Banner Graphic, Greencastle, Putnam County, 22 December 1973 — Page 13

Saturday, Dacambar VI, 1973

Bannar-Graphic, Gr—nco»tta, Indiana

Second Section, page 5

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Sample Of Local Santa Letters

It's our favorite time of year — when we have the opportunity of wishing all our good friends a very merry Christmas!

Greencastle Livestock Center And All Our Employees

Mistlttot:

Difftrtat Twi|

The most plausible explanation of the name of the mistletoe is that it is derived from “Misteltin” meaning “different twig,” since it grows on trees as a semiparasite and contrasts with them by its huge, dense, light-green growth. In ancient Britain it was the sacred plant of the Druids, the archdruid and his priests performing elaborate ceremonies around it at the winter solstice. Because of these pagan associations, the mistletoe has seldom been sanctioned for use in church decorations, but it is very commonly found in the homes. “Give me a kiss” is its meaning in the language of flowers. As it hangs in the doorway or under the chandelier, each lad may claim a kiss from the girl who happens to be under it, removing a berry and giving it to the girl. When all the berries are taken, no more kisses are available. Probably this custom is a survival of some early marriage rite.

A happy Holiday to our customers.

Kersey Music Store

Christmas Tops Holiday List For Many

If suddenly we were limited to only one holiday per year, the choice would probably be unanimous-Christmas. For many people it is a day of family reunion; for the children it is a day of presents to open and goodies to eat and for everyone in general it is a day to feel young at heart and full of good will towards our fellow man. Many people don’t understand the way that our celebration of Christmas came about, though. Of course we have all heard the story of the birth of Christ, even though we often don’t keep it foremost in our minds. But we don’t know the origin and history behind the rituals themselves. It is quite generally known that -Christmas began as “Christes Masse,” a beloved religious festival originating with the angels’ song on Bethlehem’s plains. It is less well known that only as late as 350 a specific date was set for the observance of the birthday of Christ, namely, Dec. 25, by Julius I. Bishop of Rome, though tradition says that it has been celebrated since 98,

and was ordered to be observed as a solemn feast by Telesphorus, Bishop of Rome, in 137. This season coincided w ith pagan festivals, but attempts to combine pagan and Christian events led to difficulties. The Romans, for example, observed the lavish Saturnalia from the middle of December to the end, honoring their god of agriculture by indulging in much eating, drinking, and visiting, even to the point of masked reveling and riotous celebration on the streets. The Persians observed the winter solstice by a feast revering the sun, kindling the great fires to Mithra, their deity of light. In northern Europe the pagan Teutonic tribes honored Woden by consuming quantities of food and drink during their yuletide season, the time of the rebirth of the sun. When the church found it impossible to abolish all the pagan customs, despite repeated bans, it “Christianized” a number of them divested them of their worst

Sunidinavians Show Grain Sheaves

In Scandinavian countries as well as in Scandinavian settlements in the New' World, a sheaf of grain is attached to a pole and placed outside in the snow-covered yards as a Christmas feast for the birds. Often suet is tied to the trees as an extra treat. It is said that no peasant will sit down to his Christmas meal until this ample provision has

been made for his feathered friends. While this is a splendid custom to encourage in rural areas, it is well not to forget that the birds in the cities may be equally appreciative of whatever food may be provided for them, all the way from scraps and crumbs from the table to well-designed bird feeders filled with grain obtained at any feed store.

features, and finally incorporated them into the Christian observance of Christmas. This explains quite largely the use of greenery and candles and other lights for decorating homes. It is the background of the bringing in and burning of the yule log, singing of carols, exchanging of presents and feasting

happily together amid general rejoicing. Although at first Christians were expected to observe the day of Nativity as a religious holiday exclusively, gradually secular, even pagan, elements were added. 7 heretore, our modern Christmas draw's on all mankind for certain elements of its observance.

Joy To All at Christmas! MORRISON TIRE INC.