Christmas is Yule, a European Viking Tradition
This time of year is really interesting/special to me. I see people excited about Christmas - getting out the tree, wreaths, logs, gifts, mistletoe, and etc... but I wonder how many people realize that these traditions we celebrate are of Viking origin?
[please refer to the top image I made for reference]
I'll give you an example... The Christmas tree originally was outside...called Yggdrasil. The Germanic people's of Europe embraced trees as their symbol of surviving the entire year. In the deep winter cold, Evergreen trees remained green and full of life. So, the tradition would be on December 21st and for the next 12 days to celebrate this time of year.
They would hang meat on the trees in honor of the gods - especially Odin. This is why Christmas colors are Red, White, and Green. The Green is the evergreen plants, the red is from the blood of the meat ornaments, and the white is the snow. When Europe was becoming Christianize'd the pagans had to take their traditions inside, which is why we have Christmas Trees inside to hide, but still celebrate.
Another example is the wreath - another symbol symbolizing the sun and the importance of the sun in the darkest coldest time of year, of the seasons. Using evergreens and putting them into a circle represents that life goes on all year long. They would not only hang the wreaths, but would ignite them and roll them down a hill.
Santa and his reindeer is actually Odin and his eight legged horse, Sleipner. Odin has the same look as Santa - long bearded and giving. Odin is regarded as the father of the gods, or father Christmas. After the 12th day - gifts were given - hence the 12 days of Christmas.
The idea of Santa having a naughty or nice list tends to come from Krampus, who was sort of like a mischievous being that went looking for the bad kids...
There are many many many other examples, and it's not just Christmas, but holidays all year long go back to the Viking traditions attempted to be lost, but failed. This also includes days of the week, and names of the months.
The image at the top is an image I made last year showing some of the things I've discussed here. There's really a lot to say and I can point out the relation to many of these things. There's also a ton of other connections as to how/why things became the way they became including how the amanita muscaria mushroom probably has a lot to do with the stories of Santa and his flying reindeer, and his helping elves. Things are intertwined ranging over thousands of years and many paradigm shifts...
The Real Yule Story: The Northern Shaman
The following is an audio story that is related to these ancient Germanic European traditions given to us in traditional story telling style. It's called The Real Yule Story: The Northern Shaman. The recording is from an old BBC play. In this story, an old storyteller tells us the story of the real meaning of the Yule celebrations, celebrating the supremacy of Solar culture in a universe that is still ruled by ice and darkness.
It's a good listen, and it gives another perspective not often shined upon;
Suggested reading:
Interesting slice of history. Thanks for providing some myth busting.
Thanks great write up. I have studied the northern culture quite a bit as it is part of my heritage. Recently starting to look into the Irish traditions.
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