Have you ever wondered about the holiday traditions your family has or those of others and where they came from? There is so much symbolism that has been around since before Christmas existed that has been adopted and is still practiced in current times. Gift giving, decorations we use and how we spend our time during the holidays all have influences.

The winter solstice, the longest night of the year, falls on December 21st or 22nd in the Northern Hemisphere and June 20th or 21st in the Southern…Old solstice traditions have influenced holidays we celebrate now, such as Christmas and Hanukkah. (Brittanica) A few of the old solstice celebrations include Yule, Krampus Nacht and Saturnalia. There are great tales associated with these that have inspired traditions that still exist today.

*Photos from: The Cauldron Bar and Spirits*

Yule celebrations existed long before Christmas, as it is rooted in ancient traditions of the Germanic and Norse people. In Scandinavia it has been celebrated for twelve days starting on the Winter Solstice around December 21st. The traditions we have adapted from this holiday are things like feasting, burning logs, decorating with evergreens, wreath making, using/gifting candles, decorating with holly and mistletoe. Have you heard of the Yule folk tales? They vary from different cultures and locations. There are such interesting tales from Iceland like the 13 Yule lads, their witch mother Grýla and her giant cat known as the Yule cat. Pictured above are details of such stories. It is easy to see influence on some traditions that exist today, like trying to be nice and good for the holidays, getting gifts (except we use stockings instead of shoes) and working hard for new items such as clothing for the holiday. (Almanac)

Yule folktales from Celtic Lore include the battle of the Oak King and Holly King. This battle symbolizes the return of light after a period of darkness. In Russia they have the tale of Father Frost, a Winter spirit who is like the ancient version of Santa Claus and delivers gifts just the same. In Norse and Germanic tales there is “The Wild Hunt.” This time of year, it is believed to be when Odin’s led hunt was heard storming through the air during yule, the midwinter period when the veil between worlds thins. (History)

*Photo from: Jaxx personal collection - Roast the Dead Coffee (Yucaipa CA)*

Speaking of Germanic tales you may have heard of “Krampus Nacht.” Krampus was originally celebrated as part of the Winter Solstice pre-Christmas. Due to the spread of Christianity, Krampus then became associated with Christmas. The Catholic church tried to ban him unsuccessfully. Krampus and St. Nicholas are said to arrive on the evening of December 5 (Krampus Nacht; “Krampus Night”). St. Nicholas rewards nice children by leaving presents while Krampus beats those who are naughty with branches and sticks. In some cases, he is said to eat them or take them to hell. On December 6th children awaken to find their gifts or nurse their injuries. (Britannica) Tales like this are often thought to “scare” children into being good for the holidays which seems to still be a tradition with things like the Naughty List. The most recent scare tactic being Elf on the shelf.

Here is where I take a moment to introduce a lesser-known Scottish tale that existed way before the Elf on the Shelf. My mother who is from Stirling Scotland would tell my siblings and I about the Christmas mouse. She was told it as well when she was younger. There is a mouse that usually wears a Santa hat and/or Christmas scarf. He has magic to report back to Santa about your behavior and likes to hide in random places to spy on you. We were warned not to touch him, or he can’t get back home because his magic will fade away. Sound familiar? I for sure thought Elf on the shelf creators owed someone else royalties for taking this tale and changing it to a cheeky little elf doll. The Christmas mouse was less mischievous for sure, but we would spot it in some silly places. It could be spotted at the top of the Christmas tree, sometimes peeking out of a stocking, on top of the fridge or in random decorations hung throughout the house. Christmas Eve, it would disappear until the following year. I have a saying that’s, "In our house we have the Christmas mouse.” Elf on the shelf could never replace such a dear tale that traveled across the pond and all the way to America.

One of the biggest traditions the Holidays bring is having celebrations. Celebrations are had whether big or small this season. The Roman based celebration of Saturnalia was such a big celebration during the Winter sewing season that it was extended to last seven days. Saturnalia celebrates the Roman god of agriculture, Saturn. It marks the end of the harvest season and the Winter Solstice. It is a chaotic, joyous festival of feasting, gambling, gift-giving, and temporary suspension of social norms. Saturnalia has Roman and Greek ties associated with it as it is the celebration of the Roman god Saturn known as the god Kronos in Greek mythology. There is also a tale related to Hades where the giving of candles plays a part. (Brittanica)

There are so many places around the world that have ancient traditions and tales to help pass them on. It seems they all have a way of celebrating the nature of the changing season. No matter what holidays you celebrate during this Winter season or where they came from, the act of celebrating with those you hold dear is precious. No one lives forever but the memories made and even tales told can carry on for centuries.

Happy Holidays everyone!

Written by Jaxx R.W.(Martinez)

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Sources:

7 Winter Solstice Celebrations From Around the World - 7 Winter Solstice Celebrations | Britannica

History of Christmas - History of Christmas - Origins, Traditions & Facts

Discover the origins of Yule—the ancient solstice celebration that inspired Christmas - What Is Yule? | The Ancient Yuletide Tradition and the Yule Log | The Old Farmer's Almanac

Krampus - Krampus | Definition, St. Nicholas, Christmas, History, & Facts | Britannica

Saturnalia- Roman religion | History, Gods, Beliefs, Practices, & Facts | Britannica

Holiday Lore: Tales that Lead to Traditions

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