Tajemna strona Świąt. Bestiariusz i mroczne tradycje

by Linda Raedisch

Mroczne tradycje najkrótszych dni w roku.

Krampus, wigilijne duchy, groźne elfy – jeszcze nie tak dawno te i wiele innych przerażających postaci charakteryzowały okres Świąt Bożego Narodzenia.
Przesiąknięta historią i baśniowym klimatem Tajemna strona świąt ukazuje je od tej mniej znanej, ciemnej i niepokojącej strony. Można tu spotkać tajemnicze zjawy, wiedźmy, potwory, słowem – odkryć cały bestiariusz czarodziejskich stworzeń. Ta napisana ze swadą, niezwykła książka porywa na upiorną przejażdżkę saniami pośród srebrzystych jodeł zimowego lasu i do lodowych komnat Królowej Śniegu.

Tajemna strona Świat. Bestiariusz i mroczne tradycje przybliża również dawne zwyczaje świąteczne, a także prezentuje nietypowe spojrzenie na postać Świętego Mikołaja.

Pełna tajemnicy i magii, pozwala zrozumieć czasy, gdy najkrótsze dni w roku były jednocześnie tymi najmroczniejszymi.

Genres: Christmas, Nonfiction, History, Folklore, Mythology, Holiday, Witchcraft

304 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2013

About the author

Linda Raedisch has written four books of nonfiction, including The Old Magic of Christmas: Yuletide Traditions for the Darkest Days of the Year (Llewellyn 2013), which has been translated into Czech, Russian, and Polish, and The Secret History of Christmas Baking: Recipes and Stories from Tomb Offerings to Gingerbread Boys (Llewellyn 2023). Her first novel, Turn Left at the Mooncrow Skeleton, will be released in October 2023. She likes long titles.

Reviews

[Wanda Pedersen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Here in the Northern hemisphere, Christmas and the Winter Solstice coincide with the darkest time of the year. Naturally, the dark lends itself to spookier mythology and the lore surrounding this holiday tends towards the dark end of the spectrum too. Many of the tales and traditions discussed in this book originate in Scandinavia and Germany, although the British Isles are well represented too.

I usually think of Halloween as the time for ghosts, goblins, and witches, but Christmas apparently has its own selections of these spooks, who have been co-opted into Christian ceremonies. I find it fascinating that some of these folk tales have survived in any form into the 21st century, but Santa Claus is certainly doing well, that jolly old elf! Mind you, he has been recruited by retailers to encourage us to part with our cash. This explains to me the Victorian habit of telling ghost stories at Christmastime, like the ghosts who visit Ebenezer Scrooge.

Gift giving, Christmas trees and other greens, mistletoe, feasting—all these traditions have pre-Christian roots, although Christianity has tried its best to assimilate them. The fireplace was the centre of the household before modern heating and the hearth spirits were accordingly important. Not all homes have a fireplace any more, but you may have a fireplace channel on television, showing a continuously burning wood fire.

This author made assumptions about the readers' knowledge. I'm not familiar with the feast days of the saints or when holidays like Candlemas happen, so I was continually looking things up to get a better idea of what she was referring to. But I am an uncouth colonial, living in the wilds of Canada (what Voltaire called “quelques arpents de neige,” a reputation that we are currently living up to).

I come away from this volume with a renewed desire to pursue more folklore and learn more history of the European countries that my ancestors came from.

Cross posted at my blog:

https://wanda-thenextfifty.blogspot.c...

[Emelia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed The Old Magic of Christmas: Yuletide Traditions for the Darkest Days of the Year immensely, for such a small book it was filled with fascinating history, not to mention crafts and recipes from long ago. History such as The pagan Norse, beginning their winter celebrations in October with the Alfablot, or feast of the elves, where wild riders could be seen from November until the end of the 12 nights of Christmas. Yuletides of old were not the bright and shiny festivals of consumerism they are today. They were the seasons of long dark nights, when even darker things prowled beyond the threshold and would venture inside if the correct wardings were not in place.

When you first open the book you are immediately thrust into the dark past with the spinning tradition. In the Germanic cultures, Frau Berchta, also known as Frigga to the Scandinavians, dominated the nights before Yule. Spinning was forbidden on Frigga’s Eve, but the task was to be completed by Twelfth Night or one faced the wrath of the goddess. Frau Holla and her spectral children ran amok in the night skies, but should one catch a glimpse of this horde, the unfortunate soul was struck blind. Santa’s jolly elves were, in some cultures, really the dead returned to Earth as impish creatures.

Recipes and crafts that are included such as how to make the traditional Lebkuchen Witch's Gingerbread house and the Luka Mask. I especially enjoyed the Christmas Witch's Herbal section that contains not only herbal remedies, but also why the herbs were used. Why Mistletoe is associated with new brides and why the Christmas Rose is a flower of the plague.

This is not only a history of Christmas, but a wonderful examination of the pagan roots that ran deep in European soil. Linda Raedisch also reminds us that there are still elements of these traditions alive and well in our more happy version of this ancient holiday. She brings us Sami traditions from the Lapland of Finland, Vikings, Celts, Germanic tribes, and more as she unwraps the shiny package to reveal the darkness underneath. She also examines how Christianity incorporated many Pagan beliefs to help ease the transition from Paganism to Christianity .

If you like history, Christmas, and the darker side of Elves, I encourage reading he Old Magic of Christmas. I learned so much from Raedisch's book and I intend to put up my Yule tree next year on December the 1st. Why? Well, if I told you, where would the fun in that be?

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up this book, thinking it would be about Christmas ghost stories, and, hopefully, tell some of those stories. It does talk about the British practice of telling ghost stories at Christmas, but it’s really a collection of folk tales and practices, mainly from the more notherly areas of Europe. Elves, of course- although not quite the ones we think of today in respect to Christmas, Christmas beasties like horses and cats, goblins, tontum, witches, Santa Lucia, Yule logs, first-footing, plants and how they became standard Christmas décor, and, my favorite part and something I’d never heard of, vampires and werewolves associated with the dark days! There are even some related crafts and recipes included.

The author tries to stick absolutely everything she learned about Christmas/Yule/Solstice traditions into the book; because of this, the entries are very short and nothing is gone into in real depth. I found that very disappointing. There is, however, a good bibliography in the back so that the reader can go on to learn more about the subjects that take their interest. The book is a bit uneven; there were a couple of sections that I skimmed over after a while, but mostly it’s a fast, if somewhat disjointed, read. Four stars.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

The audiobook for this was both entertaining and informative. Just a delightful collection of myths, legends, and fairytales about Christmas and Christmas traditions.

[Lilla · Rating 3 out of 5]

As far as Llewellyn books go, this wasn't half-bad when I look on it as a compilation of Yuletide/seasonal folklore (the author also pulls things from popular culture and time-honoured fairy tales, as well as time-attested lore). That being said, when I look at it from a neopagan point-of-view, I have less appreciation for it. I don't like that the book encourages an eclectic approach but as a reconstructionist, there's no surprise there. If eclecticism is fine with you, then you may enjoy this book even more so.

Le gasp. Are those actually footnotes in a Llewellyn book?? Hath hell finally iced over?? True, they are only a handful, but the fact Llewllyn didn't run screaming from footnotes shocks me. This is a publishing house that is afraid of facts, after all. For example, the author claims that werewolves are afraid of juniper trees? Really? I'd love a source on that because I have a huge interest in werewolves ... oh there isn't one. Gee, thanks.

Source material, people. It's superior.

My usual caveat with Llewellyn books stands: one may can use them as a starting off point, but always, always, go to the source material over these new age tomes.

[Book Lovers Never Go to Bed Alone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas? Is the man mad? He’s writing a review of a Christmas book for a horror review site? There is a very dark side to this jolly holiday. It’s definitely not all jingle bells and wassailing by any means. Linda Raedisch explores the very pagan origins of Christmas and introduces us to the dark, spooky, Gothic side of the ancient traditions and beliefs of Yule.

We are immediately thrust into the dark past with the spinning tradition. In the Germanic cultures, Frau Berchta, also known as Frigga to the Scandinavians, dominated the nights before Yule. Spinning was forbidden on Frigga’s Eve, but the task was to be completed by Twelfth Night or one faced the wrath of the goddess. Frau Holla and her spectral children ran amok in the night skies, but should one catch a glimpse of this horde, the unfortunate soul was struck blind. Santa’s jolly elves were, in some cultures, really the dead returned to Earth as impish creatures. Christmas is filled with legends of elf curses, witches, the dead, and phantom souls. Raedisch does an excellent job of covering a wide swath of European history, both in geography and time. She brings us Sami traditions from the Lapland of Finland, Vikings, Celts, Germanic tribes, and more as she unwraps the shiny package to reveal the darkness underneath.

The work is not entirely sinister. She includes patterns for many folk crafts from the various regions as well as their less than happy beginnings. This is not only a history of Christmas, but a wonderful examination of the pagan roots that ran deep in European soil. She also reminds us that there are still elements of these traditions alive and well in our more happy version of this ancient holiday. We may not remember why we make Danish lace hearts, but we still do. Not your traditional horror read, but an amazing look into our scary past.

Originally published at Horror Novel Reviews

[Tristy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is an extremely scattered book on many levels. First of all, what is the focus? Is it "scary myths of Christmas past"? Is it "get to know your old Nordic Christmas origins (withe some Greek stories thrown in)"? Is it a witchy craft book? While trying to jam so much information into one book, the author doesn't really go in-depth on any of these topics, so unfortunately, the book really fell flat. Not to mention, how in the world do you discuss the winter celebrations of the Saami in Norway AND NOT EVEN MENTION Beiwe? I mean, she is an antlered woman, who travels through the sky in a structure made of reindeer bones! On the winter solstice, her worshipers sacrifice white female animals and thread the meat on sticks which they bent into rings and tied with bright ribbons. They also cover their doorposts with butter so Beiwe can eat it and begin her journey once again. This book just missed the mark, unfortunately.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

So I'm a little late on finishing this, but in my defense, it's still within the twelve days of Christmas. Barely. And I got almost no reading in for the last two months. I'm glad I decided to go ahead and read this one a little late. It's a collection of European mythology and folklore centered around Christmas time beliefs and traditions and I learned a lot. It was especially entertaining given that I just finished watching Hilda on Netflix which pulls from very similar sources, so it was interesting to see some of the cultural origins. Definitely going to return to this one in future years for pre Christmas reading.

[Elyse Welles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Old Magic of Christmas ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

If you are a lover of the Yuletide season, and are looking for more ways to re-enchant yourself with this warm time of year, this book is for you. Likewise, if you felt disenchanted from this season, and are looking for new ways to love it, You would also benefit greatly from this book.

If you’re a historian or lover of folklore and mythology, especially as a pertains to cultures outside the norm, this book is a wealth of resources.

I love Linda’s style of writing. This is my third book by her, following “A Secret History of Christmas Baking” and her debut novel, “Turn Left at the Mooncrow Skeleton”, both five star reads I really recommend.

If you’re the type of person who likes learning, but doesn’t love the didactic nature of many Nonfiction books, Linda’s books are for you. I will also add that I really enjoyed the (somewhat) sequel to this book, “ A Secret History of Christmas Baking”. If baking isn’t for you, don’t skip that book, because it includes as much history and lore as this one, building on the traditions and folklore and actually extending out to the Middle East. “The Old Magic of Christmas” mostly focuses on European mysteries of Yuletide.

[Emily Kestrel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun read. Lots of cool folklore and legends, told in a droll, tongue in cheek manner.

[Laura Ruetz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating look into old traditions

I knew a little about some of the Yuletide traditions and origins, but this is a fascinating read about the incredible variety of various Yule tide traditions. The book also includes recipes and crafts, which was a fun and welcome element. This was very well-researched and written and fun to read.

[Luminea · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was fascinating to learn about the magical and often spooky ways that my ancestors would have celebrated the Yuletide season. I appreciated the author's dry sense of humour in discussing some of the more unusual or macabre traditions.

I'm definitely inspired to incorporate some new recipes, crafts, and traditions into my next celebration of Yule.

I have both the paperback and audiobook, and the audiobook is well narrated. It's a perfect listen for cold, dark winter nights.

[The Librarian Witch · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’re fascinated by folklore and the slightly darker side of Christmas then this is definitely a book you’re going to want to pick up this year!

Featuring ghosts, dangerous elves, traditional recipes, malicious creatures, ancient yule traditions and customs, and even some craft instructions, this book is a real treasure trove of Yuletide information!

I do wish it was a bit more in depth and detailed, as it seems to just mention things briefly, giving us only a very quick passing glance at these foreboding creatures and customs, before moving onto the next. But this would be a great starting point for anyone interested in how Yule used to be celebrated and the reasons why.
It has definitely prompted me to delve even deeper into some of the things mentioned within.

This is a lovely, cosy, sometimes quite spooky book to read this winter season.
Preferably while curled up under a blanket with a steaming mug grasped in your hand!

[Kim · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked the book and the information it gave.
Some parts were reading almost like a novel, where it gave the information of a scientific book.

What I liked less was the speed and big diversity of the information shared and because of that some things where just mentioned instead of explained. I would have liked it when things would have been talked about more indepth.

Overall a nice book to read anywhere during November, December and January.

[Justine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting, but Scattered

I think this book has a lot of interesting information in it, but the whole book lacks cohesion. Things are just talked about, with very little 'direction' for each chapter. It was sometimes confusing jumping from topic to topic. The information itself is very cool, I just wish it did not feel so disjointed.

[EuleAnnalena · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

This was really interesting. I liked taking a different look at the otherwise cheery Christmas time

I did like how the author made sure to cover lots of different versions specific to geographical areas (also: finally, someone who understands that Krampus isn’t a German but a specifically South German creature! Further north it is Knecht Ruprecht and I never saw him mentioned in English speaking media talking about German Christmas traditions).
Sadly, this covering of lots of different variants made it slightly repetitive at times.

There were some inaccuracies, too, that I could discover anyhow. (Like: I don’t know about other areas, but German doesn’t actually differentiate Silvester and Silvesterabend? Like, it’s the same day, the latter just specifies the evening of the day?? I don’t know where Raedisch got the notion one that this describes two different days…) Therefore: take the information in here with a grain of salt, I guess.

Also, sidenote: just with how often the author stresses how a lot of folk creatures are “blackfaced” I would have liked at least some recognition of this? Like, even if it’s just a footnote stating “This book only describes the old traditions and does not want to further explore potential racial subtext”? Living close to the Netherlands, there is a constant conversation about the figure of Swarte Piet, blackface and tradition. The total lack about this in the book was therefore a little weird.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

**3.5 Stars**

This was a cute little read before Christmas about many of the old forgotten and lost traditions of the Christmas season. Each chapter covered a different topic and whether it was holiday beasts or plants, it really only scratched the surface, giving you a basis of that topic. What I read throughout was interesting, but reading it was somewhat disjointed with the massive coverage of topics. I’m not sure there is a better way to do it when trying to give such a broad spectrum, and it’s clear that a lot of research went into it with such a massive bibliography. It’s a great starting point for the holiday traditions, as that is where I began and it was very Interesting, but if you have a specific interest in one topic, I would suggest finding something else.

[Sas UrbaneHexe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a treasure chest full of fairy tales, myths, legends and old traditions. It's perfect to get into the mood of the season and has lots of inspirations, recipes and craft ideas. The book is very well written (the audiobook very well narrated) and very well researched, even though there are some little mistakes and misunderstandings here and there.
Altogether it is a great book which I would absolutely recommend.

[Cari · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love love love how so many modern Christmas traditions have been passed on through the centuries from their origins in pagan societies. One of the things that has been kind of lost throughout the ages, perhaps buried under layers of tinsel and wrapping paper, is the darker side of Yule--which was once a night of wintry darkness filled with paying homage to visiting spirits and trying to evade the threat of dark entities. The Old Magic of Christmas: Yuletide Traditions for the Darkest Days of the Year goes over many different traditions and mythical creatures associated with Yule celebrations throughout the European continent throughout the centuries. For example, my favorite was the Krampus (basically Santa's demonic counterpart) who punishes bad boys and girls by dragging them to hell, which is probably way more motivational than the threat of coal in your stocking. 😉

This is really an interesting read and also includes traditional Yule recipes and crafts. Check it out if you're interested in the true origins of Christmas. 🎄🎅

[Angel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Amazing that prior to what we now consider Christmas the celebrations started earlier (sorry to all of you complaining about Christmas music before turkey day!!) and lasted long past New Years. Not to mention that the celebrations seemed far more intended to bring villages and communities together during the long difficult winter months. Now we take anti anxiety pills to get through the holidays and anti depressants to deal with the gray months after...
But!! I digress ...
This book is literally jam packed with information. Not only of old traditions but how you can begin to give new life to old traditions in your own home. Each chapter ends with a craft and a recipe- awesome for anyone who is crafty or handy in the kitchen.
I am neither. So now I'm just waiting for the arrival of my straw Yule Goat. Happy Yuletide!

[Therese · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun look at fairy tales, folklore, mythology, traditions, and stories surrounding the winter holidays, both Christian and pagan. The author focuses mainly on Northern Europe, though we get a few references to U.S. traditions and those from other parts of Europe. Each chapter also has suggestions for crafts and recipes. This is a perfect book for enjoying the coziness of the winter season if you're not necessarily a religious person yet you love this time of year and all the holiday trappings. Also good for those of us who enjoy a little spookiness and mystery, since a lot of the stories and myths revolve around witchy, ghostly, and devilish characters. However, I think people who celebrate Christmas as a religious holiday could find things to enjoy in this as well, as long as you go into it knowing that it's more about the mythical and historical aspects than the religious ones.

[Roxanne Rhoads · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Old Magic of Christmas is my absolute favorite non-fiction book about the darker days of winter holidays.

It is jam packed full of fascinating history, old fashioned crafts and recipes, and mythology. Yes, there is a ton of information about many different things but it is united by the common thread of the darker aspects of winter holidays.

It explores many myths and legends associated with the winter holidays- witches, ghosts, elves, fairies, and more. I had no idea there were so many dark legends associated Christmas and other winter holidays.

Modern times sure have made the holidays shiny and cheerful compared to the dark and scary things they used to be.

It is a wonderful starting point for anyone interesting in doing a deep dive into the darker creatures of winter lore.

[Bethany · Rating 2 out of 5]

Raedisch clearly has broad knowledge of the folklore and traditions across Europe that preceded and coexist with Christmas, and she reminds us that the lengthy Christmas season once had much in common with Halloween. That knowledge is presented in a pretty chaotic way, though, and I think using themes like predicting the future, regulating behavior, cleansing, etc. might be more helpful in organizing the same info.

[Carly Laughlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting read about stories, myths, and traditions surrounding the holiday season, from Santa Claus to monsters. I enjoyed the range of stories (though a lot of them were horror stories), and I liked the rituals and crafts throughout the book. Overall, it was interesting to learn the cultural origins of rituals and characters that we associate with Christmas.

[Ruusu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent resource, resurrecting many different “ghosts of Christmas past”! When I bought this book I was expecting a heart warming, Victorian Esque book of traditions. It is the most thorough resource I have read to date on some of our most ancient traditions and practices. Absolutely fascinating, detailed but moves at a fast pace. I already want to reread! Chock full of the macabre - ghosts, witches, vampires and werewolves! - as well as the more familiar gnomes and elves. Truly remarkable insight into the heritage and culture of many European countries. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed taking a deep dive into some fascinating Christmas traditions and mythology. I don’t think I could convince the kids to trade in Santa for Befana, but we might find ways to invite some elves to join us at our Yule fire.

[SpookyBird · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun read during the Holidays. Interesting facts and histories as well as a few festive recipes. I believe that Bishop’s Wine will be making an appearance for future Christmases.

[G. Lawrence · Rating 5 out of 5]

A charming listen on audible

[Morgan E.H. C. · Rating 2 out of 5]

it had good tidbits of information and recipes but the writing was dry like a text book

[Danielle Palmer]

DNF. Too dry for my taste.