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The Citizen, 1988-12-21, Page 37THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1988. PAGE 37. The many myths of mistletoe To all our friends & tenants In reality, mistletoe is nothing more than a parasitic shrub that grows in the crowns of broad-leafed trees. Yet, according to National Wildlife magazine, people often have invested the plant with super­ natural powers - in addition to letting it provide an excuse for a holiday kiss. National Wildlife is a publica­ tion of the National Wildlife Federa­ tion. For centuries, mistletoe was a source of wonder and an object of worshipfor humans. Because the shrub grows high in trees without apparent roots, many ancient civili­ zations attributed magical powers to it. In some countries, people believ­ ed that barren women could con­ ceive after eating mistletoe, and that crops would grow better if mistletoe adorned the fields. In other places, warriors attached sprigs of the plant to their weapons to help protect them from injury or to ward off demons. The pleasant custom of kissing under mistletoe is thought to have originated in Norse mythology. Many Scandianvians have since believed that if two people should embrace beneath a tree where mistletoe is growing, they would be blessed with good luck and a healthy life. More than 1,000 species of mistletoe are found throughout the world, but only two principal kinds grow in this country: American, or leafy, mistletoe and dwarf mistletoe. The latter, a diminutive, needle- leafed species, causes widespread damage to pines and other conifer­ ous trees. Its sprigs are too small to be used as a decoration. American mistletoe, on the other hand, is an important part of our Christmas tradition. Mistletoe clumps often form globes five feet wide that weigh more than 50 pounds. In providing fluids for such a large parasite, the host tree sometimes weakens so severely that it dies. Generally, though, American mistletoe does little permanent damage to the tree. eAi AAoy your holiday be filled ro overflowing wirh peace, love ond joy thankyou, oil1 40 a o n - Grades 7-8 students presented the traditional nativity scene during a medley of songs at the end of the Brussels Public School’s Christmas Concert on December 14. Taking part are [from left] Jason Engel, Tim Machan, Trisha Duskocy, Julie Cloakey, Darren Bauer, Lorie Jamieson and Laurie Blake. The concert played to afull house Wednesday evening. CANADIAN AGRA HOLDINGS INC. Blyth students present concert by Erica Clark and Tina Burkholder On Thursday, December 15, the Blyth Public School presented their Christmas Concert. The Junior Choir, directed by Mrs. Kay Roberts, sang four numbers - “Away in a Manger’’, “Clouds’’, “Who Would Send a Baby’’ and “We Wish You a Merry Christmas’ ’. The Kindergarten pre- sented a skit entitled “Where is Santa?’’ They sang some Christmas songs and wished everyone a Merry Christmas. Grades 1 and 2 presented “Santa and the Snowmobile’’. When Santa buys a snowmobile, the reindeer find new jobs. The snowmobile breaks down and the reindeer come back. The Senior Choir, directed by Mrs. Little, sang, “Stars that Twinkleand Shine’’, “Huron Indian Carol’’, “Ding Dong Merrily on High’’ and “S’eep Little Baby Sleep’’, which featred Lisa Watson on the flute. The grade 3 and 4 offering, “Trimming theTree,” looked at the meaning behind the decorations we place on our Christmas trees each year. Grades 5 and 8 performed in a musical presentation of the “Three Wee Kings,’’ which described in words and sang the story of the First Christmas. During the concert, the audience joined in singing several Christmas Carols. The pianist for the entire concert was Mrs. Shirley Vincent of Blyth. The time, effort and expertise she invested in this year’s production is greatly appreciated by students, teachers and audience alike. To all our Customers and Friends. Here s wishing all of you a very special Merry Christmas! BLYTH PRINTING INC. Doug, Lorna, Ken & Jane Whitmore St St St* * s. St St St ... and love to you and yours this holiday season. dBDASHWOOD WINDOW AND DOOR CENTRE Listowel Stratford 291-1612 273-5757 Christmas is here filled with love and good cheer! May your holiday bustle with joyous surprise! JR's Shake Shoppe BRUSSELS