Ellen Lloyd – AncientPages.com – What do the Norse Gods Odin and Thor have in common with the Biblical Magi, the Three Holy Kings? Drinking horns reveal a link between the Yule festival and what we know as Christmas. Long
A. Sutherland – AncientPages.com – Christmas is one of the greatest celebrations in the Christian calendar. We dress Christmas tree, eat, and surprise each other with gifts. For many of us, it is a very special time since we celebrate the
Ellen Lloyd – AncientPages.com – It isn’t easy to imagine a Christmas celebration without a beautifully decorated Christmas tree at home. In the United States alone, more than 40 million real or specially grown trees are sold during the Christmas period
Ellen Lloyd – AncientPages.com – Shortly before Christmas, you can see this little fellow everywhere in Scandinavia. He appears on Christmas cards, in shops, on the Christmas tree, outdoors, and in places you wouldn’t expect to find him. He is
A. Sutherland – AncientPages.com – In Icelandic folklore, Gryla (Grýla) is a giantess living in Iceland’s mountains. In Snorre Sturluson’s Prose Edda, from the 13th century, she is mentioned as the most horrible sorcerer who scared children into obedience. Many
Ellen Lloyd – AncientPages.com – Did you know that Nordic people celebrated a festival similar to Christmas long before they became Christian? Of course, Norse Yule was not the same as our Christmas festival, but there are many similarities between
Ellen Lloyd – AncientPages.com – When darkness falls and the days get colder, we gather around the fireplace to embrace the warmth. In the old days, when there were no radiators, the chimney was a treasure that helped survive cold
Ellen Lloyd – AncientPages.com – As Christmas draws near, children eagerly anticipate the arrival of Santa Claus, hoping for gifts that reward their good behavior. The familiar tale warns that misbehaving kids might find coal instead of toys and candy.
Ellen Lloyd – AncientPages.com – Most of us would think twice before placing this little pooping guy known as Caganer at home during Christmas. Our friends and family might think we have an odd sense of humor, and there seems
Ellen Lloyd – AncientPages.com – Today, we associate mistletoe with Christmas. We decorate with mistletoe and don’t think much about how this wonderful plant entered our homes. To many of us, mistletoe is simply one of many Christmas traditions, but the
A. Sutherland – AncientPages.com – Ancient legends of Perchta (also known as Berchta or Berta) are native to Austria, especially Salzburg, the Alpine regions of Switzerland, and southern Germany. Perchta is a very old mythological figure, which remembers pre-Christian times.
Ellen Lloyd – AncientPages.com – On December 13, the Feast of Saint Lucy is celebrated in some countries. This memorable Christmas holiday is of great importance, mainly in Scandinavia and Italy. It’s called St. Lucy Day (also known as St.
