HomeMy WebLinkAboutZurich Citizens News, 1974-12-23, Page 9MONDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1974
Religion Historian
emphasize the Christ
A noted historian of the
Southwest, an archivist of
the Roman Catholic Arch-
diocese of a city in the Far.
West, puts the blame of
some of the world's disor-
ders on the secular nature
of many Christmas cards.
"Over two and one half
billion cards are distribut-
ed annually in the United
States. If more of them
were religious and carried
messages that would ap-
peal to thoughtfab even
non -religious adults, these
cards would help bring
peace on earth," he de-
clares.
The priest exhibited one
card, printed in Germany
and mailed in. New York
December 24, 1908, to a
student of a Boston sem-
inary, as an example of an
attractive early Christmas
card which also was re-
ligious.
The card, like an ordin-
ary postcard, pictured a
THE YULE LOG STORY
Remember those familiar scenes of men -and horses
pulling a freshly -cut log home o'er the snow from the
forest? It was the Yule log, destined for a Christmas
fireplace! It lighted up the house with a cheery glow,
turned night into day, and made the holiday festivities
so much gayer.
This custom, which is observed in many places, goes
far back into pagan times, long before Christianity.
Our ancestors called it the Mid -Winter Fire Festival.
It was held indoors because of the bad weather outside.
. The Yule log, generally an oak tree, would be cere-
moniously lighted from a fragment saved expressly
for this purpose from the year before.
When the new log sent out its brilliant flames it was
believed that the house and family would once again
be protected against lighting and fires ; that the cattle
and grain fields would thrive, and all the earth would
be fertile.
e joice
May the blessings of
the holy season fill
you with peace and joy.
ESS JEWELLERY
ZURICH
Mrs. Margaret Hess
As happy voices
sing out the Christmas
message, we greet our friends
and patrons. Thanks so much!
St.&
GA
4,4).,‘7.[1.4 e
S DR IF. G DS
Ed and Charlotte Gascho
ZURICH 236-4012
ZURICH CITIZENS NEWS
rather stylized angel with
wings, a palm frond which
perhaps was meant to
symbolize peace on the
order of an olive branch,
and an upraised arm. Be-
tween the wings appeared
the star of Bethlehem and
the words, "in terra pax,"
or "peace on earth,"
The angel, emerging
from a cloud, was peering
down upon a village, with
the church the most prom-
inent structure visible.
The historian pointed
out that sending cards
probably started in the
early Victorian era. Sir
Henry Cole, an art dealer
and publisher, sent the
first one, in 1843. It was a•
card designed by a well-
known artist of the period,
John Calcott.
The first cards showed
an English family gath-
ered around the wassail
bowl, toasting their
friends. But the side pan-
els, in a show of 19th cen-
turly realism showed the
feeding of the hungry and
the clothing of the naked.
"Hopefully," said the
archivist, "in years ahead
the spiritual significance
of the Nativity will be
reflected more substan-
tially."
"Perhaps putting Christ
into Christmas cards will
I become a means for enol-
ing strifes, cementing
broken friendships and
strengthening family and
neighbor ties in all condi-
tions of life, and it could
affect all nations."
Carol Singing
Still A Popular
Christmas Custom
Caroling is the custom
in many countries thru-
out the world. And, there
are about as many differ-
ent customs connected
with it as there are coun-
tries.
Bagpipe music •accom-
panies the carolers in (no,
not Scotland) Italy!
In England the carolers
receive gifts for their ef-
forts. "Gifts" of refresh-
ments are often the case
in America.
"Star -singers" is the
name for groups of carol-
ers in many nations. The
term is taken from the
pole they carry, which has
a lighted star on top.
A tItitifitetsWu�B�
TO ALL OUR
FRIENDS, NEIGHBOURS
and RELATIVES
a very
MERRY CHRISTMAS
and Best Wishes in the
NEW YEAR
Joe & Anne Miller
AND FAMILY
Yule Legends
Span Many
Years
Did you know that the
first Christmas tree erect-
PAGE 9
ed in a church in U.S., in
1851 shocked its Cleveland
congregation, It was con-
sidered too heathenish!
IA America gave the world
its most Beloved 'Christ-
mas plant—the poinsettia.
The plant is a native of
tropical America.
ree6nA11
This frosty
fellow
brings our
holiday wishes
and many
thanks for
all your
trust.
MOUSSEAU & PARKINS GARAGE
ZURICH
HERB JIM
CHARLIE
Way the seasons keep bringing
happy holidays to you. Our
wish is that they be merry and bright
... filled with love and peace.
Accept our thanks for your loyalty.
cD
LL
CENTRALIA, ONTARIO
Plant: 235-0833 Office: 228-6961