About This Book
This work surveys the legends, histories, and customs surrounding Saint Nicholas and the development of modern winter gift-bringers and festivities. It collects medieval and folk tales about the saint, traces the evolution of the Christ-child and gift-bringer figures, and examines pagan antecedents and seasonal rites such as Saturnalia and related deities. Chapters follow the spread of the Christmas tree and its rituals across Europe and into England and America, recount traditions like the visit of the Magi and Twelfth Night, and describe pantomime, Father Christmas, and regional variations of St. Nicholas observances, combining anecdote, iconography, and historical commentary.
About the Author
More Books by This Author
2 picks
You May Also Like
6 picks
!Tention: A Story of Boy-Life during the Peninsular War
by George Manville Fenn
"Boy" the Wandering Dog: Adventures of a Fox-Terrier
by Marshall Saunders
"Carrots:" Just a Little Boy
by Mrs. Molesworth
"Granny's Chapters" (on scriptural subjects) / The New Testament, with a Sketch of the Subsequent History of the Jews.
by Lady Mary Ross
"Great-Heart": The Life Story of Theodore Roosevelt
by Daniel Henderson
"Say Fellows—" / Fifty Practical Talks with Boys on Life's Big Issues
by Wade C. Smith

