Ellen Lloyd – AncientPages.com – When Christmas approaches, children wait impatiently for Santa Claus to bring them gifts. Kids are taught misbehaving children receive coal on the night of Christmas Eve, but those who have been kind will get toys and candy. Santa Claus, also known as Father Christmas and Saint Nicholas is a legendary figure in Western Christian culture, but in some countries, there are other figures who are responsible for delivering Christmas gifts.
Basque children await the arrival of Olentzero, the kind Christmas giant who brings them gifts. Credit: txakel – Adobe Stock
In Italy children eagerly count the days to the coming of La Befana on Epiphany, the Twelfth Night of Christmas. La Befana is a good broomstick riding witch who delivers gifts to children.
La Befana has been an Italian Christmas tradition at least since the eighth century is celebrated every year on January 6.
The Basques, who are one of the oldest ethnic groups in Europe live in a mountainous land between Spain and France. Their traditions and customs and are distinctly their own, but they often reflect Pagan and Christian beliefs.
Giants are often mentioned in Basque mythology as they believe these huge beings roamed the Earth a very long time ago. One famous giant remembered by the Basque was Basajaun who was a blacksmith and the one who learned people the secrets of agriculture.
The Basques also have a wonderful legend about the Christmas giant Olentzero. It’s an unusual story because Olentzero who was said to be one of a race of mythical giants known as Jentilak who lived alongside humans thousands of years ago was never meant to be associated with Christmas.
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