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Times Advocate, 1996-12-23, Page 21• 'anvil carries on Swiss hnst as traditions The Weber family maintains holiday customs that include a visit from St. Nick on Dec. 6 By i lather Mir T -A Reporter EXETER - Christmas customs vary around the world and new Canadian residents bring a wealth of holiday traditions to their adopted home. The Weber family came to Canada from Switzerland four years ago and now runs a dairy operation just outside of Exeter. Franz and Catherine, along with their children: three-year- old Lynn, six-year-old Kay and eight-year old Michelle, are adjusting well to a new life. This Year during the holidays, Catherine's mother is visiting from Switzerland and she helped to explain some of the Christmas traditions the family carries on in Canada. The family tells of 'the Swiss version of St Nicholas who visits children on Dec. 6 with his helper they call "Black Peter," sometimes referred to as Krampus, Pelzebock, Hans Muff, Knecht Ttuprecht or Gumphinkel. This figure is dressed in black while St. Nick is represented much like our Santa Claus in a long white beard and red suit. The children are told how b,.d or good they've been throughout the year and are given small gifts such as nuts and oranges after they've Franz and Catherine Weber moved to Canada from Switzerland four years ago. They are performed a song or poem. pictured in their home outside Exeter with children Michelle, Kay and the youngest daughter When it came to telling about the Christmas Lynn. t}+ee, the children were told to go into another room soseczets will remain as such. According Franz, an angel brings the Swiss their Christmas tree fully decorated with lights, bulbs and chocolate ornaments. Presents arrive under the tree. When it magically appears on Dec. 24, Ch Eve. Coiu'iang down the 24 days before Christmas, the childi+ezitake turns picking a small gift from a wreath,each day. This tradition varies but is similar to advent calendars. Catherine added only children who have behaved are given the opportunity to chose a small gift or sweet. On the evening of Dec. 24, presents are opened and the family enjoys a special meal, often of lamb. Families get together on this night and usually attend a midnight mass. "Nobody in Switzerland eats turkey," said Catherine, who added the tree is decorated much more simply than in Canada. The tree remains up until Jan. 6, when it vanishes as mysteriously as it appears. January 6 is celebrated as 'Three Kings Days' by the Swiss, who mark this day as the time the three kings or wisemen arrived at the site of Jesus' birth after following the star. A special bread is baked for this day, which consists of several small loaves surrounding a larger centre loaf. In one of the loaves a small toy king or almond is hidden and the person who discovers it is given the royal treatment throughout the day. ..11I ons around the vn/�)tLLJ. the hangingQf gree ch -as boity and ivy' , 'a ay. The custom of kissirt#inder the mistletoe is descended from anciet Druid rites. was likely used to lift spirits during the winter and remind peopi to The Scots celebrate Christmas rather somberly, saving New Year's Eve, called Hogmanay, for merriment. The first person to set foot in a residence in the New Year is though to bring good luck, especially if It a dark or fair-haired stranger. This tradition is know as "first-footing" and the first person to cross the threshold is often given a silver coin to ensure a good fortune. to in Poland, a strict 24-hour fast is observed, beginning on Christmas Eve. it ends with a huge Christmas feast and in honor of the star of Bethlehem, the meal is not eaten until the first stat of the night appears. This tradition is called Wigilia. 100 The feast of St. Nicholas, on Dec. 6, was observed by Russians for many centuries until the community revolution after which the celebration was suppressed. During the community years St. Nick was transformed into Grandfather Frost. to in Rome, cannon are fired from Casel St. Angelo on Christmas Eve to announce the beginning of the holiday season. A 24-hour fast ends with a Christmas feast and small presents are drawn from the Urn of Fate. The main exchange of gifts takes place on Jan. 6, thf► feast of the Epiphany, a celebration in remembrance of the Magi's visit to the Christ Child. 1 ICIPTIONAL ADVICE FOR UNSETTLED TIMES Retirement strategies with Garth Turner NATIONAL BESTSELLER GARTH TURNER'S Garth Turner is a hest selling author, national magazine columnist, financial editor ofDBS television, and as Minister of National Revenue, ami the country's tar system. 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