Hugo Negron's Blog - Posts Tagged "faeries"
Monstrous Yuletide Legends!
With the end of year holidays among us, I thought it would be fun to review some rather “monstrous” holiday legends that come around this time alongside Old Nick and Krampus…so we’ll start with these annoying critters, the Kalikantzaroi!
The Kalikantzaroi (I’ve also seen it spelled Callicantzari) are an interesting little Greek legend, shared by a few other cultures as well.
Living underground, these little goblins continually saw away at the tree of life which holds up the Earth. Each year they come close to succeeding until Christmas rolls around. At that time, the earth opens up, and the Kallikantzaroi are allowed free reign. So excited by this break, they apparently forget all about their dreadful task, climbing up to the surface and sneaking into homes through January 6th (the Epiphany), stealing sweets, and otherwise causing disturbances and all around trouble.
Being rather dim bulbs, they supposedly can’t count past three – which of course in Christianity represents the Holy Trinity, and if they even did try to utter that third number, they would immediately perish. Alas, their raucous partying time (I envision a certain bar scene from the movie, “Gremlins”) eventually grows short, and on the Epiphany, the little nasties are forced to go back to their home. When they arrive, they probably stand aghast to see the tree of life has fully healed from their previous work. Undeterred, they pull out their trusty axes and saws, and begin again…
….totally unrelated but it came to mind when I was writing this was Nidhoggr the Norse/Scandinavian dragon who gnaws away at the roots of another world tree, the Yggdrasil. Trapped in the roots by his growing size, he would eventually break free one day and signal the beginning of Ragnarok, the twilight of the gods. Hmm – world trees being sawed/chewed at by mystical beings which could bring about the end of the world - and I thought the Emerald Ash Borer was threat enough to a tree! But I digress…
There are many varied descriptions of what the Kalikantzaroi look like. The consensus seems to be they are small, dark, hairy creatures that come out at night with sharp teeth and long tails, looking almost like little satyrs with goat-like legs. Despite their rather extreme underground occupation, they are looked at as more like trickster-type faeries instead of having truly evil/malign intent. From pagan roots (pun not intended), they have become enmeshed within Christianity like many other holiday pagan traditions.
How to keep them at bay if you find a few of these little guys snooping about on your front porch, looking for a way in? Put a colander outside. They will spend all night trying to count the holes, never making it past two (that dreaded number three again) and thus never get in. Leave the fireplace on at night or keep all the lights on in the house, since being underworld dwellers, they can’t stand the light. Lastly, just be a nice old soul to monsters and pass ‘em some sausages or fried dough to keep them happy. After all, can you blame them for wanting to let out a little steam once a year with the workload they’re carryin’?
The Kalikantzaroi (I’ve also seen it spelled Callicantzari) are an interesting little Greek legend, shared by a few other cultures as well.
Living underground, these little goblins continually saw away at the tree of life which holds up the Earth. Each year they come close to succeeding until Christmas rolls around. At that time, the earth opens up, and the Kallikantzaroi are allowed free reign. So excited by this break, they apparently forget all about their dreadful task, climbing up to the surface and sneaking into homes through January 6th (the Epiphany), stealing sweets, and otherwise causing disturbances and all around trouble.
Being rather dim bulbs, they supposedly can’t count past three – which of course in Christianity represents the Holy Trinity, and if they even did try to utter that third number, they would immediately perish. Alas, their raucous partying time (I envision a certain bar scene from the movie, “Gremlins”) eventually grows short, and on the Epiphany, the little nasties are forced to go back to their home. When they arrive, they probably stand aghast to see the tree of life has fully healed from their previous work. Undeterred, they pull out their trusty axes and saws, and begin again…
….totally unrelated but it came to mind when I was writing this was Nidhoggr the Norse/Scandinavian dragon who gnaws away at the roots of another world tree, the Yggdrasil. Trapped in the roots by his growing size, he would eventually break free one day and signal the beginning of Ragnarok, the twilight of the gods. Hmm – world trees being sawed/chewed at by mystical beings which could bring about the end of the world - and I thought the Emerald Ash Borer was threat enough to a tree! But I digress…
There are many varied descriptions of what the Kalikantzaroi look like. The consensus seems to be they are small, dark, hairy creatures that come out at night with sharp teeth and long tails, looking almost like little satyrs with goat-like legs. Despite their rather extreme underground occupation, they are looked at as more like trickster-type faeries instead of having truly evil/malign intent. From pagan roots (pun not intended), they have become enmeshed within Christianity like many other holiday pagan traditions.
How to keep them at bay if you find a few of these little guys snooping about on your front porch, looking for a way in? Put a colander outside. They will spend all night trying to count the holes, never making it past two (that dreaded number three again) and thus never get in. Leave the fireplace on at night or keep all the lights on in the house, since being underworld dwellers, they can’t stand the light. Lastly, just be a nice old soul to monsters and pass ‘em some sausages or fried dough to keep them happy. After all, can you blame them for wanting to let out a little steam once a year with the workload they’re carryin’?
The Christmas Hag
Next in our list of Monstrous Yuletide Legends comes from Germanic/Austrian myth and is known as Berchta, Perchta, or Bertha, a hearth goddess of the home. In Jacob Grimm's, "Germanic Mythology" (originally published back in 1835), she was described as dark haired garbed in a white dress. Usually, though, she's portrayed as an old witch-like figure, complete with hooked nose and carrying a long sharp knife within the folds of her robes. Why carry such a weapon? Well, you will soon find out...
Similar to the Wild Hunt (another Germanic myth regarding a ghostly army that soared the night, hunting for new souls to join their ranks), Frau Berchta would fly through winter skies leading a host of faeries and infant ghosts - the spirits of unbaptized children - for she had a soft spot for children who had died unbaptized, and thus needing protection (for they supposedly had none, being abandoned by the Church based on their unbaptized nature).
However, warm-hearted as this may sound, she was also extremely nit-picky to the point of fanaticism about cleanliness. On the 12th night of Christmas - January 6th - she would fly over cottages, farms, and homes, inspecting for overall tidiness, and assessing the spindles (a device used for spinning yarn) to ensure the housewives had completed their chores of spinning flax - if the homes didn't meet her standards, she was a lot more severe than a parent taking their kids' I-Phones away for keeping their rooms a mess (remember that knife I mentioned earlier?). In fact, she became pretty upset - as punishment, she would merely disembowel the messy homeowners, putting straw and stones in their sliced open tummies!
And yet, as winters can be both harsh and gentle, so too was this domestic goddess. She is also known as Holle, which refers to shining, an association with the Epiphany, the "shining night". She would leave gifts to those who had been good (probably by way of how clean their homes had been left), and a legend from Austria stated that once she even blessed a farmer's children to have long and prosperous lives after he responded to the tearful lost cries of one of her ghostly children who had fallen astray from her legion and kindly led it back to her direction.
So there you have it - another way to prod those family members once the Christmas revelry is over with to help clean up the house - or they may find out the hard way what will happen if they don't pick up their socks!
Similar to the Wild Hunt (another Germanic myth regarding a ghostly army that soared the night, hunting for new souls to join their ranks), Frau Berchta would fly through winter skies leading a host of faeries and infant ghosts - the spirits of unbaptized children - for she had a soft spot for children who had died unbaptized, and thus needing protection (for they supposedly had none, being abandoned by the Church based on their unbaptized nature).
However, warm-hearted as this may sound, she was also extremely nit-picky to the point of fanaticism about cleanliness. On the 12th night of Christmas - January 6th - she would fly over cottages, farms, and homes, inspecting for overall tidiness, and assessing the spindles (a device used for spinning yarn) to ensure the housewives had completed their chores of spinning flax - if the homes didn't meet her standards, she was a lot more severe than a parent taking their kids' I-Phones away for keeping their rooms a mess (remember that knife I mentioned earlier?). In fact, she became pretty upset - as punishment, she would merely disembowel the messy homeowners, putting straw and stones in their sliced open tummies!
And yet, as winters can be both harsh and gentle, so too was this domestic goddess. She is also known as Holle, which refers to shining, an association with the Epiphany, the "shining night". She would leave gifts to those who had been good (probably by way of how clean their homes had been left), and a legend from Austria stated that once she even blessed a farmer's children to have long and prosperous lives after he responded to the tearful lost cries of one of her ghostly children who had fallen astray from her legion and kindly led it back to her direction.
So there you have it - another way to prod those family members once the Christmas revelry is over with to help clean up the house - or they may find out the hard way what will happen if they don't pick up their socks!
Alakshmi, sister of Lakshmi
Although the Yuletide which starts around December 21 through January 1st (the original 12 days of Christmas!) is seen from a mostly European aspect, the winter solstice (the point at which the sun is farthest south, which falls around 12/21, 12/22, or 12/23 in the northern hemisphere), is celebrated in many cultures and places.
The winter season in the Hindu calendar is known as Shishira, lasting from mid-January to mid-March. During this time (around January 14th) is the Hindu harvest festival of Pongal which celebrates the end of winter solstice. This holiday is dedicated to Surya, the Sun God, and is observed with prayers and renewing social bonds with both family and friends.
The first and fourth days of Pongal are known as Bhogi. This celebration is represented by removing/discarding old, unwanted materials and celebrating new things. Large bonfires are built to burn the no-longer useful items, and homes are made clean.
Rangolis (colorful patterns made on floors or tabletops), or more specifically, a Kolam, drawn with rice flour, chalks, or powders, are placed on entryways into one's home, to welcome all who visit, but especially for Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity and wealth, to bring positive energy/good luck to the home.
NOT doing so at this time may instead bring a visit from Lakshmi's sister Alakshmi (also known as Daridra), goddess of misfortune, to say hello, bringing negative energy (daridra), bad luck, jealousy, and other ills to your humble abode. In various descriptions she is said to have red beady eyes, teeth like a bull's, and a gnarled withered face.
The story of Lakshmi and Alakshmi was one of opposites. Lakshmi was a hard worker, diligent in efforts, and kind to all. Alakshmi was lazy, cruel, and shabby, rarely bathing, and giving constant lies and deceptions to those around her. Lord Krishna, a major Hindu god, was so enchanted by Lakshmi they became wedded. Alakshmi had no such luck, so her sister asked Lord Krishna to help her. Krishna found a rishi (a wise man, or yogi) to marry Alakshmi, but alas, she failed to change and he eventually got rid of her.
Still feeling charitable towards her sister, Lakshmi again entreated Krishna to come to her sister's aid. He found a home for the unrepentant Alakshmi underneath a peepal (fig) tree where she would have no need to clean herself or anything, or be bothered by anyone, and be free to do as she liked. Alakshmi begged that they would not leave her alone, with only ghosts and similar ilk left to befriend her, so they promised to visit her every Saturday, which is why many will visit peepal trees on a Saturday, giving prayers and watering the tree, knowing that Lord Krishna and Lakshmi are there.
For those unfortunate to have Alakshmi come into your home, lamp lights and prayers will help to drive her off. If, however, your home is full of fights and arguments, you may find an unfortunate new occupant to your household who will stay...
The winter season in the Hindu calendar is known as Shishira, lasting from mid-January to mid-March. During this time (around January 14th) is the Hindu harvest festival of Pongal which celebrates the end of winter solstice. This holiday is dedicated to Surya, the Sun God, and is observed with prayers and renewing social bonds with both family and friends.
The first and fourth days of Pongal are known as Bhogi. This celebration is represented by removing/discarding old, unwanted materials and celebrating new things. Large bonfires are built to burn the no-longer useful items, and homes are made clean.
Rangolis (colorful patterns made on floors or tabletops), or more specifically, a Kolam, drawn with rice flour, chalks, or powders, are placed on entryways into one's home, to welcome all who visit, but especially for Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity and wealth, to bring positive energy/good luck to the home.
NOT doing so at this time may instead bring a visit from Lakshmi's sister Alakshmi (also known as Daridra), goddess of misfortune, to say hello, bringing negative energy (daridra), bad luck, jealousy, and other ills to your humble abode. In various descriptions she is said to have red beady eyes, teeth like a bull's, and a gnarled withered face.
The story of Lakshmi and Alakshmi was one of opposites. Lakshmi was a hard worker, diligent in efforts, and kind to all. Alakshmi was lazy, cruel, and shabby, rarely bathing, and giving constant lies and deceptions to those around her. Lord Krishna, a major Hindu god, was so enchanted by Lakshmi they became wedded. Alakshmi had no such luck, so her sister asked Lord Krishna to help her. Krishna found a rishi (a wise man, or yogi) to marry Alakshmi, but alas, she failed to change and he eventually got rid of her.
Still feeling charitable towards her sister, Lakshmi again entreated Krishna to come to her sister's aid. He found a home for the unrepentant Alakshmi underneath a peepal (fig) tree where she would have no need to clean herself or anything, or be bothered by anyone, and be free to do as she liked. Alakshmi begged that they would not leave her alone, with only ghosts and similar ilk left to befriend her, so they promised to visit her every Saturday, which is why many will visit peepal trees on a Saturday, giving prayers and watering the tree, knowing that Lord Krishna and Lakshmi are there.
For those unfortunate to have Alakshmi come into your home, lamp lights and prayers will help to drive her off. If, however, your home is full of fights and arguments, you may find an unfortunate new occupant to your household who will stay...
KNECHT RUPRECHT
Nowadays, everyone seems to be familiar with Krampus, the hairy, demonic looking bad cop to Saint Nicholas’ good cop that goes about stealing and punishing naughty children on December 5th (Krampusnacht or “Krampus Night”), but did you know there were other companions who worked the same racket?
Enter Knecht Ruprecht, a small, bearded dwarf from the folklore of Germany, who accompanies St. Nicholas on December 6th, Saint Nicholas’ Day (naturally enough). He is shown usually with a stick or switch; sometimes with a hood and a limp. Oftentimes he has a ring of bells around his waist, a dire warning of his impending arrival. His figure can sometimes be dirty with soot from going down chimneys (hmm…doesn’t that sound familiar?!). In either event, his methods were usually the same – being the team heavy, he would ask a child if he/she knew their prayers. If they didn’t, the lucky youngsters would be the beneficiaries of a whack from his stick or a clubbing with a bag, along with a “gift” of coal (Can you picture Charlie Brown here with his “I got a rock!” Halloween lament?). He might even grab the offending child and steal him/her away for “personalized” attention, which might even include being stuffed in a bag and hurled into a freezing river!
If the child had been good and could recite their prayers, they would instead receive some fruit or other treats as a reward...whew!
St. Nicholas had disavowed the wealth of his family, becoming a priest. The monies he inherited from his family he gave away to the needy, and was known to have been loving and kind to all, but most especially to children. When he passed on December 6th, 325 AD, manna (similar to the substance God rained down to the Israelites in their escape from Egyptian bondage) supposedly appeared on his grave, a miracle which confirmed his sainthood.
Ruprecht (and interestingly enough, the name is also another word for Devil), has a much darker origin when compared to his holy companion. One legend states an innkeeper killed three children and stuffed their remains inside a barrel. When St. Nicholas became aware, he brought the children back to life…and the innkeeper was forced into eternal bondage as Saint Nicholas’ assistant as penance for his crime.
So make sure to be good all year and know your prayers, or else you’ll be getting some unwanted attention from this particular little holiday helper!
Enter Knecht Ruprecht, a small, bearded dwarf from the folklore of Germany, who accompanies St. Nicholas on December 6th, Saint Nicholas’ Day (naturally enough). He is shown usually with a stick or switch; sometimes with a hood and a limp. Oftentimes he has a ring of bells around his waist, a dire warning of his impending arrival. His figure can sometimes be dirty with soot from going down chimneys (hmm…doesn’t that sound familiar?!). In either event, his methods were usually the same – being the team heavy, he would ask a child if he/she knew their prayers. If they didn’t, the lucky youngsters would be the beneficiaries of a whack from his stick or a clubbing with a bag, along with a “gift” of coal (Can you picture Charlie Brown here with his “I got a rock!” Halloween lament?). He might even grab the offending child and steal him/her away for “personalized” attention, which might even include being stuffed in a bag and hurled into a freezing river!
If the child had been good and could recite their prayers, they would instead receive some fruit or other treats as a reward...whew!
St. Nicholas had disavowed the wealth of his family, becoming a priest. The monies he inherited from his family he gave away to the needy, and was known to have been loving and kind to all, but most especially to children. When he passed on December 6th, 325 AD, manna (similar to the substance God rained down to the Israelites in their escape from Egyptian bondage) supposedly appeared on his grave, a miracle which confirmed his sainthood.
Ruprecht (and interestingly enough, the name is also another word for Devil), has a much darker origin when compared to his holy companion. One legend states an innkeeper killed three children and stuffed their remains inside a barrel. When St. Nicholas became aware, he brought the children back to life…and the innkeeper was forced into eternal bondage as Saint Nicholas’ assistant as penance for his crime.
So make sure to be good all year and know your prayers, or else you’ll be getting some unwanted attention from this particular little holiday helper!
THE NIGHT BEFORE ST. ANDREW'S DAY
November 30th is St. Andrew’s Day, a religious and national holiday in Romania. St. Andrew was the first of Jesus Christ’s apostles, the brother of St. Peter, and was responsible for various miracles, such as healing the sick, raising the dead, calming fierce animals, and more. He was crucified on November 30th in the year 60 AD. He is also the patron saint of other lands, such as Russia, Ukraine, Sicily, Scotland, Greece, and Cyprus.
Conversely, in pre-Christian times in Romania, this was the Day of the Wolves, which celebrated Santandrei, the Master of Wolves (also the name of a Romanian city or commune). This was also supposedly the day when wolves began to form their packs to hunt and prepare for the long winter nights ahead. St. Andrew in this context is also considered to be a protector against wolves.
In either event, it’s the night before - November 29/30 – that brings this particular event to our Monstrous list. Pre-Christian traditions similar to Halloween state that the doors to the underworld were opened for this night, and spirits, undead, and vampires were released to haunt and plague the living. Wolves are magically able to speak during this time, and those bitten by them were cursed to become werewolves. Crossroads were to be avoided at night, for traditionally, any in-between place (or time) such as a crossroads, the hour of midnight, the seashore, etc., would be a focal point for magical beings from other realms to gain entry (because these locations/times were neither one thing or another, being equally both and none at the same time). In some cultures, murderers and other similar folk would be hung at crossroads, for fear their evil spirits would return to do harm/seek revenge, but would be confused by the merged roads and not know which way to go. Also on this night, the undead would rise at these spots and fight amongst themselves until sunrise.
To keep safe, garlic and basil (placed on windows, doors, and even in meals) were the items of choice to keep these harmful creatures away...or your family and friends, depending on how much garlic you ate... 8 )
Conversely, in pre-Christian times in Romania, this was the Day of the Wolves, which celebrated Santandrei, the Master of Wolves (also the name of a Romanian city or commune). This was also supposedly the day when wolves began to form their packs to hunt and prepare for the long winter nights ahead. St. Andrew in this context is also considered to be a protector against wolves.
In either event, it’s the night before - November 29/30 – that brings this particular event to our Monstrous list. Pre-Christian traditions similar to Halloween state that the doors to the underworld were opened for this night, and spirits, undead, and vampires were released to haunt and plague the living. Wolves are magically able to speak during this time, and those bitten by them were cursed to become werewolves. Crossroads were to be avoided at night, for traditionally, any in-between place (or time) such as a crossroads, the hour of midnight, the seashore, etc., would be a focal point for magical beings from other realms to gain entry (because these locations/times were neither one thing or another, being equally both and none at the same time). In some cultures, murderers and other similar folk would be hung at crossroads, for fear their evil spirits would return to do harm/seek revenge, but would be confused by the merged roads and not know which way to go. Also on this night, the undead would rise at these spots and fight amongst themselves until sunrise.
To keep safe, garlic and basil (placed on windows, doors, and even in meals) were the items of choice to keep these harmful creatures away...or your family and friends, depending on how much garlic you ate... 8 )
