Silenus, Greek God of Wine, on Chariot with Leopards. The Greek god Silenus was tutor to Dionysus, the Greek god of agriculture and wine, and one of the Greek counterparts to the Roman god Saturn. Silenus, known for white beard, round stomach, and jolly nature, traveled in a sleigh
to St. Nicholas
A Slavic figure associated with the winter solstice
Pagan gods in Slavic regions
Christmas in Christendom,” Harper’s New Monthly Magazine – January 1873
Rode an eight-legged flying horse named Slepinar
The Roman God of Agriculture
The earliest New Year’s or Midwinter ceremonies were in Mesopotamia
In Santa Claus: Last of the Wild Men, Phyllis Seifker argues