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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Goderich Signal-Star, 1984-12-19, Page 70sd Page 20 nwAvAvAvNv=Ar."v=A-vAw=hvAvAv:NvAvAwtvpxAv=N Christmas is celebrated in other lands 7 7 Here's hoping that the warmth of this joyous 'V uletidr brings happiness and pr ►sprrity, good health and good 1 Ick to all! GU1STflURS, May Your Fondest Dreams Come True HUTCHINSON APPLIANCE SERVICE 308 Huron Rd. Highway No. 8 Goderich , CHRISTMAS IN ITALY Christmas in Italy is different from Christmas in Canada in some ways. Italian children believed that a woman by the name of Befana, "is the person who gives their Christmas gifts. Befana was busily cleaning the floors of her' home. when the Three Kings passed by according to legend. They told her they were travelling to bring gifts and worship the baby Jesus. She wanted to go with them, pleading to them to wait until her chores were finished but the Three Kings couldn't wait. After Befana had completed her chores, she went out looking for the Three Kings but could not find them. Today Befana is said to be looking for the baby Jesus on January 6 and as she sear- ches, gives presents to girls and boys. As they would say in Italy Buon Vatale. (Merry Christmas). Gregg De Wintery, Grade 8, St. Mary's School. CHRISTMAS IN AUSTRIA Christmas in Austria is a time of singing carols in groups called "Christmas krip- p s". On Christmas eve, the parents put the presents under the tree. To make it look like St. Nick had been there, they knock over tables and chairs to make it look like he tip- ped over them in the darkness of the night. The yule log is a tradition in Austria. Usually the men of a small village or large family go into the woods to get a large log from a yule tree. The log burns in the town square usually from December 1 to December 31. If it burns through these days, it is a sign of good luck. Many village songs from Austria became very. popular throughout the world. An ex- ample is "Silent Night". And that is how the Austrians spread the Christmas joy so as they say in Austria, "Froeliche Weihnachten" or "Merry Christmas". By Robbie Mathers, Gr. 8, St. Mary's School. CARIBBEAN ISLANDS In the islands of the Caribbean, there is no snow so St. Nic doesn't come in a sleigh, he comes in a surrey. Nobody sings Jack Frost or Jingle Bells, because it is always warm there. So most of the people spend the day at the beaches swimming. Done By, Corey Haylow, Grade 8, St. Mary's School. CHRISTMAS IN GERMANY Many people believe in St. Nicholas in Germany. They say he is the bearer of won' drous gifts. But some others believe that it is The Christ child, who brings presents around. Also many young girls in Germany like to dress in white robes and golden.wings to be an angel. They would have a crown and small Christmas tree in one hand too. The presents are being arranged carefully under the Christmas tree. Everyone would gather together and form a circle around the tree waiting to open their lovely gifts. They cannot open it, they must wait until a large package is thrown into the room and with a loud cry of "Julklapp". Now everyone's presents can be open. They would play soft Christmas carols during their celebration. 'GIi:w."isiiis�'fogy This is how ou would say Merry Christmas in rmany: Froehliche Weihnachten. Meng Troeung, Grade 8, St. Mary's School. CHRISTMAS IN SWITZERLAND The Yule activities begin on December 5 when the children receive a visit from St. Nicholas. St. Nicholas has a white beard and a long red or gray robe. If a child is bad, she or he gets switches made of twigs. A good child gets fruit and nuts. The St. Nicholas. part is play by the father or a friend. After the visit a wreath is made. It is made oftwigs fir an red ribbon and four candles. Each Sunday one candle is lighted. On December 24 one room in the house is locked and the children are waiting for the Christ Child to come. The Christ Child is an angel like boy 'dressed in white with wings. He rides a sliegh pulled by 6 reindeer. After supper the door is opened. Inside the room there is a beautifully decorated tree with presents. The children open their presents on Christmas Eve. After they have opened there presents the family goes to church ser- vices. On Christmas day people go to church and after services Reletives come for the Christmas dinner. After Christmas, people take their vac - tions. 1 1, 'vlup�tr�dh. tl�Ui�'�iT' ET1NGS' Nancy Kingsley, Grade 8, St. Mary's. SHENG TAN KUAI LOH Many kinds of religions are learned by our Chinese friends, Buddism, Daoism, Confu- cianism, Christianity and others. Those who celebrate Christmas do so on Christmas Eve. Churches and homes are decorated and trees are trimmed and lighted. Gifts and cards are traded and stockings are hung and filled with candies and gifts. After Christmas Eve dinner is at home or in chur- ch, choir singing, and plays are acted, as well as bjble games and recitals. The choir will then visit different homes acting Pao China Yin (The story of the journey of the three Wise Men and the celebration of the new born Holy Infant) and are welcomed with fruits, cookies and Chinese sweet rice or bean soup. For entertainment for the I�+ children they ride on a toy merry-go-round on Christmas Day. Familys that make pot- tery usually give it to there kids for Christmas_ Lora MacInnis, Grade 8, St. Mary's i Now that Santa has reappeared, it's a perfect time for us to say, "thank you", to the many people we've enjoyed serving throughout the year. It is fitting at this time of the year to pause and wish all our Friends, Clients and Acquaiitances, old and new, a most Joyous Holiday Season and a Healthy and prosperous New Year. fhanohon's FOODLAND\ The Square - Goderlch THOMAS COOK TRAVEL ICANAOAI LIMITED 59A Hamilton Street Goderich, Ontario �� , I, i, N7A 3Y5 524-8307 /J ` 1 Lig ,..,.^'...,,,,,:.,......d. r ,, rl� .�, " .,.au1 r Mil I ci , W ■11. "11A r /1111 1 rvNO e�r, i t M , . _ ! .Iw ,S.ur I j ''�rII gilts tI'W uf400,!,l� rtlt Lisp IPI 1111101. II't CHRISTMAS IN SWEDEN In Sweden the joyful saying of Christmas is Gud Jul! It means Merry Christmas! The main Christmas celebration is on Christmas Eve. Families gather for dinner which usually includes ham and a fish course. After dinner everyone received his presents. On this night, imaginary little men with long, gray beards bear wonderful gilts. They live in black corners or under boards, and they leave their surprise packages under cushions and other hiding places. They are called Tomtars and these little men are known as Santa's helpers. In Sweden, the name of Santa Claus is Jultomte. Swedish Christmas holidays start un December 13. On this day the Swedish peo- ple celebrate the feast of St. Lucia! Gud Jul! Merry Christmas! Tanya Stegenstad, Gr. 8 St. Mary's School.