The Twelve Days of Christmas

Observing Holy days that were never holy!

Did you know: The word holiday comes from the Old English word hāligdæg (hālig “holy” + dæg “day”). The word originally referred only to special religious days. The word holiday has differing connotations in different regions

(Excavating hidden facts and information)

This blog will reveal ancient pagan practices which have evolved into a massive holiday celebrated today, as Christmas. From it’s origin into our current traditions, nothing of these ancient rituals are Biblically approved by the ONE TRUE GOD. This blog was not intended for all people. Some may be offended by it’s content. Please note that this was not our intent. The purpose of this blog is to enlighten those curious as to why we continue to engage in these ancient traditions, and to enlighten those searching for answers. We are not here to judge, insult, belittle or stigmatizing any group or person.

The Yule, isn’t just a log!

The Yule is a widely recognized 12-day observance previously performed by pagans around 1475 CE. It was a 12-day Winter Solstice celebration which began on the eve of the winter solstice, (December 21st) and ended around the New Year. Because this was such an important ritual for pagans, Christians decided to combine these Old Norse traditions with their Christian celebration. Celebrating it as the 12 Days of Christmas.

John 4: 23- 24 But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”

Yule Tide

The Yule was first celebrated around the fifth century by Germanic tribes as a mid-winter festival. Farmers and local residents would assemble together in a pagan temple, bringing food, ale, and livestock to be sacrificed to their Norse gods. It would began on the eve of the winter solstice and end around the new year.

In Norwegian, Swedish and Danish it is jul; joulud in Estonian; joulu in Finnish; and jol in Icelandic. The Scot’s still refer to it as Yule.

Things connected to “Yule”

According to Wikipedia, scholars connect the original celebrations to the Wild Hunt, the god Odin, and the Anglo- Saxon celebration known as Modraniht or Mothers’ Night.

Mōdraniht or Modranicht (pronounced [ˈmoːdrɑniçt]; Old English for “Night of the Mothers” or “Mothers’ Night”) was an event held at what is today celebrated as Christmas Eve. It has been suggested by many that sacrifices were made, but of course this is speculation.

According to A. Sutherland  – in Ancient pages.com – the article, “Disir: Elusive Female Guardian Spirits Of Fate And Harbingers Of Death And War”

Some believe the Disir (Valkyries) in Norse mythology were malicious, harmful spirits, demons of death, destruction, and war who sought terrible things for the people they watched.

Valkyries were one of the pagan deities celebrated during this festive pagan holiday. They were similar to Keres in Greek mythology. Female spirits who guide the souls of the dead to the afterlife.

The ritual of the Yule log was symbolic of releasing the past; a disposing of old negative energy believed to be connected to the past year. Many ancient people believed this ritual blocked negative energy from entering into the new year.

One of the most infamous figures connected to this Yule ritual was Odin, a Norse god of war, worshiped in the past by many ancient Germanic tribes. He was also worshiped by the Romans as Mercury.

It is really interesting how the Norse (who represent many of the early Europeans) observed this deity as a god of wealth, commerce, fertility, and thievery.

Santa Claus and Christmas trees!

Unfortunately, it would appear that the historic re-writers of ancient history pulled another fast one, when they created this Santa character. Another blatant lie, and distortion of Biblical facts.

Jeremiah 10: 2-3 For the practices of the people are worthless; they cut a tree out of the forest, and a craftsman shapes it with a chisel. They adorn it with silver and gold; they fasten it with hammer and nails so it will not totter. Clearly this is what’s known today as a Christmas tree.

As time progressed, so did some remarkable stories of a unrealistic man. People naturally became more, and more enamored with this fellow, who traveled the world spreading joy, and Christmas cheer. A man believed to be a pious soul, giving gifts of toys and other small trinkets to poor and needy children. A man known in the past as Sint Nikolaas.

Sint Nikolaas

Most children, from an early age, were taught (brainwashed) to cherish and revere the beloved, ‘Jolly Ole Saint Nick,’ or Santa Claus as he is lovingly referred. His story begins as an ancient monk, Sint Nikolaas. A man who was believed to have been born around 280 CE. and died on December 6 around 343. Today he has become a legend.

It was said that Sint Nikolaas gave away all of his inherited wealth, and traveled throughout the countryside helping the poor, the sick and the needy. One of the stories claim that he saved three poor sisters from being sold into prostitution by their own father, by providing a dowry (throwing three coins down the chimney). This allowed them the privilege, through money, to marry. He was also said to have been in attendance at the first council of Nicaea in 325 CE. Also as a renown Christian, he was said to have been persecuted by the evil Roman Emperor, Diocletian. Other early tales embellish him as calming a storm at sea, saving three innocent soldiers from wrongful execution, and well, you get the picture.

With all this protecting, saving, gift giving, and personal suffering, he soon became extremely popular, world renown actually. People revered him as the protector of children and sailors. His feast day is still commemorated on the anniversary of his death, December 6.

As early Europeans begin to move into new territories the story of Sint Nikolaas (Santa Claus) began to spread.

He eventually became the patron saint of Russia and Greece; of charitable fraternities and guilds; of children, sailors, unmarried girls, merchants, and pawnbrokers; in cities such as Fribourg, and other cities in Switzerland, and Moscow. Thousands of European churches were dedicated to him—one, church in particular, built by the Roman emperor Justinian I at Constantinople (today Istanbul, Turkey) was dedicated to Saint Nicholas and Saint Priscus, which may have originally been built as early as c. 490.

Nicholas’s miracles were a favorite subject for medieval artists, and story tellers. His tales were later portrayed for audiences in liturgical plays.

The beloved nickname used by the Dutch; Sint Nikolaas became Saint Nicholas.

John Pintard, a member of the New York Historical Society here in America, began to distribute woodcuts (small idols) of St. Nicolas at the society’s annual meeting. In 1809, Washington Irving helped to popularize the Sinter Klaas stories in the U.S. when he referred to St Nick as the patron saint to New York in his book, “The History of New York.”

Did you know: On his first voyage, Columbus named a Haitian port for St. Nicholas on his feast day December 6, 1492, and in Florida, the town now named Jacksonville was first called St. Nicholas Ferry by Spanish explorers.

Odin

But, before there was Sint Nikolass, there was Odin, known to his worshipers as Aldingautr (or All-father), Arnhöfði (“eagle-head”), and Auðun (“wealth–friend”). It was believe that Odin flew around on December specifically to head up the Wild Hunt for the Yuletide. He knew who had been bad or good and hunted for those who he deemed deserving of punishment. He also had an eight-legged horse, Sleipnir, that pulled his sleigh (I don’t know about you, but this sounds absolutely horrifying to me.)

There are many parallels between Odin (Mercury) and Zeus (Jupiter), both believed to be sons of Saturn. Yet, there were also many differences. Odin was believed by his followers to be the father of the gods in Norse mythology, while Zeus was believed to be the king of the gods in Greek and Roman mythologies. It seems that Odin, worshiped as the all-father, is eerily similar to the office worshiped currently as the pope, or the “Holy See.” who is depicted as an “all father” as well or, “holy father.”

The Shinning!

Did you know: Saturn, Jupiter, and Mercury were all considered, Shinning Ones,” because they are noticeable bodies spotted in the sky before dawn?

Since, Saint Nicholas, has been deceased since 343 CE. We can safely assume that he could not be the character currently delivering gifts of toys to children.

So who exactly is the big guy we continue to celebrate? You know, the one in the red suit, with the twelve reindeer?

More then likely, this is probably some twisted iteration of the Norse winter god, Odin. He has always been the god of the Yule, known as a frequent flier who zips to and fro on his eight legged horse, judging the bad. It is said that his eyes are on the weak, whom he presumably punishes. Condemning all those unable to find proper shelter or hiding spaces to conceal themselves during his, wild Yuletide fury. It was thought that when the Vikings conquered Britain in the 8th and 9th centuries CE, their depiction of Odin during this time of year could have become the Father Christmas of the English.

Did you know: Odin is often depicted as an old man with a long, white beard who wears a cloak and hat, a description that resembles the traditional image of Santa Claus. He has also been depicted wearing festive colors associated with Christmas, such as gold, green, and red. According to, C.J. Adrien in his, “Is Santa Claus really Odin.”

As far as gift giving, Adrien also say’s In Norse mythology, Odin rode his eight-legged horse, Sleipnir, during the Wild Hunt, a supernatural event that took place in winter. Some interpretations suggest that children left offerings of food for Sleipnir, and in return, Odin provided small gifts, a practice similar to leaving cookies and milk for Santa Claus.

In addition, to his All-Seeing Nature: Odin was recognized as a god of wisdom and knowledge, frequently observing the world. This omniscience parallels Santa’s purported ability to know whether children have been naughty or nice.

According to the Viking legion:

A human life was the most valuable sacrifice that a Viking could make to the gods. It is known from written sources that Odin – the king of the gods – demanded human sacrifices.

According to Norsegarde; Celebrating Yule: The Ancient Roots of Christmas;

In Norse culture, Yule was believed to be the time when the spirits of the dead passed on to the Otherworld, moving beyond the living world to continue their afterlife in Asgard. These spirits were honored and celebrated during Yule, and animals were sacrificed in their honor. It was believed to be dangerous to go outside alone in the night during Yule, lest one risked being carried away into the Otherworld before their time.

Sleipnir, Odin’s horse was a symbol of speed and cunning. He is said to be able to cross both land and water faster than any other.

Are these ancient legends giving off warm and toasty feelings of holiday cheer?

The Worship of Saturn

Did you know: that grand winter celebrations most of which were celebrated around the beginning of the Winter Solstice can be traced far, far back in time. Before the famous birth of Jesus (4 BC- 4 CE). Before the Romans celebrated Saturnalia (133 -31 BC.) Even before the Greeks celebrated the holiday of Kronia, which was celebrated during the Attic month of Hekatombaion in late midsummer. Saturn, held great theological importance for many ancient societies. Some Romans, even saw it as a restoration of the ancient Golden Age, when the world was ruled by Saturn. Many ancient cultures worshiped this pagan god, including the Akkadians, Sumerians, Babylonians and Persians. Even in ancient Egypt, December 25th, in particular, was celebrated as the re-birth of the sun god, Ra. In Egypt this day was celebrated with palm trees, while the Romans celebrated with fir (evergreen) trees.

In Babylon, Tammuz was the deity celebrated on December 25th. The first character of his name was the, “T,” and it was used as a religious symbol. It is currently acknowledged as the cross.

Did you also know: That Jesus’s infamous birthday celebration of “Christmas,” did not begin until the year 340 C.E. That is when December 25th officially became a holiday.

No where in scripture does it command us to remember, or celebrate Yehoshua’s birthday. This celebration was organized and set in place by a man, Pope Julius I.

This curious date would actually coincide with many other famous pagan deities celebrated on this very same day. Amazingly almost all of these deities are some iterated version of Saturn. Saturnalia, a Roman Festival celebrated in honor of the pagan god, Saturn was celebrated as a week long celebration. During this time many businesses, schools, and courts closed in honor of this ancient deity.

Saturnalia

This was the most highly anticipated holiday celebrated by the Romans. In the past Romans decorated their homes, usually with wreaths and other greenery in celebration of this holiday. People would gamble, feast, make merriment, sing songs, and give gifts to each other. Saturnalia involved much drinking, celebrating and revelry. Today, if you combine the celebrations of Christmas and New Year together, you pretty much have the ancient celebration of Saturnalia.

Did you know: December 25—Christmas Day—has only been a federal holiday in the United States for a little over 150 years, since 1870.

Did you also know: that December 21st 2020 went down in history as the shortest day of the year in the northern hemisphere, which would also make it the longest night?

In 2020, two planets Saturn and Jupiter were in close proximity (it was called the Great Conjunction of the planets Saturn with Jupiter) overlapping in the night sky. (this event was referred to as ‘the Christmas Star 2020’ as NASA reiterated that the two planets were closer than they have been in 400 years)

Scientist also claim that in the year 2020 Saturn and Jupiter were closer than they have been since the 13th Century, which is nearly 720 years!!

It has been recorded by pagans that other gods Saturn, Attis, Bacchus, Dionysus, Helios, Mithras, Nimrod, Perseus, Sol, Tammuz and Zeus were all born on December 25th.

In the Roman Catholic religion the 12 days were a series of feast days practiced in medieval and Tudor England. In Christian theology it was believed to mark the span of time between the birth of Jesus Christ, and the coming of the Magi, (the three wise men).

According to Britannica

“Yule” became a name for Christmas during the 9th century, and in many languages yule and its cognates are still used to describe the holiday—jul in Norwegian, Swedish, and Danish.

Christmas comes to Norway

According to the saga of King Haakon Haraldsson, also known as Haakon the Good, of Norway, who ruled in the 10th century. It was he, who was responsible for merging the Norse Yule celebration and the Christian celebration of Christmas during his reign. Haakon became a Christian after a visit to England, and after his return to Norway he put into law that Yule should be celebrated at the same time as Christmas. Everyone was required to have ale from a measure of grain and enforced to keep the holiday while the ale lasted or else be subjected to a fine.

Did you know: We have been celebrating the new year on January 1st, since 45 BC. Thanks to Julius Caesar’s and the “Julian calendar” which made January 1 the first day of the year.

The Celts (ancient Britons and people of Ireland) believed that their Goddesses lived forever, but that their sun god was born annually at Yule. During Yule, all the gods were honored, especially Odin – who was also referred to as Jólfaðr (Yule Father). The leader of the Wild Hunt.

The Wild Hunt (Yuletide), Led by Odin

Based on the Wild Hunt motif from folklore. In the Scandinavian tradition, the Wild Hunt often consisted of a terrifying procession that hurls across the sky during midwinter to abduct unfortunate people who have failed to find cover or sufficient hiding spaces.

It was believed by them that a host of the dead would ride through the skies, particularly during the twelve nights of yuletide, led by one or more of the gods, making the sounds of strong winds and storms, and taking the souls of the dead or careless wanderers (humans and livestock) with them as they passed.

Many claimed that sacrifices were left for the gods of the Hunt, to ensure that no one would be taken from their homes during this terrifying event?

Wow, are we discussing Christmas or Halloween?

There are multiple different tales but, according to, “Ghost Cities” one aspect of the Wild Hunt legend which remains universal is the belief that witnessing a ‘Wild Hunt’ brings nothing but misfortune to the beholder – these characters are viewed as harbingers of death, plague and destruction. For this reason, folk lock their doors on the nights of the Wild Hunt tides or risked being carried off to the land of the dead or worse, being forced to become part of the spectral cavalcade for all time themselves. Such negative associations have earned the Wild Hunt a variety of ill-sounding nicknames, such as Woden’s Hunt, Cain’s Hunt, the Devil’s Dandy Dogs, and the Hounds of Hell, and in North America, the Ghost Riders.

The hunters are generally the souls of the dead and/or ghostly dogs, sometimes fairies, Valkyries, or elves. Asgårdsreien [The Wild Hunt of Odin]

Hell Hounds were associated with a form of the Wild Hunt, presided over by the fictional character, Gwynn ap Nudd (Satan). Christians came to dub these mythical creatures “The Hounds of Hell” or “Dogs of Hell.”

Christmas in America

Jade McClain wrote, in the Article Who waged the Very First ‘War on Christmas,’ In the past, the custom of giving small gifts consisting of baked-goods, roasted meat, or candy—to friends and family on Christmas day did not extend much beyond Lutheran Northern Europe, but in the mid-19th century, in the English-speaking world, this custom began to pick up with the arrival of Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, a German and a Lutheran, who arrived in Great Britain to marry Queen Victoria in 1840. Along with establishing gift giving as an obligatory Christmas practice within his family, Albert also introduced the British to the Christmas tree, which gradually replaced the more traditional English Yule log as the required Christmas décor in the English-speaking world. 

But note that both the Yule log and the Christmas tree are of pagan origin, and both are false symbols of everlasting light and life which were ironically created to celebrate death and darkness.

Before Christmas became fairy tales, and unicorns, featuring all the sparkling little mythological characters who glitter and glow throughout the season, it was a dark, dreadful time. A time where ungodly people worshiped ungodly things and made sacrifices to demon gods. How this twisted tradition of pagan worship and dark rituals became a time of purity and light is both confusing and horrifying!!

Owr Bayit Shomer