The Dark Origins of Christmas: Demons, Witches & Twelfth Night

A talk exploring the ancient origins and darker folklore of Christmas, from St Lucy and Roman festivals to demons, witches and Twelfth Night, followed by a Q&A.

This talk delves into the ancient spiritual origins and lesser-known histories of European midwinter festivities, tracing Christmas back to rituals of darkness, light and rebirth. It covers the story of St Lucy, Roman festivals such as Kalends, Saturnalia and Sol Invictus, and the shadowy figures of the season — fairies, demons and witches — including Father Christmas's forgotten darker side. It closes with Twelfth Night, once called Mischief Night, featuring the witch Befana and the Wild Hunt over Britain. Each date ends with a Q&A.