Unhappy New Year: Santa Claus? Evil spirit. Snow Maiden? Victim. Garlands? Oh, no.

By no means, New Year tree is one of the main attributes of Christmas holidays. But do you know the roots of this tradition? And what in general once meant the adornment of trees on winter holidays? I'll tell you.

And yes, we do not take into account the classic Christmas tree, which the Germans began to promote in the 18th century. We dive a bit deeper. After all, all the traditions have started from something.

So, in ancient Celts, spruce was considered to be a sacred tree. They thought that it is evergreen and therefore conceals the secret of immortality. And that there are very powerful and correct spirits in it. Accordingly, the ancient mystics believed that spruce could save people from the evil winter spirits. Well, the winters were definitely harder then - people were dying a lot and qualitatively.

Accordingly, with the help of spruces, it was customary to indulge the evil spirits of winter. Led by different kinds of ancient evil deities. For example the Great Elder of Winter (here you are, Santa Claus). Who never was good and all his gifts were extremely deadly.

So, every settlement chose the most beautiful, old and large spruce in the forest. In their opinion, in such tree lived the coolest protective spirit. Who was able to nail the evil winter spirits to the wall. But this sacred defensive system had to be "activated". Traditionally in the old days, with an exclusive human sacrifice.

So that guys chose the most beautiful virgin in the village, and tied her to the festive tree, leaving overnight. The victim, of course, was taken by "spirits" and by morning her corpse was turning into a real Snow Maiden. Well, hello another fairy-tale girl!

But the maximum effect was when the forest animals found the girl and tore her body. Then the spruce was decorated with пгеы, and everyone was happy that the good forest spirits accepted the sacrifice and promised their protection. These "garlands" had to hang until the end of the winter period, giving hope to common people. So sweet!

Of course, with the advent of Christianity, all these customs were rigidly eradicated. Such murders appeared to be a thing of the past, and the tree began to be decorated with apples, bread, flowers and dried berries.

But we know that the Great Elder of Winter does not sleep. And the spirits in the old trees still wait for their gifts. Think about it, when you will light garlands on the Christmas tree for the next time.

And do not believe Santa Claus. Never. And remember, spring will come. But there everything is also very difficult.