S3 E29 Jingle Bells and Peculiar Tales: The Strange History of Christmas Traditions

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Dive into the chilling shadows of the holiday season with this special Christmas episode of Dark History. Beneath the twinkling lights and festive cheer lies a world of strange, eerie, and unsettling traditions that have shaped the way we celebrate. Join Rob as he unravels the mysteries of Christmas past—from the dark and dehumanizing jobs of Victorian mudlarks to the sinister legends of Greek Christmas monsters, the Kallikantzaroi.

Explore the ancient magic of mistletoe, its ties to Druidic rituals, and its surprising role in medieval justice. Discover the grim origins of mince pies, once crafted with meat and blood, and learn how leaving out milk and cookies for Santa evolved from acts of survival and generosity. And finally, delve into the unruly roots of caroling, where wassailers wielded songs as both festive pleas and thinly veiled threats.

This episode will forever change the way you see the holiday season. So, grab your hot cocoa, settle by the fire, and prepare for a journey into the dark heart of Christmas.

Merry Christmas, and remember—history is never as bright as it seems. 

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Step into the shadows of the past—where truth is more disturbing than fiction. The Dark History Podcast drags the forgotten, the forbidden, and the downright horrifying stories of our world into the light. From blood-soaked streets of Victorian London to the twisted minds of history’s most ruthless figures, every episode plunges you into an immersive narrative built on meticulous research and haunting detail.

Hosted by Rob Bradley, Dark History doesn’t just tell stories—it makes you feel them. Each episode unravels real events that shaped our world in ways you were never taught, told through vivid storytelling that grips you from the first word to the last breath.

History isn’t always written by the victors. Sometimes, it’s whispered from the gallows, buried beneath ruins, or etched in blood.

If you crave the truth behind the horror, and the stories history tried to forget—welcome to The Dark History Podcast.

Merch:
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