Euroviews. Do you know where our winter holiday celebrations come from?

We all know Santa Claus and enjoy his presents. However, who knows his origins and his relationship with Saint Nicholas of Myra? 

Why is Christmas celebrated so close to the winter solstice? What is in common between Yule bonfires in Scandinavia, the Krampus monsters of Austria, Boubousiaria carnivals in Greece's Western Macedonia, and India's Lohri fires?

Winter solstice celebrations are very old and cover a wide arc of countries, from Scotland and Scandinavia to Southeastern Europe, Iran and India festivities. In Orthodox countries such as Greece, the core festivities or Dodecameron last for twelve days, from Christmas Eve on 24 December until Epiphany on 6 January. 

It coincides with the 21 December winter solstice — the shortest day of the year that caused awe to our distant ancestors. They tried to appease the Sun God with festivals, and by enjoying the abundant stored foods and spirits. 

Bonfires play a big role in winter solstice and Dodecameron celebrations: they both warm and exorcise the sun, which first sets and then rises again. Zoomorphic carnivals are at their best and merry songs are heard everywhere.

Since antiquity, January was the month of weddings in Ancient Greece. The Romans had a plethora of their own festivals: Brumalia (24 November-17 December), Saturnalia/Kronia (18-24 December), Sol Invictus or Invincible Sun (25 December), Kalends (1 January), Vota (3 January), and Lorentalia (4 January). 

They bequeathed us Calendae, namely caroling on Christmas Eve or New Year's Eve. Originally, such carols were merry songs that were sung in exchange for gifts and drinks, such as on New Year’s Day. 

On the occasion of these festivals, Romans decorated their temples every December. Vikings and Saxons decorated trees