Thursday 15 December 2016

FOLKLORE FLASHBACK #18 - In Search of Santa Part I


This week in Folklore Flashback we are revisiting my epic investigation from last Christmas - the curious case of the man with the bag! Known variously as Santa Claus, Kris Kringle, or Father Christmas, in this podcast series we attempt to uncover the long and strange history of a fellow who's said to be the embodiment of the festive spirit itself! 


Travelling down the centuries in a borrowed magic sleigh, we bust some myths about the Bearded Gentleman himself, before uncovering the roles played by the poem A Visit From St. Nicholas, the writings of Mr Washington Irving, and the drawings of Mr Thomas Nast in the development of legend of Santa Claus.




In the second part of our very special Christmas series, we further investigate the origins of Santa Claus, exploring the life and legend of St. Nicholas, his role in the tradition of Christmas presents, the assorted magical gift bringers he transmuted into in Europe, bring light to the dark rumours of Krampus and satanic Santas, and examine the forgotten alternative American Santa Belsnickel 

HYPNOGORIA 24 – In Search of Santa Part II
DIRECT DOWNLOAD -  In Search of Santa Part II 

Finally, here is a gallery showing the images mentioned in the shows above, depicting Santa Claus through the ages -

http://hypnogoria.blogspot.co.uk/2015/12/in-search-of-santa-gallery.html

No comments: