It is true, as mentioned, that the tradition of replacing a ruler (later, any leader, government official or rich person) with a commoner could be traced from the Babylonians through the Greeks, who then passed it on to the Romans, and having it end up as the Misrule in England and America as a celebration of the Christmas season. There were differences, however. Especially in the earlier celebrations of the Sacaea in Persia and Greece.
Take, for instance the family of Hooshmand, who operated what would later be called a caravanseri some fifty miles to the northwest of ancient Persepolis in approximately 490BC during the reign of the Persian King, Darius the Great. The caravan route between Persepolis and Pasargadae was heavily traveled and Hooshmand was a wealthy man. It is midwinter in Persia as Hooshmand gathered his family and slaves at the beginning of the festival of Sacaea.
The old man stood on a wooden dais and raised both hands to quiet the crowd of people in the great hall. He and the rest of his family were dressed in the attire of slaves.
“My family and loyal servants. It is time to begin the sacred celebration of Sacaea. I remind you that the business of the caravanseri must continue to be carried out with as little interruption as possible. As in the past, I rely on the integrity of my servants to carry on the rich traditions of this family and faithfully pursue the business as if it were your very own.”
Hooshmand’s family consisted of his three wives, fifteen children ten of whom were married with children of their own, six brothers, their wives and children, four sisters, along with their families, plus an assortment of cousins, half-cousins, their families and a collection of concubines. About one hundred-fifty Greek slaves served the family of the caravanseri.
Both family and slaves listened with growing anticipation. Wineskins were already being passed around and the smells from the kitchen foretold of the fabulous feasts that all were looking forward to with great expectancy.
“As you know, Erechtheus, our House Master has been given my position during this year’s Sacaea. Pythia, my daughter Marjan’s mistress, will act as his wife. Erechtheus has assigned the various positions of the household to the rest of you. My family looks forward to serving you during the Sacaea.”
With that a roar of approval erupted from the crowd. Tables bearing fine robes and head pieces were uncovered and the servants selected articles of clothing suitable to their new station. People were congratulating Erechtheus with thumps to his back as the wine flowed even more freely. Dressed in their new finery, the slaves took charge of the caravanseri, shouting orders as the new ‘servants’ bowed in submission and readied themselves for the 12 days of work ahead.
Although the household of Eryximachos of Rhodes went through a similar transformation, young Pervica had something more malevolent on her mind.
Pervica was newly married and with child. It was not a good time of the year to bring forth children. During the 12 days of the Sacaea, the Kallikantzaroi, a species of goblins emerged from the center of the Earth to slip into people's houses down their chimneys. More mischievous than actually evil, they would snuff out fires, ride upon people's backs, braid the tails of horses, sour the mild, and other such pranks. To counter the Kallikantzaroi, Thessala, Pervica's mother, made sure that a small wooden bowl with piece of wire suspended across the rim containing water and a sprig of basil was set on the main table. Water from the bowl was sprinkled throughout the house as a defense against the Kallikantzaroi. Also old shoes were burned in the family's fireplace so the smell would be a detraction.
But it was not the Kallikantzaroi themselves that Pervica feared. It was well known that any child born during the Sacaea runs the risk of becoming a Kallikantzaroi.
To distract her from her fears, Thessala sent Pervica on a slave's mission with a donkey to the miller to ground some corn meal for the festival. After arriving, Pervica called out for the Miller to help her unload the two bags of corn to be milled. When no one answered, she entered in search of him only to find him tied to his chair inside.
A number of black, hairy, Kallikantzaroi with glairing red eyes, huge heads, and blood red tongues hanging out reached for her with their monkey arms and long fingers ending in dangerous curved nails. They seized her and began arguing amongst themselves over which should have her for their own.
Pervica overcame her fears and told them she would become the wife of the one who presented her with the finest bridal gifts. They immediately dispersed to look for fine clothing and jewelry.
Pervica went to work grinding the corn. Each time a Kallikantzaroi returned, she sent him on a fresh errand for something more. When she completed her grinding, she loaded the mule with the two sacks of meal. She clothed herself in the wealthy attire, gold and jewels that the Kallikantzaroi had already brought, covered herself with a sack and headed home.
She eluded the Kallikantzaroi, who pursued her, and made it safely to her abode. One of them came to the door later and found a colander on the stoop. He sat down, fascinated by the object and began to count the holes. But because he could not get past the number 2, he soon became frustrated, dropped the utensil and left.
Pervica breathed a sigh of relief and told her tale to her mother. She thought, if I do give birth during the Sacaea I will most certainly singe the toenails of my little one so he will not become one of those creatures.
An interesting footnote to this story is the Kallikantzaroi method of entering a home by climbing down the chimney. Another link to Christmas as we celebrate it today.
It is true, as mentioned, that the tradition of replacing a ruler (later, any leader, government official or rich person) with a commoner could be traced from the Babylonians through the Greeks, who then passed it on to the Romans, and having it end up as the Misrule in England and America as a celebration of the Christmas season. There were differences, however. Especially in the earlier celebrations of the Sacaea in Persia and Greece.
