Mythologies are much more than fables and good stories for around the campfire, and that is why we have made certain cultural mythologies an important aspect of Hieronimus & Co. broadcasting on radio and TV. According to some psychologists, myths are heroes in action, and heroes are what our cultures need today to remind us that the individual is the very center of representative government.

A universal hero who acts out his theme of giving and kindness every year is Santa Claus, and if you thought you knew all about the origins of this well-loved legend, then you will be delighted to read When Santa Was a Shaman: The Ancient Origins of Santa Claus and the Christmas Tree, and discover the image of a wise and kind giver of gifts dates back much further than the birth of St. Nicholas in the fifth century. Written by Tony Van Renterghem and published by Llewellyn Publications, this book traces historical references to a Santa-like figure back 10,000 years.

Renterghem served eight years in The Netherlands Armed Forces, including four years in the resistance during the German WWII occupation. In 1948, he emigrated to the U.S. where he spent 30 years in the motion picture and TV industry as assistant cameraman, actor, advisor and writer for several major studios. As Hollywood's top historical researcher, he served as technical advisor and personal assistant to director George Stevens, Sr., on "Diary of Anne Frank" and "The Greatest Story Ever Told." As you can see, not only is Renterghem not a newcomer to historical research, but his experience with presenting history in an entertaining manner also paid off in this book.

Reminding us that rituals were a means of teaching before speech, Renterghem begins with a review of Gaia, the Shaman, and the birth of myth. He shows how the symbols of our 20th century Christmas can be seen in an expanding light. The Christmas tree can be linked to the tree of fire or the tree of knowledge; mistletoe can be linked to the symbol of lightning, fire and sex and so on.

This book is worth the modest $16.95 for the gorgeous illustrations alone, many of which we've never seen before. There is a beautiful full-color centerfold depicting the family tree of Santa Clauses beginning in 10,000 B.C.E. with the horned shaman, Herne, the Spirit of the Great Hunt, and tracing how he evolved into Pan for the Indo-European Culture (8000-4500 B.C.E.) and Greek Era (2000 B.C.E.), into Cernunnos for the Celtic Culture (1000-750 B.C.E.), through the Roman, Germanic/Nordic Cultures and up to the 20th Century and the Cult of Saint Nicholas.

"In the early Middle Ages," says Renterghem, "the Catholic Saint Nicholas was supposed to take the place of the pagan gods whose feasts had been celebrated on his saint's day. In actuality, the customs of the pagan Herne/Pan and the Nordic/Germanic god Wodan blended with those of the saint."

Interestingly he adds, "the modern, international (commercial) Santa Claus originated in the United States, then spread worldwide in 1932 as part of the Coca Cola Company's (and other commercial) advertising."

If you are a seeker of knowledge about the origins of mythological traditions, you will cherish this book as a meaningful and original contribution to understanding the Great Spirit which we know today as Santa. Although Christian fundamentalists often prefer to cling unquestioningly to the traditional folklore of Christmas, this book is still an excellent adventure for those of mature mind who seek a deeper meaning to God and nature.

Renterghem points out that although the myth of Santa Claus has been strong enough to survive the onslaught of hostile invaders and organized religion, it is in danger of falling before the god of Western commercialism. He closes with a reminder that it is up to us "individually and jointly to initiate the necessary changes to revitalize the old myth and bring nature and knowledge back into a state of harmony."

Tony Van Renterghem will be our guest on 21^st Century Radio on 12/10/95.

When Santa Was a Shaman: The Ancient Origins of Santa Claus and the Christmas Tree ($16.95) from Llewellyn Publications, phone: 1-800-THE-MOON.

From Hieronimus & Co. Newsletter, Vol. 1, No. 2