Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree

Christmas tree Image by Pezibear from Pixabay

Trees have been a centre point of many world mythologies and religions throughout the ages. As a symbol of growth, death and rebirth, they are powerful reminders of the recurring cycles of life, with evergreen trees specifically representing fertility and immortality. The rituals and beliefs surrounding trees in general, and Christmas trees in particular, are rooted in something far more ancient than the birth of Christ two millennia ago.

A Californian Krampus

St. Nicholas play produced by Krampus Los Angeles. Photo: Paul Koudounaris

Relentlessly sunny and known for a love of trend over tradition, Los Angeles is an unlikely home to a new incarnation of the old Alpine devil. It helps, perhaps, that make-believe is serious business in my town, and that it’s filled with creative people prone to see in an old tradition of folk Catholicism a revolutionary way to shake up the holidays.

Gabarghichor: A Folktale from Bihar

Grass silhouetted against sunset. Photo by FAISAL AHMAD on Unsplash.

Galeej, a youth hailing from a low caste, got married to a woman of the same caste and equal status. She was from the neighbouring village. He brought his bride in a palanquin—a local band party in tow—and began living with her in a small hut in his village.

Meet Mexico’s Trinity of Death – Day of the Dead, Santa Muerte, and Catrina Calavera

Catrinas, traditional figures for day of the dead celebrations in Mexico.  By Tomascastelazo, CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17081090

October the season of death is here and soon comes Halloween with its cavalcade of ghosts and goblins together with the Catholic holy days of All Saints and All Souls, known in Latin America as Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead).

By continuing to use the site, you agree to the use of cookies. more information

The cookie settings on this website are set to "allow cookies" to give you the best browsing experience possible. If you continue to use this website without changing your cookie settings or you click "Accept" below then you are consenting to this.

Close