Christmas Colors
There is a lot of ignorance going on out there (in MY AREA) about other countries winter customs. Customs that literally have shaped our own since we are a country of immigrants....
so.... Imma start educating here.
THE COLORS of CHRISTMAS -White, Red, Green
I will present for you several documented facts that historians and anthropologists think play into why we have certain colors that are associated with winter celebrations. One has to do with the winter practices of the Sami peoples or "Laplanders" in the very far norther territories of Norway, Sweden, Finland, and of the Kola Peninsula in Russia.
The other has to do with the shamanic rituals of Siberian wise men and the connections to the Fly Agaric hallucinogenic mushroom.
First I present the information gathered by Authors Christian Rätsch and Claudia Müller-Ebeling on the colors and the ancient symbolism of the relationship between men, women, and the earth. White symbolizes the male aspect- it represents light, snow, spirit and the realms of sky. It is also the color of semen. Red represents the feminine- life force, passion, creation magic, love and menstrual blood. Green represents the earth and all trees and plants that thrived, bloomed or kept their living color in the dead of winter were considered sacred by many ancient peoples.
The Sámi people of Norther Europe have pursued a variety of livelihoods, including coastal fishing, fur trapping, and sheep herding. Their best-known means of livelihood is semi-nomadic reindeer herding. As of 2007 about 10% of the Sámi were connected to reindeer herding, which provides them with meat, fur, and transportation. For traditional, environmental, cultural, and political reasons, reindeer herding is legally reserved for only Sámi in most regions of the Nordic countries. There are documented stories about the ancient, pre-christian winter rituals of the Sami. Namely one primary tale is that on winter solstice, out in the snow, a reindeer was sacrificed and a single evergreen tree was painted with the blood of the animal. Parts of the animal, like organ meet, ears, and lips were hung on the bows of the tree. All of this was done prior to sundown, and once it was done, the people could return to the warmth of the fire and eat a feast.
The other thoughts about the colors of red and white is that they are the colors of the Fly Agaric hallucinogenic mushroom in many Asian regions and were used by Siberian Shaman. Siberia is another snowy area where reindeer are raised and kept. There is an entire theory that the figure of Santa Claus flying through the air with reindeer is borrowed heavily from this culture, whose red-capped shamans would take "flight" on powerful journeys for their nomadic tribes by using this hallucinogen.
Where ever the traditions started, we can all agree that most winter celebrations, be it pagan or christian are not complete without these wonderful color combinations.
