well, it’s familiar.

Dr. Lyman Montgomery

I actually had one of those “Aha!” moments at a BGLO event years back, arguing with a brother about “pagan” stuff. We looked around—Greek letters, Nike shoes, Mercedes in the lot, Starbucks in hand, flag on the table... I started laughing. I said, “Man, if symbols were truly sinful, we’d all be in trouble.” Sometimes our outrage is selective. It’s easier to criticize the unfamiliar than look in our own closets.

Janet

That truth will set you free... and maybe get you in a little bit of trouble on Facebook. But it’s the kind of freedom we need. Folks pick and choose what to get mad about, but don’t even realize half of what they love came from some ancient story or myth. If we stopped for a moment and asked why, we might be more gracious, even when we disagree with each other.

Dr. Lyman Montgomery

That’s right. The thing is, symbols don’t stay the same—they flow, change, blend into something new. In church, communities all over use symbols and rituals with layered meanings. What’s “secular” becomes “sacred,” and vice versa. We might use candles, water, even certain songs—and those all have roots that go deeper than just Christian tradition. But what matters is why we use them and what they mean to our hearts.

Janet

Intent, context—that’s what I always tell my young folks. Just because something started in one place doesn’t mean it can’t grow into something good where we are now. Are we using these things to include, to teach, to honor? Or do we risk borrowing without respecting the deep stories people carry? Sometimes, if you don’t pause and reflect, you might end up sliding into cultural copying—or even accidentally erasing what made a thing powerful in the first place.

Dr. Lyman Montgomery

And sometimes, honestly, we react out of habit—not prayer, not research, not even wisdom. Like “if it looks familiar, it’s fine,” and if it looks different, “watch out!” Instead, we need to ask: What does it mean for us, in our walk, in our worship? Who do our symbols include, and who do they leave out? It’s about awareness, not fear.

Janet

Awareness is half the battle, Dr. Lyman. If you don’t know the story, it’s easy to either cling too tightly or reject too fast. But when you learn, you gain empathy. That’s how we can love our neighbor, even when their symbols don’t look like ours. That’s how we build bridges, not walls, in God’s kingdom.

Janet

So, as we wind down, here’s what I’d say to every listener: don’t be afraid to research those symbols you use, even the ones you grew up with and never thought to question. Dig into the story—it doesn’t mean you have to leave it behind, but know what’s behind it. If you choose it, do so with open eyes and a heart set on purpose, not just habit.

Dr. Lyman Montgomery

Exactly. I always tell folks—intention, reflection, and open dialogue, that’s the starting point. Ask yourself: Why do these symbols matter to me? Do they reflect my walk with Christ, or am I just repeating what I saw? And don’t be afraid to open these conversations in your chapter, your family, your church. Listen for those different perspectives—you might find your understanding gets deeper or your choices get wiser.

Janet

And let’s bring folks in, not shut them out. If you see your sister wearing a symbol you don’t get, ask, “What does this mean to you?” instead of coming in with suspicion. Maybe together, we create a richer, more honest community than if we’d just policed each other’s jewelry.

Dr. Lyman Montgomery

That’s it, Janet. Let’s wrap up here: Consistency, honesty, and grace—not just with Greek letters or beauty rituals, but with everything we adopt. I hope today’s conversation sparks a little curiosity and a lot of freedom as you figure out what your symbols mean—not just where they started, but how you use them. Janet, always a joy walking through these tough topics with you. Till next time, family—keep your heart open, your mind sharp, and your spirit in step with the Light. Bless you, Janet.

Janet

The feeling’s mutual, Dr. Montgomery. Thank y’all for letting us get real, and don’t worry, I’ll still wear my hoops to church this Sunday. God bless everyone—see you on the next Sacred Greeks. Bye, Dr. Montgomery!

Dr. Lyman Montgomery

Take care, Janet, and take care, family. We’ll see you next week on the Sacred Greeks Podcast.