HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Goderich Signal-Star, 1970-12-22, Page 66 GODE,R101 SINAL STAR, THURSDAY, DEOVI4ORR 24, 101()
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WORLDWIDE, MERRY CORISTIViASTIME 1
uleti
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Mistletoe, 'Santa Claus, letters to Santa, Christmas customs
galore — where did they all begin?
The customs of Christmas come from many -lands and
many eras. They evolve from paganceremonies into Chris-
ti= rituals. And they stretch from West to East, from North
to South, as each country contributes something special and
traditional to the celebrations of the holiday.
When seasonal gaiety rings out in Canada, the merriment
is echoed in Mexicb. When North or South Americans gather
for Christmas festivities, the people of Sweden are doing the
'zippy ehroibtmab
The best of hopes are extended to you for a
warm, happy holiday with friends _you hold'
near and dear. And it is time to thank you
for your loyal patronage. -
McLEAN BROS.
TI -Ir SQUARE
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same and 'so are the peoples of Holland and Prance and
Italy and Spain and countless other European countries.
In the far East, Christian-eornmunities spread the customs
of Christmas, which mingle with the year-end ceremonies
observed by those of other faiths.
That the legend and lore of Christmas knows no boundaries
is illustrated in the folgowing round -up of Yuletide customs,
s3; •
based on information provided by the editors of the Encyclo-
pedia International. - --
mas poems. They expect coins
in return, to buy holiday
goodies.
In Sweden
An ancient custom that is
still observed in some Swed-
ish households today is that
of "dipping bread into the
pot." Each person dips a-
piece of band into pork and
sausage drippings and eats it
for good luck..
in
-
In Hollalticl
For St. Nicholas season, it's
traditional in Holland to
make flat cakes called Klas-
jes. Once exclusively made in
the form of the bishop, St.
Nicholas, Klassjes now take
any form of bird, beast or
fish.
In France
At Salers in central France,
old-time tradition calls for a
king and queen to rule over
•
In England
From the north of England
comes the happy custom of
the kissing bough, A large
hoop, twined with greens, is
decorated with apples and
candles. And in the center
there's Mistletoe —signal for
exchanging kisses.
In Austria
Custom of writing letters
to Santa Claus may have be-
gun in Austria, where, long
ago, it was an Advent tradi-
tion for children to write let-
ters containing lists of what
they'd like to receive on St.
Nicholas' Day.
In Italy
From Italy comes a most
poetic addition to Christmas
lore. For three weeks during
the Christmas season, chil-
dren traditionally go from
place to place reciting Christ -
,
mExico, GAILY-DE,c()RATED —atiearilienl.ari.
jar filled voith goodies — is a Christmas challenge .for the ming-
.44•I'S. Blindfolded. the, .itt'tempt to !weal': the pinata, which tout, be
siodolenl, lowered or raised mot of reach. brings a .1t4)0 (9
of toys and sweep.. l'hOto from Ene,elopedia Internatinal.
•
Christmas festivities. Rulers
pay for the privilege, since
they are "elected" by bidding
at an auction held on the
church steps. •
In Germany
A procession %which blends
pagan and Christmas cus-
toms is part of the legend
and lore of the holiday in
Ruppin, Germany. A rider on
a white horse, symbolizing
the horse of the pagan god
Wotan, leads the wade. He
is followed by Father Christ-
mas, who.kcjAcked with rib-
bons and caries candy and
fruit.
In Switzerland
A Swiss 'Custom thrat dates
back to, the Middle Ages is
to start the New Year free
of debts. December 6th, the
feast of St. Nicholas of Myra,
the first Santa Claus, is the
day 'set to meet all monetary
obligations such as rents and
mortgages.
Iii Guatemala
An ancient custom in Gua-
temala is to "light the road
to Bethlehem" by placing
lanterns in windows And
doorways for nine nights be-
fore Christfrias.
hi Panama
Children in Panama par-
ticipate in midnight mass on
Christmas Eve by caroling to
an accompaniment of casta-
nets and tamborines.
hi Brazil
Brazilian lore , and legend
says that Three King's Day
is a time for poetry contests.
Verses accompanied by gui-
tars are featured.
* * *
In. Chile
Unique among Christmas
customs in Chile is a. grand
fiesta that centers around
horse racing.
* * *
In Colombia
People. papade, in, masquer-
ade on Christmas Eve in
Colombia. Each masquerader
tries to guess the identity of
others. When someone guess-
es correctly, he can claim, a
Ismail. gift from the person
who was "unmasked."
* * *
An, Peru
ro! In Lima, Peru, Christ-
mas, day is not exclusively a
church holiday, because it
also marks the greatest bull-
fight of the year.
73
In Argentina
It's a mid -summer Christ-
mas ih Argentina, and the
tradittional feast is generally
served outdoors. Rosebuds
and jasmine deck the table,
which has as edible center-
piece a whole roast suckling
pig.
* * *
In Costa Rica
In the island county of
Costa Rica, "portals" are set
up in homes. These are elab-
orate Nativity scenes some-
times filling an entire room. .
a
/Way you and year family enjoy
a Christmas that is warm
with happiness, and is truly
blessed in every way.
Many thanks for your support.
DON ABERHART AND STAFF''
ABERHAtIT'S GARAGE'
39 St. Andrews St.
•
Christmas has arrived!
A time for gaily -
wrapped goodies, yes,
but also a time
to count our
each and every
blessing 1 . .
and to say
thanks to all
those whom
we are privileged
to serve.
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AUTONET
CAR WASH
BRITANNIA ROAD
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Lanny, mEnny
Good tidings we bring to you and yours
during this season of joy and
hipiness. ('),,r special thanks to all our
patrons on this Chri.stmas holiday.
Fror-.; Sob and Dennis Of
SPROULE SHOES
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CHINESE CHRISTIANS CELEBRATE "SHEN Dan Jiels," the
Holy Birth Festival, at Christmas. But !.;oontai Claus is on hand, too,
as he is in this scene, typical of a Taiwan Christmas, 'where he
greets youngsters enjoying a ride on a merry-go-round. Photo-
graph is from the New Book of Knowledge.
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est
ishes
histmas
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Christmas is a special time •
filled with merriment for everyone. We hope yours is exceptionally happy
since you made us happy by being a customer and becoming a good friend.
FROM THE MANAGEMENT AND STAFF OF •
THE (LOB GRILL & DINING ROOM
•. •
'the fond memories •of ,an old-fashioned Christmas stir
misty recollections of snow-covered hillsides,
the freshly cut family tree, kitchens rich with the aroma of
holiday delicacies, the cold, clear air ringing with friendly
greeting. Today, we ccho those same warm
sentiments as we wish you all a very Happy Holiday!
CLAYTON. EDWARD- AND STAFr
EDWARD FUELS
ANGLISEA ST.
AtbatiOrAtOr
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