Seasonal Lore

In the oldest African and Asian lore, the dark spirits, and those we consider more light based, were not warring factions. In Chinese lore, demons were often the administrators of justice. They were known as Oni, and although trouble makers when off duty, they could be and were moved by the mandate of heaven to act against unrighteous individuals.

The seasons of long night were the season of the dead. So winter being the season of death, it might seem natural to associate it with spooks and monsters. But as dark and depressing as the winter season is, that spirit of hope that visits us sometimes is very real. Wise in it’s way. And the spirit of hope doesn’t belong to any particular power or person. Even Krampus can bring you a gift, and it might be in some ways more valuable than the sweet sentimentality of Santa.

“It’s Christmas Day! said Scrooge to himself. “I haven’t missed it. The Spirits have done it all in one night. They can do anything they like. Of course they can. Of course they can.” Charles Dickens (English novelist, 1812-1870)