Christmas in Some Societies is a Spooky Time


If one can set aside the various versions of a new god figure as seen by Christians and go with the many ways it has been interpreted around the world, it can be a bit on the eerie side. The powerful bearing down on the lore was the darkest day of the year son the expressions of darkness vary widely. 

The Bible version in Luke of winter solstice has angels telling assuring someone to "fear not." The writer was smart to realize the story he was to tell was a weird one. Then from nowhere there appear three uninvited wise men. That all happened when the day light hours were strangely few. 

In Italy, a witch named Befana has since way back been attached to the wise men lore. Befana turned down an invitation from the wise men to journey to the manger. She has regretted it ever since. She tosses toys down chimney's hoping to find the baby. This witch lives in the same country as the Pope.

Then there are areas of the world, Northern Europe, who have seen darkness in sex during the days of Christmas. Times of births were noted. Babies born at nine months from Christmas were suspected as being the babies of wolves. The babies were potential werewolves. 

Even today, one can buy a Christmas decorations based on the suspicious Swedish character, Tomtem. Tomtem is portrayed with a big pointed hat and white beard.   

Elves and not portrayed as happy kind characters. They have an evil side in some cultures. Yes, sometimes they are on Santa's team but sometimes not. 

A practical way to explain these frightening parts of Christmas is to remember the story in the Bible was a fictional thing. Like with all religion this opened the door to a potpourri of other man-made variations. These included happy, sad and frightening variations. 

What is the "reason for the season?" It depends on who you ask.  

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