This week Ryan returns to deconstruct the origins of Christmas…

Ryan’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RyanSeven1111

From the web..

Saturnalia: Saturnalia was an ancient Roman festival that honoured the god of agriculture, Saturn. It was celebrated from December 17 to 23, near the winter solstice. During this time, many social norms were reversed, such as slaves being served by their masters, and people wearing colourful clothes instead of togas. Saturnalia also involved feasting, gambling, singing, gift-giving, and decorating homes with greenery12.

Some of these traditions were later adopted by early Christians, who celebrated the birth of Jesus on December 25, the date of the winter solstice on the Julian calendar. For example, the custom of giving candles as gifts may have influenced the use of candles in Christmas decorations, and the practice of hanging wreaths may have originated from the laurel wreaths worn by Saturnalia revellers.

Christmas Trees: According to some sources, the Christmas tree tradition as we know it started in Germany in the 16th century, when devout Christians brought decorated trees into their homes1. Some of these trees were made of wood and had candles and evergreens on them. The evergreens symbolized the victory of life and light over death and darkness, a theme that was also present in ancient pagan winter solstice celebrations.

Santa Claus: Saint Nicholas was a 4th-century saint who was known for his generosity and kindness to the poor and children. He is the patron saint of sailors, merchants, and children. He was celebrated on December 6, his feast day, by giving gifts and helping the needy.

Another possible influence on Santa Claus is the Norse god Odin, who was the ruler of Asgard and the father of the gods. Odin was often depicted as an old man with a long, white beard, who rode a flying horse called Sleipnir, which had eight legs. Odin was also associated with the winter solstice, when he led a hunting party through the skies. During this time, children would leave their boots near the chimney, filled with carrots or straw for Sleipnir, and Odin would reward them with gifts.

A more controversial theory suggests that Santa Claus is also linked to the shamanic traditions of the Siberian and Arctic regions, where the sacred psychedelic source was the red and white amanita muscaria mushroom, also known as “fly agaric”. This mushroom grows in pine and birch woods, and has hallucinogenic effects when consumed. Some scholars claim that the shamans would collect these mushrooms and distribute them as gifts to the locals in late December, entering their homes through the smoke hole. They also argue that the mushroom’s colours inspired the red and white outfit of Santa Claus, and that the reindeer were also influenced by the mushroom, as they are known to eat it and exhibit strange behaviour.

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Producer Credits for Ep 309: Emma Bridges

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