In today’s video we will explore the religions of India by looking at the ancient tradition of Jainism. Enjoy!
The Mystery of the Last Roman Pagans
Greco-Roman polytheism persisted for centuries after the triumph of Christianity, often in surprising places. This video is an abridged version of a chapter in my book, "Naked Statues, Fat Gladiators, and War Elephants." Enjoy!
Animism: The First Religion?
Anthropologists in the late 19th and early 20th centuries hypothesized that animism was the earliest religion. But later scholars have called this theory into question. What is animism? And how should we categorize it?
Aztec Religion Explained
In the video below we will be explaining the Aztec Religion. Enjoy!
The First Monotheistic Religion? - Akhenaten's Religion of Light
Akhenaten's reign as pharaoh of ancient Egypt marked a revolutionary period in the history of religion, as it saw the introduction of what is often considered the world's first monotheistic faith. This radical shift occurred in the 14th century BCE, during the New Kingdom period of Egyptian history.
Akhenaten, initially known as Amenhotep IV, ascended to the throne in a time when the traditional Egyptian religion, with its pantheon of gods and goddesses, was deeply entrenched in the culture. However, early in his reign, Akhenaten initiated religious reforms that dramatically changed the religious landscape of Egypt. He elevated the worship of the sun disk, Aten, above all other gods, effectively diminishing the traditional polytheistic worship.
This new religion, sometimes referred to as Atenism, centered on the worship of Aten as the sole divine power. Unlike the anthropomorphic gods of traditional Egyptian religion, Aten was depicted as a disk emitting rays ending in hands, symbolizing the life-giving and sustaining power of the sun. Akhenaten portrayed himself as the sole intermediary between Aten and the people, a role that previously involved a multitude of priests dedicated to different deities.
Akhenaten's religious reforms went beyond theology; they had profound socio-political implications. He moved the capital from Thebes, a center of worship for the god Amun, to a new city, Akhetaten (modern-day Amarna), dedicated to Aten. This move weakened the powerful priesthood of Amun and centralized religious and political power in the hands of the pharaoh.
Art and literature from this period also underwent significant changes, reflecting the new religious ideology. The artistic style became more realistic and less rigid, breaking away from the traditional stylized form of Egyptian art. Texts and hymns dedicated to Aten, including the Great Hymn to the Aten, reveal a focus on the universal and benevolent aspects of the deity, emphasizing the sun's life-giving force.
However, Akhenaten's monotheistic experiment was short-lived. After his death, his successors, including Tutankhamun, quickly returned to traditional Egyptian polytheism and dismantled much of what Akhenaten had established. The city of Akhetaten was abandoned, and efforts were made to erase the memory of Akhenaten and his monotheistic religion from history, a practice known as damnatio memoriae.
Akhenaten's religious revolution is significant not only for its departure from the established religious order but also for its influence on later monotheistic religions. Some scholars have speculated about possible connections between Atenism and the development of monotheistic traditions in the Near East, including Judaism. Nonetheless, Akhenaten's monotheism stands as a unique and bold foray into monotheistic belief in the ancient world, highlighting the dynamic and evolving nature of religious expression in human history.
Asclepius: The hero and god of medicine
The biography of Asclepius is indeed fictitious. Of course, we are not in a position to know the boundaries between myth and reality.
Whether, for example, a resurrection was some kind of epiphany or not So we could study the texts and nothing more.
So let us read what these texts say about Asclepius:
Asclepius (Latin: Aesculapius) is known to be both a hero and a god of medicine. He is the son of Apollo, but the myths surrounding his birth vary widely. Mostly—here we are specifically concerned with the version accepted by Pindar—it is said that Apollo fell in love with Coronis, the daughter of the Thessalian king Phlegyas, and left her pregnant; but when Coronis was expecting a child, she gave herself to the love of a mortal, Ischis, the son of Elatos.
Apollo learned of this transgression through a crow (or else through his gift of divination) and killed the unfaithful; at the moment when Coronis' body was placed on the funeral pyre and would soon burn, Apollo pulled the still-living child from her entrails. This is how Asclepius was born.
According to another version, to explain why Asclepius was the great god of Epidaurus in the Peloponnese, Phlegyas, a great robber, came to the land to explore its riches and study how he could become its master. He was accompanied by his daughter. During the journey, she was seduced by Apollo and gave birth to a son in the land of Epidaurus, at the foot of Mount Myrtios.
Then she abandoned her son. But a goat came to suckle the child and a dog to guard it. The shepherd Arestanas, who owned the goat and the dog, found the child and was dazzled by the light around it. He understood that there was a secret and did not dare to take the child, so it followed its divine destiny.
According to another version, the mother of Asclepius was Arsinoe, the daughter of Leucippus. This was the tradition of Messinia, which they tried to reconcile with the other ones, claiming that the child was the son of Arsinoe but raised by Koronis.
The number of people he brought up was significant
It is said that Asclepius' father entrusted him to the centaur Chiron, who taught him medicine. In a short time, Asclepius acquired great skills in this art. He even discovered a way to bring the dead back to life. Namely, he had taken from Athena the blood that had flowed from the veins of the Gorgon; while the veins of the left side spread a strong poison, the blood of the right side was healing, and Asclepius knew how to use it to bring the dead back to life.
The number of people he revived was considerable. They include Kapaneus, Lycurgus (probably in the war against Thebes, where two heroes of this name appear among the victims), Glaucus, the son of Minos, and the most frequently mentioned, Hippolytus, the son of Theseus. Zeus, seeing these revivals, feared that Asclepius would disturb the order of the world and struck him with lightning. To avenge Zeus, Apollo killed the Cyclops. After his death, Asclepius transformed into the constellation Ophiuchus.
Is Asclepius outside the mythical circle?
Some later accounts indicate that Asclepius participated in the Calydonian boar hunt and the Argonaut expedition. In general, however, Asclepius stands outside mythical circles.
Two children are attributed to him, the two physicians Podalirios and Mahaonas, who are already mentioned in the Iliad.
Later forms of the myth attribute to him a wife, Ipion, and daughters, Akeso, Iaso, Panakeia, Aigli, and Hygieia. The worship of Asclepius, attested at Trike in Thessaly, where it probably originated, established itself mainly at Epidaurus in the Peloponnese, where it developed into a veritable school of medicine, the applications of which, though based mainly on magic, nevertheless prepared the advent of a more scientific medicine. This art was practiced by the Asclepiads, or the descendants of Asclepius. The most famous of these is Hippocrates, whose family was associated with the god.
Common symbols of Asclepius were snakes coiled around a staff, as well as pine cones, laurel wreaths, and sometimes a goat or a dog!
Muslim Schism: How Islam Split into the Sunni and Shia Branches
In today’s video we will discuss the events that led to the schism within the Muslim community, as Islam split into two branches - Sunni and Shia Islam. This happened in the latter stages of the Early Muslim Expansion, as the Rashidun caliphs - Umar, Uthman and Ali were assassinated, which led to the war of succession, killing of Ali's son Husayn in Karbala, and the creation of the Umayyad dynasty under Muawiyah I.
What Is Judaism?
Judaism, at 4000 years old it is one of the oldest monotheistic religions and the granddaddy of Christianity and Islam. But even though its teachings helped create the world’s two most popular religions many people don’t know what the Jews actually believe.
Judaism developed in the eastern Mediterranean over the last 4000ish years. Today there are about 15 million Jews making it the world’s tenth-largest religion.
What is the Torah? What’s a Covenant? And why does no one worship mermen in the Middle-East anymore? Well Let’s Find out.
What Is Zoroastrianism?
What do Emperor Xerxes, Freddie Mercury, and Ireland’s richest citizen Pallonji Mistry have in common? All of them are Zoroastrians. The ancient religion of Iran. This is one of the oldest ongoing religions and altered the course of history by influencing Judaism, Christanity, Islam, and Greek philosophy.
Zoroastrianism was born in ancient Iran at least 3,500 years ago. It all began around 1500BCE give or take a few centuries with the Prophet Zarathustra or Zoroaster as the ancient Greeks called him and so English speakers do too. While we call the religion Zoroastrianism actual Zoroastrians tend to call it Mazdayasna, meaning Worshipper of Mazda.
But today it has only a fraction of the millions of followers it once had. So what is Zoroastrianism, what do Zoroastrians believe, and where do otters fit into it? Well Let’s find out.
What is Hesychasm? - Mystical Practice in Orthodox Christianity
In this video, we talk about the mystical tradition called "Hesychasm" in the Eastern Orthodox Church. Enjoy!
Norse Mythology Family Tree
Norse mythology, a key aspect of the cultural heritage of Scandinavia, presents a fascinating and intricate family tree of gods, giants, and other mythical beings. At the heart of this mythology is the pantheon of deities, each with their own distinct personalities, stories, and roles within the cosmic order.
The most prominent gods belong to two tribes: the Æsir and the Vanir. The Æsir, residing in Asgard, are often associated with power and war. Odin, the chief of the Æsir, is a god of wisdom, poetry, death, divination, and magic. He is married to Frigg, the goddess of foresight and wisdom. Their children include Baldr, the god of beauty and light, and Hodr, the blind god of darkness. Thor, another central figure and son of Odin (with the giantess Jörð), is the god of thunder, known for his mighty hammer Mjölnir. Heimdallr, the watchman of the gods and the guardian of Bifröst, the rainbow bridge to Asgard, is also among the Æsir.
The Vanir, associated with fertility, wisdom, and the ability to see the future, reside in Vanaheim. Notable members of the Vanir include Njörðr, the god of the sea, winds, and wealth, and his children, Freyr and Freyja. Freyr is a god of fertility, sunshine, and rain, while Freyja, a goddess of love, beauty, fertility, war, and death, is among the most revered deities.
The two tribes of gods were initially in conflict, leading to the Æsir-Vanir War. This conflict ended with an exchange of hostages, leading to a more integrated pantheon. Freyr, Freyja, and their father Njörðr became members of the Æsir after this truce.
Giants, or Jötnar, are another crucial component of Norse cosmology, often in opposition to the gods. Despite this enmity, the gods and giants are frequently interlinked through various liaisons and marriages. Loki, a figure of trickery and chaos, is a complex character who straddles the line between the Æsir and the giants. Born to giant parents, Loki becomes a blood brother to Odin and plays a pivotal role in many Norse myths, often through his cunning and deceit.
The family tree extends to other beings like dwarfs, elves, and various monsters. For example, the monstrous wolf Fenrir, the world serpent Jörmungandr, and Hel, the ruler of the underworld, are all children of Loki.
The intertwined relationships within the Norse pantheon reflect a world view where power, wisdom, and the natural elements are in a constant state of interplay and balance. The gods and their stories are not just mythic characters; they embody the values, fears, and aspirations of the Norse people, providing insight into their understanding of the world and their place within it.
Islamic Prophets Family Tree
In the video below we will be analyzing the Islamic prophets family tree. Enjoy!
Lilith: The Mother of Demons or The First Woman?
Today we look at one of the most notorious female figures in the field of Demonology and ancient religion religion, Lilith the first wife of Adam or the mother of demons? Enjoy!
Debunking the Myth of Christmas's Pagan Roots: The True Origins of Christmas
In the realm of history, where facts interlace with myths, one question has persisted like a lingering shadow over the holiday season: Is Christmas truly a pagan rip-off? It's a question that has tantalized the curious minds of historians and skeptics alike, invoking tales of intrigue and influence. The narrative suggests that Christmas, the beloved Christian celebration of Christ's birth, bears a striking resemblance to pagan revelries like Saturnalia and Sol Invictus, lurking in the shadows of antiquity.
But what if this narrative, like so many historical whispers, held more fiction than fact? Let’s embark on a journey to peel back the layers of time, dust off ancient manuscripts, and uncover the genuine story behind Christmas. It's a story that transcends the centuries, blending faith, tradition, and a hint of controversy.
Join me as we traverse the annals of history, distinguishing between synchronistic adaptations and deliberate rejections, examining the origins of Christmas celebrations, and unearthing the truth about December 25 as the chosen date. In this quest for historical authenticity, we'll challenge the prevailing belief and illuminate the lesser-known facets of this cherished holiday. Welcome to a scholarly exploration of the age-old inquiry: Is Christmas truly a pagan rip-off, or does its story carry deeper, more profound roots?
The Alleged Connection to Pagan Celebrations
One of the prevailing narratives regarding Christmas suggests that it was created as a Christian response to pagan festivities, specifically Saturnalia and Sol Invictus. Saturnalia, a Roman winter festival, was notorious for its debauchery and the worship of the god Saturn. Sol Invictus, on the other hand, marked the end of the winter solstice, celebrated on December 25 by the Roman emperor. According to this narrative, early Christians co-opted these pagan festivals to make Christianity more appealing.
Roots of Christmas: Synchronistic or Deliberate Rejection?
To truly understand the origins of Christmas, we need to distinguish between two possibilities: a synchronistic copycat or a deliberate rejection. Early Christians did indeed adapt and Christianize some pagan festivals, but their motivation was not to mimic paganism but rather to transform it. Christmas, as a celebration of Christ's birth, did not necessarily begin as a pagan festival, even if it happened to fall on the same date as Saturnalia and Sol Invictus.
Christian testimonies before the year 274 placed the birth of Jesus on December 25
The absence of early references to Christmas celebrations by prominent church fathers like Irenaeus and Tertullian suggests that the celebration of Christ's birth was not initially on the ecclesiastical calendar. Furthermore, Origen even ridiculed Roman celebrations of birth anniversaries, indicating a lack of association between Christmas and pagan festivities.
The first mention of December 25 as Jesus's birthday comes from a mid-fourth-century almanac called the Philocalian Calendar. This places the celebration well before Constantine's conversion and during a time when Christians were cautious about connections to pagan practices. Therefore, the origins of Christmas can be traced back to the second half of the third century, suggesting it was not a pagan imitation.
Hippolytus of Rome, who lived until 235 CE, made a noteworthy claim in his commentary on the book of the prophet Daniel. He stated that Jesus was born eight days before the Kalends of January, which corresponds to December 25th. His assertion suggests that December 25th was considered the date of Jesus' birth during his time.
In the early 4th century, Christian texts like "De solstitiis" proposed that Jesus was born six months after John the Baptist, who, according to the text, was born on the summer solstice. This further reinforces the idea that December 25th was regarded as the birthdate of Jesus within early Christian tradition.
Sextus Julius Africanus, a prominent Christian historian of the early 3rd century, played a key role in the development of the Christian liturgical calendar, particularly with respect to the date of Christmas. His contributions are especially significant considering the context of his era, a time when Christian thought was still in its formative stages and subject to a myriad of cultural and religious influences.
Africanus is best known for his work "Chronographiae," which is one of the earliest attempts to create a chronological account of the history of the world from a Christian perspective. In this work, he proposed that the Annunciation, the event where the Angel Gabriel announced to the Virgin Mary that she would give birth to Jesus, occurred on March 25. Consequently, he deduced that the birth of Christ must have taken place on December 25. This calculation is based on the ancient Jewish belief that prophets died on the same date as either their birth or conception. Thus, linking the conception and death of Jesus to the same date, March 25, would naturally lead to the birth being placed nine months later, on December 25.
The date of Christmas on December 25 has often been linked to the Roman festival of Sol Invictus, or the "Unconquered Sun," which was established by Emperor Aurelian in A.D. 274, several decades after Africanus's death. This festival celebrated the winter solstice and the rebirth of the sun. Some historians have argued that the choice of December 25 for Christmas was influenced by this popular pagan festival, suggesting that the early Church may have sought to replace or overshadow pagan celebrations with a Christian holiday.
However, the argument by Africanus predates the establishment of Sol Invictus, indicating that the selection of December 25 as the birth of Christ was not merely a reactionary move against pagan traditions but had its own theological reasoning. This implies that the Christian identification of December 25 as the birth of Christ likely developed independently of Roman solstice celebrations.
It's important to note that the establishment of December 25 as the universal date for Christmas was a gradual process. In the early Christian Church, there was no consensus on the date of Christ's birth. Different communities celebrated it on various dates, including January 6 (still observed as Epiphany, marking the visit of the Magi, in some traditions). It wasn't until the 4th century, with the increasing influence of Rome in the Christian world, that December 25 began to gain widespread acceptance.
Sextus Julius Africanus's contribution to the dating of Christmas demonstrates an early Christian effort to define a sacred chronology, distinct yet emerging in a world where pagan and Christian traditions were often intertwined. His reasoning reflects the theological and symbolic considerations of early Christian thinkers rather than a mere adaptation of existing pagan festivals. The eventual universal acceptance of December 25 for Christmas highlights the complex interplay of theological, cultural, and historical factors in the formation of Christian liturgical practices.
Claims of Pagan Origins: A Late Development
Surprisingly, there is no historical record of early church fathers connecting Christmas to pagan festivals. The idea that Christmas grew out of pagan origins only emerged in the 12th century, when Dionysius bar-Salibi suggested a connection to Sol Invictus. It wasn't until much later, during the Enlightenment period, that scholars began popularizing the notion that early Christians retrofitted winter solstice festivals for their own purposes.
Why December 25?
The date of December 25 for Christmas is not arbitrary. In the East, Christmas is celebrated on January 6, and this variation suggests that the date was not chosen to mimic pagan celebrations. Instead, it likely has roots in a theological calculation. Early Christians believed that Jesus died on the same date as his conception. This belief was rooted in ancient Jewish traditions that tied significant events to specific times of the year. Therefore, December 25 as the birth of Jesus can be traced back to this theological connection rather than pagan influences.
In conclusion, the historical evidence suggests that Christmas did not originate as a pagan rip-off, as commonly believed. While there may be some synchronistic connections, the date of December 25 for Christ's birth likely has deeper theological roots. As a Greek historian-archaeologist columnist, it's crucial to scrutinize historical narratives and separate fact from fiction, even when it comes to beloved traditions like Christmas.
REFERENCES
Ancient Texts:
Clement of Alexandria's Works: Clement of Alexandria (150–215) is one of the early Christian writers who can provide insights into the absence of early Christmas celebrations. You may find his writings in various formats, including online translations.
Tertullian's Apologeticum: Tertullian (160–225) is another early Christian writer whose works can be referenced to examine early Christian perspectives on celebrations and holidays. "Tertullian's Apology" is a robust defense of Christianity, addressing the Roman Empire's accusations against Christians. Tertullian counters claims of immorality and social disruption by Christians, arguing that their conduct is ethical and peaceful. He criticizes Roman polytheism and moral standards, contrasting them with Christian virtues. Tertullian appeals for fairness and justice, emphasizing the rationality and moral superiority of Christian beliefs over Roman paganism and advocating for Christians' right to be judged fairly and without prejudice based on their beliefs.
Origen's Contra Celsus: Origen (165-264) was known for his intellectual contributions to early Christianity. His writings, particularly his critiques of pagan practices, can be valuable.
The Philocalian Calendar: This ancient almanac, mentioned in your article, can provide historical evidence of December 25 being associated with Christmas in the fourth century.
Modern Research:
"How December 25 Became Christmas" by Andrew McGowan: The article by Andrew McGowan from Yale Divinity School, mentioned in your article, is an excellent modern source that delves into the historical origins of Christmas.
"The Origins of Christmas" by Joseph F. Kelly: This book explores the history and development of Christmas celebrations, including discussions on their relationship to pagan festivals.
"Christmas: A Biography" by Judith Flanders: Judith Flanders' book offers an in-depth exploration of the history and evolution of Christmas traditions, shedding light on their ancient roots.
Strangest Ancient Religious Rituals Ever
Every religion or culture has certain traditions and rituals which may seem weird to the world but are perfectly acceptable to true believers. While some rituals are peaceful and silent, there are others which are extremely painful and violent.
Maya Religion Explained
They practiced a belief system called animism. Animism is the belief that objects, places and creatures all possess a distinct spiritual essence, or soul. For the Maya, all things - animals, plants, rocks, rivers, weather systems, human handiwork and perhaps even words - were alive.
Arabia Before Islam: Religion, Society and Culture
The Kings and Generals animated historical documentary series on the ancient civilizations continues with a video on Arabia before Islam as we talk about the religion, society, culture, and economic life of the Arabs before the rise of Islam and the creation of the Rashidun caliphate.
How Islam Began - In Ten Minutes
How Islam began in under ten minutes? Not a problem. The turbulent tale is told against the clock, with all the names, dates and events on a timeline.
Eiresione: The Ancient Greek Precursor to the Christmas Tree Tradition
BY THE ARCHAEOLOGIST EDITOR GROUP
Eiresione: The Ancient Greek "Christmas Tree" that was Transmitted to European Customs through Byzantium
As the festive season approaches, the world is adorned with Christmas trees, bedecked with ornaments and lights, symbolizing a spirit of joy and goodwill. Yet, few are aware that this beloved tradition has deep roots in the ancient world, specifically in ancient Greece. The Eiresione, a symbol of fertility and gratitude, played a significant role in the development of the Christmas tree custom we know today.
Ancient Greek Origins
In ancient Greece, long before the advent of Christmas, there was a similar custom of decorating a tree. However, this tree was not the familiar fir or pine but an Eiresione, derived from the Greek word "eiros," meaning wool. The Eiresione was a branch of the wild olive tree, known as kotinos, adorned with garlands of white and red wool. What made this tradition unique was the inclusion of the first autumn fruits, such as figs, walnuts, almonds, chestnuts, cereals, and more, excluding apples and pears. Additionally, bottles of oil and honey were part of the decoration. This ritual was a profound expression of gratitude for the fertility of the previous year and a hopeful plea for continued abundance in the coming year. The Eiresione was dedicated to Athena, Apollo, and the Horae, particularly Eunomia, Dike, and Eirene.
The Ritual
On the seventh day of the month Pyanepsion, which roughly corresponds to our modern September 22 to October 20, children from homes with both parents alive took to the streets of Athens, singing carols as they went from house to house. In return for their musical offerings, they received tips from the householders or housewives. Upon returning home, they would hang the Eiresione above their front door. This symbolic decoration remained in place until the same day of the new year, when it was replaced with a new Eiresione, and the old one was ceremoniously burned. Some children would also hang the Eiresione above the door of the Sanctuary of Apollo.
Mythical Origins
According to legend, the valiant Theseus established this custom when he set out for Crete to slay the terrifying Minotaur. During his voyage, Theseus made a stop at Delos and offered a sacrifice to Apollo. He vowed to offer decorated olive branches to Apollo if he were victorious over the Minotaur. True to his word, upon his triumphant return to Athens, Theseus fulfilled his promise, thus establishing the Eiresian tradition.
The Byzantine Influence
As time passed and cultures evolved, the Eiresione tradition found a new life during the Byzantine era. The decoration of Byzantine pillars, akin to the Eiresione, was not only embraced but also incorporated into the Christmas holiday. Children continued to sing carols in the streets, echoing the ancient Greek custom. Interestingly, the practice of placing a child in a manger, symbolizing the birth of Jesus, can also be traced back to Byzantine Greece.
Transmission to Europe
The Eiresione's journey did not end there. It served as a precursor to the modern Christmas tree. The custom of decorating trees during the Christmas season found its way to the Christian peoples of the north, likely through the influence of foreign groups, including the "Knights of the Middle Society." These knights played ritual roles in official ceremonies, helping to bridge the gap between cultures. The "Small Society" comprised non-religious individuals, while the "Middle Society" included foreign Christians. The "Great Society" was composed of Greek Orthodox Christians.
"The Christmas tree (Eiresioni)", painting by Spyridon Vikatos, oil on canvas, National Gallery of Greece.
The Revival
In the 20th century, the tradition came full circle when Bavarians, accompanying King Otto on a mission to free Greece, introduced their own Christmas custom, resembling the Eiresione. This revival of an ancient tradition immediately resonated with the Greek people, and the Christmas tree, as we know it today, found its place in their hearts.
The fascinating journey of the Eiresione, from ancient Greece to Byzantium and then to Europe, highlights the enduring power of cultural traditions. This ancient custom of gratitude and hope, represented by the decorated Eiresione, laid the foundation for the beloved Christmas tree tradition celebrated worldwide today. As we gather around our own decorated trees during this holiday season, let us remember the rich history and cultural exchange that have shaped this cherished tradition.
Ancient Greek and Byzantine carols:
Saint Nicholas of Myra: The Real Story Behind Santa Claus
BY THE ARCHAEOLOGIST EDITOR GROUP
As the holiday season approaches, images of a jolly old man with a white beard and a red suit are ubiquitous in many parts of the world. Santa Claus, as he's known today, has become a symbol of merriment, generosity, and the holiday spirit. Yet few realize that this beloved figure finds its roots in the life of a real person: Saint Nicholas of Myra. This article delves into the true story of Saint Nicholas, the fourth-century bishop whose life and legends paved the way for our modern Santa Claus.
The Historical Nicholas
Saint Nicholas of Myra, sometimes known as Nicholas of Bari, was an early Christian bishop from Myra, a port city in Asia Minor (present-day Demre, Turkey), who lived during the Roman Empire (15 March 270–6 December 343). He also goes by the name Nicholas the Wonderworker because of the numerous miracles credited to his intercession. In many European cities and nations, Saint Nicholas is revered as the patron saint of sailors, merchants, archers, penitent thieves, prostitutes, kids, brewers, pawnbrokers, singles, and students. As was typical for early Christian saints, his fame grew among the religious, and through Sinterklaas, his fabled practice of presenting gifts in secret gave rise to the modern Santa Claus ("Saint Nick") figure.
In Greece, Saint Nicholas is best known as the patron saint of sailors, fishermen, ships, islands and all cities with harbors.
Saint Nicholas is one of the most revered saints in all of Christianity. On December 6, both East and West observe a day of remembrance. Orthodox, Catholic, Lutheran, and Anglican Christians all honor and remember him. He comforted every man in need and was a passionate critic of those who preyed on the weak and underprivileged. He exerted control over everyone who was to blame for the evil of the people with his exceptional bravery. The absolutely destitute Saint gave to the destitute girls, guarded the crops of the destitute farmers, and helped the sailors. He also participated in the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea (325), when Christian doctrine was primarily formulated by denouncing the Arius faction and articulating the true and unadulterated faith of the Church. He allegedly smacked Arios during the Council, which led to his imprisonment by Emperor Constantine the Great.
The slap of Agios Nikolaos on Arios.
Tales of Generosity
Several stories surrounding Nicholas’ benevolence have survived over the centuries. One of the most famous legends tells of a poor man with three daughters who had no dowry, putting them at risk of a life of servitude or worse. On three separate occasions, Nicholas secretly tossed a bag of gold into their home, ensuring each daughter had a dowry. Some versions claim he threw the gold through an open window, while others say he dropped it down a chimney, where it landed in stockings left to dry by the fire. Sound familiar?
Another account speaks of Nicholas saving three innocent men from execution. He boldly intervened, grabbing the executioner's sword and ensuring their release based on new evidence.
Yet another story tells of a time when Myra faced a severe famine. A ship filled with grain docked at the port, and Nicholas approached the sailors, asking them to spare a portion of their cargo for the starving citizens and assuring them that God would recompense their generosity. When they finally unloaded the grain in Constantinople, their cargo had not diminished at all.
He was a representative embodiment of the ancient Greek tradition. The humanitarian ideals of Hellenism, in combination with Christian ethics, met in the holy face of Nicholas and became a religious practice. His democratic tactics and his collegial methods in his actions were articulated through the experience of the long-standing Greek tradition, which was saved and improved by Christian teaching and practice.
Sinterklaas arriving in a Dutch town.
Evolution of the Legend
Saint Nicholas was a true exponent of the Greek-Orthodox Christian ideal, who "traveled" the world and was identified with the German god Odin, the Dutch Sinter Klaas, the Scandinavian Nisse, the English "Father Christmas", the "Nice Old Father" of the Chinese, Père Noël of the French and Santa Claus of the Americans, while on his "return back” to his place of origin he was identified with Agios Vasilis (greek: Άγιος Βασίλης, Basil the Elder)!
The "nice old father" of the Chinese.
In Greece, Saint Nicholas is best known as the patron saint of sailors, fishermen, ships, islands, and all cities with harbors, just as Myra was. The feast day of St. Nicholas is on December 6th, the day when the beloved bishop is reported to have died (in the year 342 A.D.). The proximity of this date to Christmas is perhaps one reason why he has become so closely associated with it. Saint Basil of Caesarea, who lived from A.D. 329–379, shares a very similar story to that of St. Nicholas. A contemporary of Nicholas, Saint Basil was the bishop of Caesarea in Cappadocia, also in modern-day Turkey. Much like St. Benedict in the West, St. Basil established wide-ranging guidelines for monastic life. He died on January 1, 379, and Greeks all over the world honor Saint Basil (“Agios Vasilis”) on that day. Gifts are exchanged on that day, rather than on Dec. 6th or 25th, to remember St. Basil’s ingenious method of giving back to the people.
Father Christmas English Style.
The story of Agios Nikolaos traveled around and was rooted throughout Europe. The name Saint Nikolaus was transferred to Europe, where the Christians received the Greek beliefs of Agios Nikolaos. Russian and Bulgarian folk songs say that it helps those who are in danger at sea. To the German people, St. Nicholas was identified with the pre-Christian pagan deity of Odin, who visited children with his eight-footed horse, and because it was hungry, they had to have their boots full of straw near the chimney or fireplace. With the Christianization of the Germans, the myth of Odin leaves and Saint Nicholas comes, who pretends to ride a white horse and is considered the protector of sailors. But the boots, the hanging socks in the fireplace, the decorated fir tree—all their pre-Christian-pagan customs remain. St. Nicholas became the patron saint of Moscow and agriculture in Russia and the patron saint of the Navy in Amsterdam, Netherlands, where, despite a Protestant ban on the recognition of saints, he survived under the name ‘Sinter Klaas’, who is commemorated on December 6th, depicted with a priestly uniform and an episcopal staff to distribute gifts to children. European settlers, mainly Dutch, carried the myth with them to the New World.
Santa Claus with pagan symbols as continuation of the God Odin’s pattern.
The sequel was written in New York in the early 19th century, when Americans began looking for ways to create nostalgic traditions and turned to St. Nicholas, who is commemorated a few days before Christmas. In 1821, the first lithographed book in America, "The Friend of Children", contained a story about Santa Claus and is estimated to be the first to want the Saint to visit children on Christmas Eve. The poem "The night before Christmas" or "A visit from St. Nicholas ", as it became known at the beginning, contributed to this belief.
A norwegian Nisse.
Korvatunturi in Lapland, which was established as the village of Santa Claus in 1927, was first used by the Finns for tourism in the early 1980s. The rest was taken over by the newspapers that reproduced the legend, while Coca-Cola, with its well-known advertisement, put the final touch: the image of Santa Claus with the red uniform and the white beard was finally made by the American company. It was an advertisement for the popular drink in 1931. So, while Coca-Cola uses the image of Santa Claus to increase its consumption during the winter, after seventy years of cooperation," it is found that the Santa Claus image also spread thanks to advertising.
Today's Santa Claus, with his toy workshop and worldwide Christmas Eve deliveries, might seem like a far cry from a fourth-century bishop from Myra. But at the heart of both stories lies a spirit of generosity, love, and the magic of the holiday season. By understanding Saint Nicholas of Myra, we find a richer depth to the festive traditions and are reminded of the core values that make the season truly special.
