Elves were originally seen to be the creation of Germanic paganism who thought them to be light creatures who lived in the heavens. Elves have been depicted as male or female, tiny or dwarf-like, youthful and immortal with magical powers. Later they were often referred to as living underground, in forests, springs and wells. Elves generally were magical beings who could control what people see as well as experience. Elves and fairies are also highly associated with the mushroom “Amanita Muscaria” also referred to as “magic mushrooms” not only in art but in Psychedelic experiences.
Elves already a tradition associated with story telling and magic, was by the mid-1800’s revealed by the Scandinavian’s that their true purpose was to help Father Christmas. The elves could be helpful however their mischievousness was still event in story telling. Tales suggested that how you were treated by the elves depended on whether the person was thought to be naughty or nice! Particularly in America the diminutive, green with pointy ears type are depicted as Santa’s helpers making toys in his workshop at the North Pole.
According to some legends and post-Christian folklore especially in Europe, elves are mischievous pranksters who make special appearances during the lead up to Christmas. For example “Albtraum” is a German word for nightmare which also means “elf dream”. Earlier the word meant “elf pressure” as it was believed that nightmares are a result of an elf sitting on the dreamer’s head! Elves also were believed to braid people’s hair while sleeping, make milk sour and run off with sausages. People of Denmark, Sweden, Finland and Norway believed that a bowl of porridge left out would prevent elves from playing tricks on people especially during the festive season! Today, elves associated with Christmas are symbols to remind children to be good and not naughty!
Modern Yuletide Defenders – Elves in Black!
In the modern world we now have the latest Yuletide defenders called the Elves in Black (E.I.B.). They say they are commissioned to protect the spirit of Christmas. Their dress code is black and they declare to be are armed with elfin intellect, tools, charm and good looks. They defend the spirit of Christmas against naysayers including grinches, heat mizers, scrooges and of late pure commercialism. They are sworn by the EIB code and must remain unseen whilst defending the spirit of Christmas! Children all over the world can now join and be a member of the world’s most elite team dedicated to keeping the spirit alive. Once joined kids are issued with official EIB Agent Certification and receive fun training! To join the club visit: http://www.christmas.com/pe/6 This is a really fun way for children to get into the spirit of Christmas and enjoy the virtues of the elves!
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When is the best time to go holiday shopping?
By: carli | 25-11-2007
When is the best time to go holiday shopping in the states? When are the best sales, before or after Christmas?
What was the best part of your Thanksgiving? Good stories?
By: gobblegobble | 25-11-2007
What was the best part of your Thanksgiving? Any good stories?
Do you love the Christmas atmosphere?
By: deadhead | 25-11-2007
Do you think the "Christmas season/spirit" that starts the day after Thanksgiving is refreshing/inspiring or annoying? (ex. the songs on the radio, the decorations everywhere, the malls, the gift specials, etc.)
What should I give my girlfriend's family for Hanukkah?
By: nickr | 25-11-2007
What should I get my girlfriend's family for Hanukkah? My family celebrates Christmas and I have never been to a Hanukkah celebration before and am going to their house for the first night.
What is a good Christmas gift to give to a family?
By: Jackyp | 25-11-2007
What is an appropriate Christmas gift to give to a friend's family who has invited me to join in the festivities at their house? Do I need to get individual gifts for each family member or one gift for them all to share?
I'm an overeater who just got caught! pls help!
By: zagameza | 24-11-2007
i've been married almost 2 years and my husband has no idea i have an eating problem. (i've been very good at hiding it all this time.) but last night, i got caught binge eating. he called me out on it and now thinks he knows that i cannot control my eating.
i'm embarrassed and sad as i know i've gained weight in the past few months. i need help. i've tried overeaters anonymous meetings but they dont work for me. any suggestions?
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