cover of episode “BEWARE THE BODACH AT CHRISTMAS” and More Scary True Yule Tales! #WeirdDarkness #HolidayHorrors

“BEWARE THE BODACH AT CHRISTMAS” and More Scary True Yule Tales! #WeirdDarkness #HolidayHorrors

2024/12/15
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Weird Darkness: Stories of the Paranormal, Supernatural, Legends, Lore, Mysterious, Macabre, Unsolved

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Darren Marlar
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本节探讨了圣诞节讲鬼故事的古老传统,追溯到数千年前的冬至庆祝活动和异教传统。从古代的“野性狩猎”传说到维多利亚时代定制的冬季鬼故事,再到狄更斯《圣诞颂歌》等文学作品的影响,鬼故事一直是圣诞节庆祝活动的一部分。 讲故事的传统在现代社会中依然存在,人们通过讲述超自然故事来增强节日气氛,并探索对未知的恐惧、对失去的渴望和对安全的追求。 节目主持人Darren Marlar详细阐述了圣诞节鬼故事的演变过程,从古代的异教传统到维多利亚时代的文学作品,再到现代的各种形式,并分析了这种传统延续至今的原因。他指出,在充满不确定性和快速变化的现代社会,季节性的鬼故事依然能够满足人们对超自然现象的渴望,并带来独特的节日体验。

Deep Dive

Key Insights

Why is mistletoe associated with kissing during Christmas?

According to Norse legend, mistletoe was involved in the death of Baldur, a beloved god. His mother, Frigg, declared that mistletoe should no longer bring sorrow but instead spread joy and love, leading to the tradition of kissing under the mistletoe.

What is the origin of the Yule Log tradition?

The Yule Log originated as a ritual in Viking celebrations of Yule, where a specially selected tree was burned to ensure warmth throughout the longest night of the year, symbolizing the return of the sun.

How did the Viking festival of Yule influence modern Christmas traditions?

Many Viking Yule traditions, such as the Yule Log, evergreen trees, and the celebration of the winter solstice, were integrated into Christmas celebrations as Christianity spread across Europe. The festival of Yule and Christmas became synonymous, blending their traditions.

What happened to Oliver Lurch during a Christmas party in 1890?

Oliver Lurch disappeared under mysterious circumstances while fetching water from a well. His screams were heard from the sky, and his footprints in the snow suddenly stopped, leaving no trace of his whereabouts.

Why do some Irish and Scottish children fear the Bodach at Christmas?

The Bodach is a Gaelic figure described as a ghost or trickster who enters homes through chimneys to kidnap naughty children. Stories of the Bodach are often told to frighten children into good behavior.

What was the tragic event at the Babbs Switch School in 1924?

A fire broke out during a Christmas program, killing 36 people, including several entire families. The fire spread quickly due to open flames and blocked exits, leaving many trapped inside the schoolhouse.

How did pioneers in the Old West celebrate Christmas in the 1800s?

Pioneers celebrated Christmas with homemade decorations, modest feasts, and handmade gifts. They often decorated with evergreens, baked festive foods, and exchanged simple, heartfelt presents among family and neighbors.

What is the lost tradition of telling ghost stories at Christmas?

Telling ghost stories at Christmas dates back to ancient pagan traditions and was popularized by Victorian authors like Charles Dickens. It was a way to entertain during long winter nights and evoke a sense of fear and wonder.

Why are there so many reported sightings of Santa Claus?

Many people report seeing Santa Claus, often at the age of seven, due to vivid memories or genuine experiences. Some sightings involve hearing sleigh bells or seeing a red light, suggesting a mix of psychological and possibly paranormal phenomena.

What role did Odin play in the Viking festival of Yule?

Odin, known as Jolnar during Yule, was a central figure in Viking celebrations. He led the Wild Hunt across the night sky, and rituals were held to appease him and other gods through sacrifices and festivities.

Chapters
Exploring the ancient tradition of telling ghost stories during Christmas, which goes back to the winter solstice and has evolved over the centuries.
  • Christmas ghost stories date back thousands of years, rooted in winter solstice celebrations.
  • Victorians popularized the tradition by relating it specifically to the festive season.
  • Charles Dickens' 'A Christmas Carol' is the most notable story of the period, highlighting both ghostly hauntings and social issues.
  • M.R. James continued the tradition with Gothic tales, influencing modern horror writers like Stephen King.
  • The tradition offers a chilling contrast to the feel-good festive spirit.

Shownotes Transcript

Darkness Syndicate members get the ad-free version. https://weirddarkness.com/syndicate)Info on the next LIVE SCREAM event. https://weirddarkness.com/LiveScream)Info on the next WEIRDO WATCH PARTY event. https://weirddarkness.com/TV)IN THIS EPISODE: Earlier this month I shared some true reports of people seeing Kris Kringle – or what appeared to be Kris Kringle – in real life. But there are many more of those strange sightings to share! (More Real Santa Sightings) *** Christmas has been celebrated for centuries, and gift-giving has been around in America since well before the Civil War. But how we celebrate and what we give changes depending on the time. We’ll take a look at what Christmas was like for American pioneers in the 1800s. (Christmas in The Old West) *** At a Christmas party the revelers heard a horrifying scream from outside. They rushed out to hear the screams were coming from the sky, at least above the rooftops. But how could that be? It was then that they learned Oliver Lerch had disappeared – never to be seen again. (The Christmas Disappearance of Oliver Lerch) *** Nothing says Christmas like a poisonous weed! Well… you explain mistletoe! We’ll look at why we’re supposed to kiss under this deadly plant during the holidays. (A Kiss Under the Mistletoe) *** A horrible fire breaks out at an Oklahoma school during the holidays of 1924 – and the ghosts of the children still linger at the site. (Ghosts of the Babbs Switch School Christmas Fire) *** You might be celebrating Christmas like a viking and not even realize it. From the holiday ham to the evergreen in your living room, we’ll look at how the pagan celebration of Yule influenced modern Christmas traditions. (How To Celebrate Christmas Like a Viking) *** Kids in America anxiously await the arrival of Santa Claus bounding down the chimney with gifts and candy for the good little boys and girls. But that’s America. What comes down the chimney of Irish and Scottish kids may not be so jolly, plump, and loving. Some Gaelic children have to watch out for the Bodach. (Beware the Bodach at Christmas) *** It’s something we’re trying to revive here on Weird Darkness… the lost tradition of telling ghost stories at Christmas. (The Lost Tradition of Telling Ghost Stories) *** (Originally aired December 16, 2021)SOURCES AND ESSENTIAL WEB LINKS…“The Lost Tradition of Christmas Ghost Stories” from Conspiracy Journal: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/36dxj4kt), Sally O’Reilly for Ancient Pages: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/2mfh29mk), YourGhostStories.com: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/2p93r34c), LiveAbout.com: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/539cmfv6)“The Christmas Disappearance of Oliver Lerch” from AnomalyInfo.com: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/59t2mysv)“How To Celebrate Christmas Like a Viking” by Morgan Dunn for All That’s Interesting: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/2p88mev7)“More Real Santa Sightings” by Rob Schwarz for Stranger Dimensions: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/yvdt2ww6)“Ghosts of the Babbs Switch School Christmas Fire” by Troy Taylor: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/dnmhehha)“Beware the Bodach at Christmas” by Ellen Lloyd for Ancient Pages: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/2p85afxx)“Christmas in The Old West” by Kathy Weiser for Legends of America: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/bddzbyfk)“A Kiss Under the Mistletoe” by Troy Taylor: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/2jv3u98a)Visit our Sponsors & Friends: https://weirddarkness.com/sponsors)Join the Weird Darkness Syndicate: https://weirddarkness.com/syndicate)Advertise in the Weird Darkness podcast or syndicated radio show: https://weirddarkness.com/advertise)= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =Weird Darkness theme by Alibi Music Library. 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