HomeMy WebLinkAboutClinton News-Record, 1985-12-04, Page 42Kissing under mistletoe has ancient Celtic roots
The quaint and agreeable custom of kiss-
ing under the mistletoe has its origins in an-
cient Celtic tradition.
In ancient Britain, mistletoe was regard-
ed by the Druids as a sacred and mysterious
plant. It was the symbol of life and the sun,
protector against disease, and, some believ-
ed, an aphrodisiac.
Each year at the winter solstice, the Arch
Druid and his fellow priests would perform
elaborate rites which centered around the
mistletoe.
These forest worshippers would gather in
the woods to seek out the oak tree upon
which grew the the most mistletoe: Clad in
white robes, the Arch Druid °climbed the
tree until he reached a bough laden with the
semi -parasitic plant.
He next cut the plant with a golden sickle.
Some legends have it that he caught the
branch in his flowing white robes; others
hold that it was caught by virgins holding a
white cloth at the base of the tree.
With great celebration, and prayer to the
gods, the branch was divided among the
Druids as a symbol of peace and prosperity.
The people tlhen took the mistletoe home to
hang over their doors, as it was believed to
ward off evil spirits and to ensure fertility.
Page 17
It is not clear how the actual custom of
kissing under the mistletoe evolved,
although it is believed to have stemmed
from the Druids' belief in its powers of fer-
tility.
Dress up your Christmas crafts this year
Use the new narrow ribbon instead of
thread for traditional craft items, says
Margaret Loewen, clothing and textiles
specialist with the Ontario Ministry of
Agriculture and Food's rural organizations
and services branch.
These polyester ribbons are sold ininch
and 1/16 inch widths and are washable,
dryable, color -fast and can be dry cleaned,
need no ironing and won't shrink.
Tie crib quilts or other quilted projects
with 1/16 inch ribbon. Use a large chenille
needle to bring ribbon through quilt and tie a
tight knot to secure. Then tie a small bow.
Update candlewtcking projects using 1/16
inch doublefaced satin ribbon instead of us-
ing candlewicking cotton.
Select a pattern, transfer the design to
pre-shrunk muslin and place in an em-
broidery hoop. Cover each marked dot with
a French or Colonial knot, using a large -
eyed needle.
Wednesday .Thursday -Friday -Saturday
December 6-5-6-7
BOY'S
ALL. TERRAIN
REMOTE CONTROL
MOTORCYCLE
C77 each
STO�KINGS
Assorted colours
of attractive felt.
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GAMES
"Don't Cook your Goose"
"Don't Spill the Beans".
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YOUR CHOICE$497
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Men's
TUBE SOX
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Cast Iron
TRIVETS
For hot Items or
use as plant stand.
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• EACH
All Wood
SUIT
HANGERS
2 per pkg.
Reg. 2.29
PHOTO ALBUMS
Jumbo size - flip up.
Holds 160 photos.
SPECIAL
With the purchase of any
CARLTON CARD
valued at over 75C
WE WILL REFUND YOU
HALF THE COST OF MAILING.
to any place In Canada
Large Size
BATH
TOWELS
$477
•
TEA TOWELS
Jumbo size - 23" x 36"
Assorted colors - Reg. 1.98
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1917
$3•77
KITCHEN SET
5 pieces - ceramic holder and 4 utility pieces.
CHRISTMAS
PARTY SET
Table cloth 54" x 70" and
12 Luncheon Napkins, 13" x 13"
• PKG.
8 PIECE
COASTER SET
of solid wood and brass.
SPECIAL $77
•
CHRISTMAS
PAPER
6 roll jumbo pack.
26" x 300"
SPECIAL 147
CHRISTMAS
SERVIETTES.
120 to a jumbo pack.
Dinner sizes. 12" x 13"
SPECIAL $ 97
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CHRISTMAS
GARLAND TINSEL
Green, blue, red, gold,
silver. 3" x 12'
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BULBS
For 15-20-35-50 LIGHTS
light sets. 4 to a package
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12 ALBERT STREET, CLINTON
Ee'
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