"A Haunting Look at Christmas Past: 'The Dead of Winter' by Sarah Clegg"
In the midst of a festive season dominated by family gatherings, holiday feasts, and jolly old men in red suits, a lesser-known chapter in the history of Christmas remains shrouded in mystery. Historian and folklorist Sarah Clegg delves into the darker side of winter with "The Dead of Winter: The Demons, Witches and Ghosts of Christmas". This chilling tale reveals unsettling midwinter traditions and stories that fell out of favor during the Victorian era.
Clegg's own journey into this uncharted territory begins on a pre-dawn walk to a graveyard on Christmas Eve, as she recreates an ancient Swedish tradition called "årsgång" or "year walk". This eerie practice promises glimpses into one's future, accompanied by "shadowy enactments of the burials of anyone who will die in the village this coming year". The author's vivid narration transports listeners to a world where darkness reigns and the supernatural lurks around every corner.
One can't help but feel the thrill of mischief as Clegg recounts tales of horned figures rampaging through the streets on Krampus night, dawn solstice rituals at Stonehenge, and horse's skulls mounted on sticks in Chepstow. The sinister stories of an Icelandic ogress who kidnaps people and turns them into stew for Yule, alongside witches who torment naughty children, send chills down the spine.
The voice of Antonia Beamish provides a perfect counterpoint to Clegg's unsettling narratives. Her deadpan delivery heightens the sense of unease as she brings these outlandish seasonal happenings to life. As Clegg notes, "look a little closer, you'll find that Christmas teems with monsters".
While the modern notion of Christmas has become synonymous with warmth and festivity, "The Dead of Winter" shines a light on a forgotten era when this holiday was shrouded in darkness and terror. This audiotape is an unmissable treat for those who prefer their holiday tales served with a side of macabre and the unknown.
In the midst of a festive season dominated by family gatherings, holiday feasts, and jolly old men in red suits, a lesser-known chapter in the history of Christmas remains shrouded in mystery. Historian and folklorist Sarah Clegg delves into the darker side of winter with "The Dead of Winter: The Demons, Witches and Ghosts of Christmas". This chilling tale reveals unsettling midwinter traditions and stories that fell out of favor during the Victorian era.
Clegg's own journey into this uncharted territory begins on a pre-dawn walk to a graveyard on Christmas Eve, as she recreates an ancient Swedish tradition called "årsgång" or "year walk". This eerie practice promises glimpses into one's future, accompanied by "shadowy enactments of the burials of anyone who will die in the village this coming year". The author's vivid narration transports listeners to a world where darkness reigns and the supernatural lurks around every corner.
One can't help but feel the thrill of mischief as Clegg recounts tales of horned figures rampaging through the streets on Krampus night, dawn solstice rituals at Stonehenge, and horse's skulls mounted on sticks in Chepstow. The sinister stories of an Icelandic ogress who kidnaps people and turns them into stew for Yule, alongside witches who torment naughty children, send chills down the spine.
The voice of Antonia Beamish provides a perfect counterpoint to Clegg's unsettling narratives. Her deadpan delivery heightens the sense of unease as she brings these outlandish seasonal happenings to life. As Clegg notes, "look a little closer, you'll find that Christmas teems with monsters".
While the modern notion of Christmas has become synonymous with warmth and festivity, "The Dead of Winter" shines a light on a forgotten era when this holiday was shrouded in darkness and terror. This audiotape is an unmissable treat for those who prefer their holiday tales served with a side of macabre and the unknown.
back in the day. This "årsgång" tradition sounds soooo creepy, like something out of a bad dream 
. And Krampus night? That's like something my grandpa would've told scary stories about after a few too many cups of hot cocoa 
️. But I guess that's what makes this so fascinating - it's like uncovering the weird, dark side of Christmas traditions that were thought to be lost forever 
. The story has such a strong atmosphere to it, too... it's like you're right there with Sarah Clegg exploring all these spooky old places 
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it's like, totally different from what we're used to during christmas season. i mean, who knew that christmas had a dark side? 
️ the author takes us on this journey through midwinter traditions and stories that were thought to be forgotten... and let me tell you, it's wild 
from krampus nights to witches tormenting naughty kids, it's like she's uncovering secrets we never knew existed 
u gotta listen to this one if ur into the spooky side of christmas 
. And then there's this Icelandic ogress who just kidnaps people and turns 'em into stew... talk about a holiday dinner that'll make you wanna gag 
. It's like, how did we go from all that to Santa Claus bringin' us presents and cookies? 
️ I guess it's good to have a reminder of where Christmas came from, even if it is a bit dark and weird 
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, but at the same time, I'm all about how we've "tamed" it into this super merry & bright celebration 
It's kinda awesome to see some of the darker, older traditions still lurking around. But, on the flip side, I think it's kinda weird that we're so quick to dismiss the more "sinister" aspects of Christmas in favor of all things sparkly & festive 
Anyway, I'm def gonna give this audiobook a listen – sounds like it's gonna be a wild ride! 
, I'd defo wanna know more about that Icelandic ogress 
it's all about the dark history and old pagan traditions that got ditched during victorian era anyway u think its weird how modern christmass is so... cheerful? 
i mean what happened to the horned guys & witches & ghosts? that stuff was way more fascinating imo
. And can we talk about Antonia Beamish's delivery? 
. I must admit, I was on the edge of my seat as she recounted tales of Krampus and other horned figures rampaging through the streets, sending shivers down my spine 
. All in all, "The Dead of Winter" is an absolute must-listen for anyone looking to shake up their holiday listening routine 
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. I'm definitely adding this to my holiday playlist, it's like nothing I've ever heard before 
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. And what I love about this podcast is how it's not just telling scary stories, but also exploring the cultural context behind them, which adds so much depth and complexity 
and those horned figures rampaging through the streets on krampus night are giving me LIFE 
️️️️️️️️️️️ and how ppl used to celebrate it with all these creepy traditions 
and the horned figure Krampus who's supposed to punish naughty kids 
