by Joanna Poppink, M.F.C.C.
Our modern day traditions hide many fragments of ancient pagan ritual. Below are listed some of the more well-accepted traditions and what seems to be their ancient pagan histories!
Today we acknowledge Santa Claus as he flies through the night skies, bringing gifts to the good, and ashes or coal to the bad. Many of us do not know that the story of Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer was only recently introduced to Christmas. Our culture accepted him quickly and easily, but -- he had been a missing part of the story that had been forgotten for a very long time....
If we go back in time, Rudolph's Christmas Eve adventure brought the storm and drama of the Wild Hunt to the Twentieth Century. At that time, shadows of "Frey" and "Berchta" flew with Santa and his sleigh as Rudolph led them through the blizzard.
It's interesting to note that while the song, "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer" describes "one foggy Christmas Eve" most stories and films portray Rudolph successfully braving and leading Santa's the chariot through turbulent snow and wind.
On Christmas Eve our children leave carrots and cookies for the reindeer and Santa. This tradition is a respectful remnant of honoring Berchta, Frey and Guillinburst.
The grand lighting of many huge, dramatic Christmas trees create a mood of awe for the coming light, as did the ancient giant wheel of fire. It too lit up the night as it roared down the mountainside in the black night, spewing millions of dazzling sparks before it thundered and crashed into the sea.
Often children ask, "How does Santa get down the chimney? How can he travel all over the world in one night? How does he carry all the presents in one sleigh? "
Santa's sleigh may be a version of the ancient, Frey and his chariot. This Teutonic god would reportedly use his ship to travel on land, sea and air. And he could fold his chariot and put it in his pocket when necessary. Now that's a nifty trick our stories leave out!
The Christmas season is special for children, the young life growing toward the future. The many tales of Berchta also include descriptions of many children with her in her flight. They are the souls of dead children and the spirits of the unborn. Both live through renewal, rebirth and the beginning of a new cycle, as winter leads to spring, and renewed life!
About the Author:
Joanna Poppink, M.F.C.C. is a Marriage, Family, Child Counselor (License #15563). She has a private practice in Los Angeles where she works with adult individuals and couples. She specializes in working with people with eating disorders and their loved ones. Contact her at: 10573 West Pico Blvd. Suite 20
Los Angeles, CA 90064. (310) 474-4165 phone.
Revised 12/11/08 by Marlene M. Maheu, Ph.D.
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