Helmoquinth, Anthuor!

The Hypogeum is Open!

Winter Solstice Traditions of Ancient Quatria

According to Quatrian tradition, the Winter Solstice marks the opening of the Hypogeum for the longest period of the year. The Hypogeum stays open until January 5th (or 6th, in some places), during which time Anthuor and the Magicians enter our world to round up the theriomorphic monsters who emerged during the Opening on All Soul’s Night.

Legend has it that Quatrian villagers who lived in colder climes would travel through the forest on this day, and would clear away the entrance to their local hypogeic antechamber. Two children would enter the cave and find that the braziers within were ablaze with a mysterious fire. They would then call out, and the oldest two people in the area would enter after them with a torch crafted from the tree which grew closest to the entrance.

The elders would light the torch from the glowing braziers, and carry the fire to the center of town, where an enormous log covered in evergreen leaves awaited them. They would ceremoniously set the log ablaze, and, as it burned through, each household would carry a piece of the burning log into their home to start a fire which would be tended for four days. The ashes from this fire were sprinkled on the home garden, a small amount each day after, for twelve days, providing the Blessings of Anthuor and the Maiden to the Life Force dwelling under the soil.

This vintage card illustrates a remnant of the Quatrian regard for roots, in which plants store their life force during the winter months

During this time, as Anthuor and the Magicians traveled the world rounding up the monsters, gifts were exchanged daily in celebration of each day passed in safety. Householders would also decorate their abodes with green plants, often erecting a small tree in the main quarters. Hand-made ornaments representing good wishes for the coming season were hung on the tree. By bringing green plants indoors, the Quatrians ritually acknowledged the indwelling of the Life Force, even during the coldest times, when monsters roamed the world outside.

The Santa myth turns Quatrian legend on its head, as originally Anthuor — the Deer — would lead a team of eight Magicians!

Finally, on January 5, there would be a great Parade, where the Magicians would ritually march the captured monsters through town as the entire population filled the streets in a joyful festival.

A pagan winter parade in Italy: echoes of our Quatrian heritage

The monsters would rush the crowd, to the delighted squeals of the children, until the Magicians would ritually bind them. Finally, the whole village would return to the entrance to the hypogeum. The Magicians would lead the theriomorphic monsters back under the ground, where they would remain until the following fall. Returning home, children who had been well-behaved throughout the year would discover a basket of toys and sweets left by the Magicians.

Traces of these traditions can be found in many of our current winter festivities, from the Yule Log to the Christmas Tree to Krampus to “Three Kings Day,” when children receive gifts from “Magi.”