Comments on: Nicholas: From Saint to Shaman to Santa

By: Mike Williams

Mike Williams — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 08:38:18 +0000

Thanks for sharing that Lodro and I am fascinated that it is still a living tradition. Long may it continue. Thanks ~ Mike

By: Lodro Rigdzin Wangpo

Lodro Rigdzin Wangpo — Sat, 07 Apr 2012 15:01:17 +0000

Sinterklaas, Dutch St. Nick and his celebrations at midwinter has deep pagan roots, that can be found all over Europe as far south as the Alps. On the Frisian islands. St Nicholas festivities (Sunderum, Sundrum, Sintheerom) are still celebrated in the pagan way: The lights are doused in the villages, women and children are chased off the streets, and men, in disguises of leaves and branches “sweep” the streets, then enter in houses that have a lamp burning outside as a sign that Sunderum may enter. There, the women ask Sunderum questions and try to guess his identity. Has he disclosed himself, then the mask and disguises are off and the company drinks together, often “burebier”, mulled beer. In the Alps, Krampus and Perchten processions follow much the same order: warriors from the underworld appear at a time when the veil between this world and the other world is at its thinnest and bring fertility to the land.

By: Alexandros

Alexandros — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 21:55:51 +0000

Thanks Mike!
A very Merry Christmas to you and a Happy New year!

By: Guy

Guy — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 14:49:45 +0000

Nice article. My song about the possible shamanic origins of Christmas is here:
http://youtu.be/cG3UPsC90so

By: Mike Williams

Mike Williams — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 11:18:45 +0000

Thanks Candy and Alexandros – I’m really pleased you enjoyed the blog.
Thanks Alexandros for the information about St Basil – and you are quite right, Nicholas was born a Greek in what would later become Turkey.

By: Alexandros

Alexandros — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 01:30:44 +0000

Now, regarding Santa Claus:
“Basil of Caesarea, also called Saint Basil the Great, (330[2] – January 1, 379) (Greek: Άγιος Βασίλειος ο Μέγας) was the bishop of Caesarea Mazaca in Cappadocia, Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). He was an influential 4th century Christian theologian. Theologically, Basil was a supporter of the Nicene faction of the church, in opposition to Arianism on one side and the followers of Apollinaris of Laodicea on the other. His ability to balance his theological convictions with his political connections made Basil a powerful advocate for the Nicene position….”
“…St. Basil was born into the wealthy family of Basil the Elder, a famous rhetor,[4] and Emmelia of Caesarea around 330 in Caesarea Mazaca in Cappadocia[5] (now known as Kayseri, Turkey). It was a large household, consisting of ten children, the parents, and Basil’s grandmother, Macrina the Elder. His parents were known for their piety,[6] and his maternal grandfather was a Christian martyr, executed in the years prior to Constantine I’s conversion.[7][8] Four of Basil’s siblings are known by name, and considered to be saints by various Christian traditions. His older sister Macrina the Younger was a well-known nun. His younger brother Peter served as bishop of Sebaste in Armenia, and wrote a few well-known theological treatises. His brother Naucratius was an anchorite, and inspired much of Basil’s theological work. Perhaps the most influential of Basil’s siblings was his younger brother Gregory. Gregory was appointed by Basil to be the bishop of Nyssa, and he produced a number of writings defending Nicene theology and describing the life of early Christian monastics….”

“…In Greek tradition, his name was given to Father Christmas and he is supposed to visit children and give presents every January 1 (St Basil’s Day) — unlike other traditions where Saint Nicholas arrives either on December 6 (Saint Nicholas Day) or on Christmas Eve (December 24). It is traditional on St Basil’s Day to serve “Vasilopita”, a rich bread baked with a coin inside. It is customary on his feast day to visit the homes of friends and relatives, to sing New Year carols, and to set an extra place at the table for Saint Basil. In Greek tradition and according to historical records, St Basil, of Greek heritage, is the original “Father Christmas”, who being born into a wealthy family, gave away all his possessions to the poor and those in need, the underprivileged and children.[39] A similar story exists for another Greek bishop, St. Nicholas of Myra. Over the centuries the two have been merged but the Western “Santa Claus” is St. Nicholas and the Eastern “Santa Claus” is St. Basil…. (source: ” Wikipedia Encyclopedia)

By: Alexandros

Alexandros — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 23:08:45 +0000

Wikipedia Encyclopedia: “..The Seljuk Turks from the 11th century invaded Anatolia, ultimately resulting in permanent Turkic settlement there and the establishment of the nation of Turkey….”
Therefore in 270 AD, there was no Turkey or Turkish people living in Anatolia (Asia Minor) but Greeks. Their Eastern Byzantine Empire was invaded by the OttomanTurks and ended in May 29, 1453 AD with the fall of Constantinopole (Istanbul), their capital.
In my opinion it should read: “..on the Mediterranean shores of Asia Minor (modern day Turkey) in Patara…”

By: Candy Pope

Candy Pope — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 19:47:34 +0000

Thank you ~ Luv all this ~ it’s going viral BTW

By: From Saint to Shaman to Santa Claus « Thurman's Notebook

From Saint to Shaman to Santa Claus « Thurman's Notebook — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 13:51:32 +0000

[...] Prehistoric Shamanism) Everyone knows that Santa Claus hails from Lapland, where he spends the year in his elf-run toy [...]