"Old Man Winter" "Father Winter"

Posted by ESC on December 16, 2006

In Reply to: "Old Man Winter" posted by ESC on December 16, 2006

: : : Where did the phrase "Old Man Winter" come from.

: : Like so many other things, the seasons have often been personified. Which one gets to be the charming and seductive woman is open, but for the dour, blustery, punishing end of the year, an old man seems an apt personification, although there may have been others.
: : As to who started it, I haven't a clue.
: : SS

: I've been looking but I haven't found it.

Father Winter (Old Man Winter), like the elfish creature Jack Frost, is a personification of winter. In Russian folklore, Old Man Winter is known as Morozko.

Christmas, a festival of peace and reconciliation, has helped European cultures to preserve many of their ancient beliefs and practices. 'Father Winter', for example, has survived as 'Santa Claus', while evergreen tree worship survives in the adoration of the Christmas Tree. Such Christmas-time customs present patterns that non-Christians also may recognize. livingheritage.org/ pole-spirits.htm

Father Winter is an ancient Pagan figure more commonly known as Santa Clause. In olden times he gave fruit, plants, and magical herbs. Today, people buy gifts for Father Winter to give to children. In olden times he was said to have worn a cape and delivered his gifts on a white horse, a symbol of the Goddess. www.starfirescircle.com/ yule.html (Sites accessed December 16, 2006)

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