One such tradition, also heavily under attack, is Black Pete (Zwarte Piet) in the Low Countries, a tradition stemming from the Germanic Wotan cult.

The current way Black Pete is depicted is based on images of Moors from the 13th century, which were widely known in Europe back then. However, the origin of both Black Pete and Saint Nicholas in this tradition, which he accompanies, dates back to Germanic times.

Jan de Vries, linguist and researcher of Germanic mythology, connected the figure of Zwarte Piet to the Einherjar of Norse mythology: Odin’s army of the dead in the Wild Hunt. The ‘Harii’ described by Tacitus in Germania as warriors painting their faces black as part of a cult, can be very well connected to the Einherjar known from Norse mythology.

In Germany, the same tradition exists in the figure of Knecht Ruprecht, helper of Saint Nicholas. The difference with the tradition in the Low Countries, is that Ruprecht does not resemble a Moor. The lack of Spanish clothing and African hairstyle brings the German Ruprecht closer to the mythological figure it represents.

The fact that Ruprecht, just as many similar figures, carries a birch rod indicates the traditions having the same origin. In some areas of Europe, the black painted figures go out and hit women with the rod, pointing towards the tradition stemming from a fertility cult.

The tradition that is probably most well known, however, is the Alpine tradition of Krampus. Krampus, just like Ruprecht and Zwarte Piet, carries a bundle of birch branches.

The biggest difference with the other traditions, is that Krampus truly takes the form of a terrifying, devilish creature. It is very likely that this depiction came to be under influence of Christianity, equating the figure with the devil.

New temple dedicated to Apollo in Palermo, Sicily built by the Associazione Tradizionale Pietas. The temple is the first building dedicated to the gods of Rome in almost 2000 years to be opened on the island.

Source: Associazione Tradizionale Pietas Facebook

The culture is named after and known for its magnificent stone structures called nuraghes. These towers can be seen all throughout Sardinia and played a very significant role in Nuragic culture: a miniature nuraghe was even found by archeologists.

The towers often allowed the inhabitants to have a strategic view of the area and were surrounded by smaller houses. This suggests a double function, perhaps both as defense structure and village centre.

As for the religion of Nuragic Sardinia, it was polytheistic and multiple deities played an important role. One such deity was Sardus or Sardus Pater (Father of the Sardinians), a hero who ascended to godhood.

After Cathaginian and Roman colonization of the island, Sardus was still worshipped. The Temple of Antas, depicted above, was dedicated to him.

As for the religious practices of the Nuragic people, several things of interest are known. Fascinating “Giants’ Tombs” can be seen throughout Sardinia and all have a very similar structure. The tombs, while looking like a giant would have been buried there, were the burial places of the Nuragic people. The large pillar in front of the graves indicates a deity or an ancestor looking over the dead.

Another religious practice of the Nuragic people was visiting sacred wells as a type of pilgrimage around the island. These wells, among other things, indicate the importance of water in Nuragic religion. It is speculated the wells are dedicated to Sardus.

Pictured here is the impressive and well preserved sacred well of Santa Cristina, still being used by people offering coins today. While not much about the Nuragic faith is known, it seems some of their religious practices are still alive and well.