When kids meet
Santa Claus, magic happens. To younger kids he is a mythic figure of
awesome power. Preschoolers' reactions can range from an almost religious
reverence to sheer fright. Even older children who have become aware
of inconsistencies between the myth and the reality, allow themselves
to fall under Santa's spell. His magic is irresistible even to parents,
who delight in the reactions of their children.
But where does
this jolly old elf come from? His legend, bound deep in the ancient
history of Europe, has transcended cultural and religious barriers.
The Santa Claus we know today is a blending of at least two mythic figures.
The 4th century
Christian bishop of Anatolia (now Turkey), known as Saint Nicholas,
is arguably the most famous. Nicholas' generosity and love of children
earned him cult like status among early Christians in eastern Europe.
By the 7th century
Nicholas was known far and wide. His cult spread north to what is now
Russia, but was originally the Russ, a Nordic settlement founded there
prior to the advent of Christianity. And in the west, as other Nordic
tribes adopted the novel religion, Nicholas was introduced to the Franks,
Normans, Saxons, Danes and others. A thousand years later it was the
Dutch settlers in America who contributed "Sinter Klaas" (a
contracted form of "Saint Nicholas") to the tradition.
"Father Christmas"
is another legendary figure who has added immensely to the myth of Santa.
Coming down to us by way of the English, this gift-giving winter-elf
most likely owes his origin to the "Yule-Father" of the Vikings
and Danes who settled England over the course of the Viking Age. Much
Santa symbolism can be traced back in the myths of the pagan Vikings,
from his white beard to his association with crafty elves.
Yule-tide, held
at winter solstice, was the holiest of seasons for the pre-Christian
Germanic, Teutonic and Nordic tribes. Generosity and hospitality were
high virtues to the ancient Norse, who would gather for great Yule feasts
lasting for days.
Strange travelers
were customarily welcomed over Yule-tide, perhaps because of the belief
that the Yule-father Odin, chief among the gods, could possibly appear
in such a disguise. Odin was said to lead the Wild Hunt through the
winter skies, and no one shut outside would want to risk an encounter
with his weird host. Yet folklore shows that Odin gave what was deserved,
awarding goodness and punishing wickedness, like the later Santa. He
might even have left a gift of food at an especially poor homestead.
During the great
Yule festivals, toasts would be made, oaths sworn, songs and stories
heard. It was custom that the ranking chieftains or lords gave gifts
and demonstrated their generosity to the folk in their employ, who might
also offer gifts in turn.
In the Old Icelandic
poem Havamal, Odin implores "For a gift, give a gift", speaking
to the importance of gift exchanges among the Nordic peoples. In the
same poem, from the Poetic Edda, Odin offers "The road to a friend's
is never long, though he live far from the road." Yule was a time
for the large, extended kin-group to gather, and for travelers to be
offered shelter.
These generous
holiday sentiments, and many others, have been traditional features
of the Yule-tide spirit since ancient times, long before news of Nicholas
reached the west. As was standard strategy during the Mediaeval period,
Christian saints were pitted in a public relations competition against
pagan gods and goddesses. It is not surprising that the Roman Church
elevated the eastern bishop Nicholas to celebrity status. Even after
the Reformation, when the cults of various saints were officially discouraged,
Nicholas long remained popular among the now converted Germanic tribes.
The growing popularity
of Santa in the last two centuries is not being driven solely by corporations
intent on market share. While the Coca Cola Company may lay claim to
the commercial image of the Santa we know today, created as an advertising
campaign over a hundred years ago, they cannot lay claim to his ancient
spiritual heritage.
As Father Yule
might remind us, the real yule-tide spirit lay in the experience of
communion with our loved ones, which is only signified by expressions
of generosity. Gifting reinforces the reciprocal bonds which remind
us of a greater spiritual truth, that of our interconnectedness and
community.
Father Yule himself
will be coming to Beaver Point Hall on December 18, guest of honour
at the Heathen Freehold Society's 3rd Annual Yule-tide Feast. The jolly,
gift-giving elf will be checking up on island kids, just to see if they've
been naughty or nice.
The Freehold invites
islanders to observe Yule, perhaps the holiest day in the elder Nordic
calendar, at a sacred potluck feast to be held in a traditional style
at 7pm. Festivities include an English reading of an Old Icelandic poem
in which a swarthy-elf attempts to marry the daughter of Thor, God of
Thunder. First rite is at 4pm, followed by wreath making, a heathen-carol
sing-along, and more.
