Centuries back, Church clerics and ministers took steps to coincide Winter Solstice and Christmas festivities in order to increase the popularity of Christmas celebrations. It did boost the popularity of Christmas celebrations. However, the remnants of old age customs and traditions of pagan celebrations are still visible at several locations in the world.
For instance, several people participate in boisterous and carnival like celebrations in inebriated conditions – resembling Mardi gras celebrations – after religious services. As part of the celebrations, a vagabond or a student is crowned as ‘Lord of Misrule’. Participants act as if they are the faithful followers of ‘Lord of Misrule’. Beggars and destitute often knock the doors of wealthy in search of superior quality food and drink.
Beggars could be found resorting to unruly behaviors if they are not provided with the alms. Rich and capable Christians generally do not deny food and other material requirements sought by needy and poor people. In several parts of the world, mid-winter celebrations were quite popular before the birth of Jesus. Europeans were known to be celebrating light and birth during the darkest days of winter. Onset of longer days and mild chill are the indications of fag end of winter season. Winter Solstice was an occasion for celebrations and anticipations of bright sunny days.
In Scandinavia, Norse populace celebrates Yule from December 21 to January 6 as part of Winter Solstice celebrations. People go to forest to cut logs from big tree. Logs are then burned to mark the re-appearance of Sun. It is followed by a period of lavish meals and feast until the log burns completely, which could extend to twelve days. The whole tradition was filled with hopes. As the legend goes, Norse people strongly believed that every spark emanating from the burning wood is a sign of newborn pig or calf in the coming year.
In several parts of Europe, end of December month was the time to kill the cattle to ward off the necessity of feeding them during extreme winter and for stocking up huge mount of meat. As a result, December happened to be the month when people were surplus with fresh meat. Besides, fermentations of alcoholic drinks like wine and beer stored in cellars would also be ready for drinking.
Santa Claus and the related fairy-tales with more or less similar versions originate from seventeenth century. It was believed in Germany and Switzerland that only well-behaved and nice children would stand to receive gifts and candies from Christkind or Kris Kringle. Christkind – Child of Christ – was considered as an Angel or an idol who accompanied St. Nicholas on his voyage to disburse gifts and sweets.
As per the legend in Scandinavia, a jovial Elf with the name of Jultomten, traveling on a sleigh pulled by goats, delivered gifts and sweets. Whereas in France, it is believed that Pere Noel visits the children and fills their socks with gifts, toys and candies.
As the famous Russian legend goes, ‘Babouschka’, an elderly woman or a witch, misguided the Three Wise Men about the route of Bethlehem with the intention that they should not locate Jesus. As the story goes further, the elderly woman repented her grave mistake but could not succeed in locating the Three Wise Men. The present generations in Russia believe that Babouschka even now delivers gifts to the children on January 5, the day before Epiphany Day or Three Kings Day in the hope that one of the child would surely forgive her.