Posts in Folklore

The Yule Father

When the days grow shorter and the nights grow longer and darker, that’s when I feel I’m at my best - creatively, emotionally, psychically, and, of course, magically; when I feel my ties to Óðinn strengthen. It’s a time of year I’ve always used to re-dedicate myself and parts of my practice. Jól, a holiday with such lasting traditions that have shaped the imagery and practice Christmas and winter holidays around the world, is not now commonly associated with Óðinn, and yet there is so much that ties it to the Wanderer.

Folklore, Holidays & TraditionsKeziahDecember 23, 2019odin, yule, jol, winter, the wild hunt, folklore, european folklore

Ringing in Krampusnacht

Today, Krampus and his traditions are being revived in places like Germany, Austria, and Bavaria with annual events such as Krampuslauf and Austria’s Krampusnacht parade. For the most part, Krampus has been adopted into popular culture to the extent that even Americans may occasionally send or receive a Krampus-themed holiday card. But what are the true origins of this dark Christmastime figure? And how did he come to be the counterpart—or, in some places, companion—of Jolly Old St. Nick?

Holidays & Traditions, FolkloreThomasinDecember 5, 2019household spirits, spirits, folklore, slavic folklore, alpine folklore, christmas, yule, jol, krampus, santa, santa claus