The Independent-News, Volume 107, Number 29, Walkerton, St. Joseph County, 24 December 1981 — Page 12
12
- THE INDEPENDENT NEWS - DECEMBER 24, IMI
Nutcracker Ballet Now A Tradition lor many, the holiday season would not be complete without enjoying a performance of the Vwreraeker Suite. Ihis popular ballet has come to be synonymous with Christmas, due to its holiday setting and beautiful music. Based on a story by I TV Hoffmann, the ballet is probably Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky's most beloved work Each holiday season finds ballet groups, both amateur and professional, presenting it anew for the delight of youngsters and adults alike. The story is a simple, yet fanciful one; a little girl is presented with a nutcracker at Christmas time. She dreams that the nutcracker comes to life in the person of a handsome prince who leads the toys to battle against an army of mice. He then takes the girl off to Arabia, w here she is entertained with dances by the Sugarplum Fairy and a delightful assortment of characters. There are exotic Arabian dancers, quaint Chinese performers, and exciting Russian dancers among others, all in colorful attire. Finally, there is a spectacular dance by lovely flowers, known as the "Waltz of the Flowers." As the flowers dance to the familiar, lilting music for the entranced young heroine and her handsome prince, it is easy to see that this ballet has truly captured the wonder and fancy of childhood for all to enjoy, regardless of age. The Nutcracker Suite was first performed in 1892, and it has been de lighting generations of ballet-losers, young and old, ever since. Tchaikovsky wrote many symphonies, concertos and overtures, but probably no single work of his is as popular as this C hristmas classic Tb(G*M The topmost ornament on a Christmas tree is called a gipfel
Ax ■ I 4 II । F **xJ** > r ¥ x ' l Mb
“Star of wonder, star of night, star with royal beauty bright.. Ever since the first Christmas, the star that lead the Wise Men to where the Infant Jesus lay has been the object of conjecture and wonder. Unfortunately, the only reference to the star in Matthew’s Gospel offers no explanation for the phenomenon: "And behold. the star that they had seen in the East went before them, until it came and stood over the place where the child was." Thus it is that scientists and biblical scholars alike have been free to speculate about various theories, ranging from the supernatural to logical explanations. One theory is that the star was actually a comet; yet another asserts that the star was probably a supernova, a star that suddenly takes on spectacular brilliance. There is still another theory that the star was actually a conjunction of planets. According to astronomical studies, there were three conjunctions of Jupiter and Saturn in the year 7 B.C. There were also major conjunctions of planets between 3 and 2 80. claim other studies. Ihe 17th-century astronomer Kepler calculated that Mars, Saturn and Jupiter had been in conjunction around the time of Christ’s birth. One supernatural theo
ry holds that the star was not physically manifested, but rather visible to only those who were privileged to the events of the Nativity. Others beliese that God placed the star in the heavens expressly as a sign for a brief period of time. Interestingly enough, this ties in wnh one scientific possibility: a new star, or a temporary star. Such stars have been observed from time to lime; in fact, Hipparchus is believed io have discovered a brilliant star w here none had been seen before in the year 134 B.C. Could this have been the Star of Bethlehem? Aside from being a beacon to the Magi, the star also fulfills an important prophecy regarding the Messiah. The Book of Numbers foretold "There shall come a Star out of Jacob.” Whatever explanation seems most plausible, Christians have always attached great significance to the star’s appearance. There have been many songs written about the Star of Bethlehem and certainly no Christmas tree would be complete without its siar shining atop. Ihe Star of Bethlehem is a wondrous part of the still more wondrous Nativity story; its brilliance has come to symbolize for us the miracle that is Christmas: the birth of Jesus, the I ight of the World.
Christmas Customs Os Other Countries
Most of our Christmas customs are a gift brought from other countries, so there is much to be learned about the Christmas spirit by visiting them. In North America Our journey begins in Canada. In passing through this country’s contrasting regions, we find Christmas celebrations vary from the folkloric dances of the Innuit, to French and British carols, trees embellished with candles, gifts, and a wine-soaked yule log. Southbound, in that "land of the posadas." Mexico, families gather for nine consecutive nights to re-enact the first Christmas. This ceremony of drama, song, and prayer is followed by blindfolded children breaking a pinata. What a scramble to pick up the fallen pieces of trinkets and sweets’ Continuing south, we discover many countries have adopted the posada custom. South American children also put notes beside the manger for the good angels to take up to Jesus. Upon seeing festivities from sunrise to sunset, highlighted by horse racing and Indian dances, you’ll know you’re in Chile. The season is ripe, and so. Bolivians celebrate their harvest festival along with Christmas. In Europe It was in Germany that trees and toys first became a part of the holiday. All the family waits until six o’clock on Christmas Eve for Mother to unveil the hidden tree, decorated not only with lights and ornaments, but tasty treats. On December 6th, Austria’s opening of the season is greeted with a visit from "knee hi Ruprecht," leaving small gifts and sweets for the
ESp®kit .X, I § '' CL I I I
good or a switch for the others. Highlighting an Austrian Christmas is the procession to midnight mass, with lighted candles, singing Austria’s own carol, “Silent Night.” In Africa Christmas has long been an important occasion in Ethiopia. Following the old calendar, it occurs January 6th. On Christmas Eve, people pray and chant outside the church until dawn. At 4 am., priests lead the people into church services. Christmas day is celebrated with gifts for children, dancing and feasting. In Ghana, the advent season begins four Sundays before Christmas, and refers to Christ’s coming. One can only admire the homes adorned with flowers and palm branches, and candlefilled palm trees! In Asia Although in recent years it has gamed significance, Christmas is not a grand scale holiday in Asia, except for Japan. Commercial stores have fostered many U.S. customs such as gift exchanging and turkey dinner. Similar to Santa is “Hoteiosho.” believed to have eyes in the back of his head. In Bethlehem where it all began. Christmas is purely a religious ceremony, not encompassing the festive spirit found in other countries. Not much change can be seen in this Judean town, which helps our imagination to visualize life in Christ’s time. In Australia If you’re not dreaming of a white Christmas, then book your reservation for Australia* Here, people head for the beach or park on this usually hot day, which is followed by Boxing Day.