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all just about ChristmasChristmas Trivia
by:
Marilyn Pokorney
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Copyright: 2005 Marilyn Pokorney
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Everyone enjoys the hustle and bustle of Christmas purchasing
and decorating. Children love to write letters to Santa and
get a reply with an envelope sealed
"North Pole". But even as
more fascinating is the origins of many a of our beloved
Christmas traditions.
Exchanging Gifts: In ancient times holiday meals were
shared with family, friends, and the poor. It was believed
that in order to have a prosperous year, one must not be
selfish for to hoard what they already had would-be guarantee
that they would-be ne'er
be blessed with more. This is why we
exchange gifts today.
Tree decorating: In past
times trees delineate life
triumphant over death. The Romans cut
trees with
trinkets, candles, and toys. The Druids tied polished
apples and different offerings on tree branches. In Munich,
even trees in cemeteries were bedecked with holly and
mistletoe. Therefore, the evergreen tree, which decorates
our homes today, has move to signify the ever living Christ.
Yule Logs: The ancient Druids and different cultures believed
that the sparks from a burning log carried their wishes for
a prosperous New Year to the gods. Today, fireplaces with
burning logs recapture this ancient custom with the belief
that the visible light is symbolic of the light that came from
Heaven once
Christ was born.
Candles: In England, large candles were burned in
conjunction with the christmastide log. In America today, the
candles represent the Star of Bethlehem.
Holly: The Druids believed that holly was favored by the
sun because it was always green. Now holly represents the
ever living Christ. The white flowers, purity; the red
berries, his blood; the leaves, his crown of thorns, and the
bitter bark, his sorrow.
Mistletoe: Comes from a Norse legend. Freyja, a goddess,
had arranged for her son to be protected from all earthbound
dangers. Once
he was shot with an arrow ready-made from
mistletoe, Freyja ready-made mistletoe promise ne'er
to harm
anyone ever again. So today, mistletoe is a symbol of peace
and love. It's winter blossoms bring promise of bounty for
the coming spring.
Caroling: In Scandinavian custom, every Christmas, a party
was given to the god Thor, delineate by a goat. After
much singing and diversion the goat would-be pretend to die and
return to life. Today, carolers go from door to door
singing and this represents the life of Christ.
Santa Claus: Santa really started out as a version of
Poseidon, Greek god of the sea. Sailors feared him because
he could bring terrible storms or grant them safe journeys.
Because he could save them from angry waters, he became
known as "giver of all nice things". Due to the rise of
Christianity, the old custom was changed to honor Saint
of Myra, an Asian bishop. Saint wore red clothing, rode
a white horse who could fly, and delivered gifts
anonymously. Today, he is Santa with his flying reindeer!
For more information on deed a letter from Santa for a
child close to you visit:
http://www.apluswriting.net/christmas/santamail.htm
Just just about the author:
Author: Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the
environment.
Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
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