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Nicholas as a frightening man holding a birch rod, who had the power to know and see all, which is likely where ‘he knows if you’ve been naughty or nice’ came from. Early depictions of Santa Claus in Europe typically showed him as a bearded bishop in canonical robes, although his persona became more serious and overbearing than the original Saint. He was famous for his generous gifts to the poor. The addition of Santa Claus to the Christmas celebrations began with Saint Nicholas of Myra, a 4 th century Greek Christian bishop in what now is Turkey. During the Middle Ages, many attended church services followed by a raucous and carnival-like party much like today’s Mardi Gras. By the end of the eighth century, the celebration of ‘Christmas’ had spread all the way to Scandinavia.īut people weren’t so eager to give up their wild celebrations. It is generally accepted by historians that Pope Julius I, the Bishop of Rome from AD337 to 352, chose December 25 th as the day of the ‘Feast of the Nativity’ celebration largely in an effort to adopt and absorb the pagan traditions of Saturnalia.
#Yule saturnalia full#
Much like the Norse Yule celebration, Saturnalia also included extended periods of drunkenness – the festival began the week prior to winter solstice and lasted a full month. The Saturnalia festival, named for the Roman god Saturn, involved much revelry, including feasting, bonfires, decorating with evergreens, and giving gifts. Most people wisely chose to stay indoors to avoid being seen by Woden, who rode an eight-legged horse by the name of Sleipnir and kept company with dead warriors.Īncient Romans celebrated Saturnalia around the time of winter solstice. Woden was terrifying – he was said to fly through the town in the night to decide who would prosper or perish. They honored the pagan god Woden (Odin in Norse mythology) during mid-winter. The Norse believed that each spark from the fire was a sign that a new pig or calf would be born in the coming spring.ĭuring this time, people in Germany were not quite as joyful. These could take as long as two weeks to burn, during which people feasted (and presumably drank copious amounts of grog). In honor of the returning sun, large logs were set afire. Scandinavian history shows that the Norse began their Yule traditions at winter solstice. These celebrations occurred several centuries BC.
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There was good reason to celebrate –longer days and warmth meant easier access to food. Many of us dream of a roaring fire, the intoxicating scent of pine and cookies in the air, and magical lights dancing on homes enveloped in a soft and sparkling blanket of new snow.īefore early Christians adopted what was then called ‘The Feast of Nativity’ somewhere around 400 AD, celebrations were held in the middle of winter to mark the passing of the ‘darkest days’ and express joy that extended hours of sunlight and warmer weather were coming. Holiday celebrations in history and winter solstice have been tied together for centuries. Some cultural, some based in religion, most celebrating the love of family and home. In our home town, we celebrate the Holidays with many traditions.