Modern Myths And Pagan Minnesota

Come celebrate the winter season - Minnesota style. In other words, the St. Paul Winter Carnival is upon us! With the Carnival running for 10 days, Minnesotans have many opportunities to give up their need for a comfortable temperature and spend a few hours outdoors enjoying winter during one of the coldest months of the year.

What I find interesting about this local celebration of winter is it's set of myths, which were written in the 1930's. There is definitely a Pagan flavor to them. The legend behind the festivities of the St. Paul Winter Carnival starts with:

A long, long time ago, Astraious, the god of Starlight, and Eos, the goddess of the Rosy Fingered Morn, were wed. The union was blessed with five sons: Boreas, Titan, Euros, Zephyrus and Notos

This next week and half (or so) includes the pageantry of the Queen of the Snows and the Princesses, as well as the singing talent of Klondike Kate among part of the festivities. Another favorite activity, which started yesterday, is the treasure hunt with it's elaborate, daily clues. However, even though I have loved this local ritual of Minnesota since I was a child, I think I still fear the Vulcans.