Is Santa really Thor?Thor was the god of the peasants and the common people. He was represented as jovial and friendly, of heavy build, with a long beard. His element was the fire, his color red. The rumble and roar of thunder were said to be caused by the rolling of his chariot, which was drawn by two white goats (called Cracker and Gnasher). He was said to live in the "Northland" where he had his palace among icebergs. Our pagan forefathers considered Thor as the cheerful and friendly god, never harming the humans but rather helping and protecting them. In fact, the common salutation for Thor is "Good Friend". The fireplace in every home was especially sacred to him. Every Yule, the good god Thor would visit every home with an altar to him (i.e., every home with a fireplace!) and bring gifts to children, who would put out their sabots (wooden shoes) the night before. Good children would receive gifts of fruit, candy and pieces of coal to burn in the fireplace. (Sounds like Santa to me--doesn't it to you?) |
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