The Daily Banner, Greencastle, Putnam County, 24 December 1968 — Page 18
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Page 6 Section Two
The Daily Banner, Greencastle, Indiana
Tuesday, December 24, 1968
Ah! The Mistletoe
In Europe it is quite common for men to kiss each other on the cheek as a sign of salute, or as part of a special ceremony. Back in the days of the Roman legionnaires it was the custom, also. Sometimes it was linked with the plant mistletoe, which had always been regarded with great respect by the ancients.
A soldier in the Roman legion gave mistletoe some reverence. If he met an enemy under a tree upon which mistletoe was growing, both men would drop their weapons, kiss each other and call a truce. Mistletoe was honored as a symbol of hope and peace. By the time this kissing custom worked its way down through the ages, habits changed. For in early English history it was noted that young lovers must pick a berry each time a kiss was stolen from a maid. When the berries were gone, so were the kisses. The ancient druids regarded the mistletoe as a plant of mystery and gave it sacred respect. It was believed to have the powers of fertility, but also of national disaster if it was
ever to touch the earth. So the mistletoe was always hung high. Many tied boughs of it above the doors of their barns and houses to ward off evil spirits. At our modern houses at Christmastime we find this custom still with us, more from habit than from any apprehension, probably. £ £ £ Yuletide is here, Yuletide is here, Now the holly leaf is green-o! Easter would come when Yuletide is done. If Lent didn’t come between-o! — Old Carol & & £ The flower most symbolic of Christmas, the poinsettia, was named for Joel Robert Poinsett of South Carolina.
& & & Save your Christmas cards and give them to the orphanage or church group for children’s scrapbooks.
We’re sending you a bouquet of good wishes and cheer for the holiday season. May your Christmas be bright. MILTON S POSEY PATCH
212 SHADOWLAWIM John and Marcia Milton and Opal Martha - Betty - Jess - Richard - Virginia
hen he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt: And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son. Matthew 2: 14-1")
Tradition Has It That Yule Tree Began in Egypt
The Christmas tree, now almost a universal symbol, probably came to America from Germany, although tradition has it that Christmas trees originated in Egypt. The palm tree is supposed to put forth a branch every month, and a spray of this tree, with 12 shoots on it, was used in Egypt. German writers mention the tree as early as 1605. The German prince Albert, consort of Queen Victoria, introduced the Christmas tree in England when he had a tree for his daughter. Country's Freedom: Christmas Gift, Too The foundation for the preservation of the freedom to celebrate such Christian beliefs as Christmas — this was the gift to our country on that very day in December 1776. It happened when George Washington and his men won the battle at Trenton, Pa. That was the beginning of a long line of victories that eventually led to ultimate victory and total independence.
Best wishes from the staff & management of SUM’S SHELL SERVICE 506 South Bloomington
Oldest Christian Church Looks Like a Fortress
The oldest church in Christianity is reputed to be the Church of the Nativity, built upon the spot where the stable stood. It was erected by Emperor Constantine the Great, in 330 A.D. The church looks like a fortress.Its orginal stately portal has been walled up and replaced by a low and narrow entrance. There was a reason for this. In the first place, it compels the many pilgrims to bow before they enter. In the second place it was designed to keep the infidels from riding in on horseback or camel. The interior of the church is dignified and simple, set off by beautiful Corinthian columns of native red sandstone. The roof is of massive oak. Silver lamps burning olive oil are suspended on gold and silver chains from the beams. A silver star, fastened to a simple altar with silver nails, marks the exact spot where the Infant Jesus was born. Three steps lead down to a small cave-like recess, the Chapel of the Manger. Beautiful tapestries and rugs are draped across the walls. Fifteen silver lamps are kept burning eternally in honor of Him.
Masons
Wishing you and yours holiday happiness! COCA-COLA Bottling Company of Greencastle
—Legend of the Christmas Tree
When the use of the tree lapsed from favor, it was Queen Victoria who in
1841 brought it back again. Victoria was evidently influenced by her German governess. Baroness Lehzen. The official tree, decorated with baubles and candles, was set up in Windsor Castle. After this introduction, the idea became quite fashionable again, and the custom found its way again into many an English home. Almost thirty years later the Christmas tree became
a holiday custom in the United States. Today, burning candles are replaced by strings of electric lights; fruits and nuts have been replaced by fragile glass baubles; and, in some cases, the green-boughed tree has been changed to one made of plastic or foil, and much to some people’s dismay, even comes in pink and other non-green colors. The symbolic use of the tree dates back at least 4,000 years to a time when the Egyptians celebrated in honor of their sun god during the month corresponding to our December. This was the season of rejoicing and the palm tree became its symbol. Still another story of the Christmas tree goes back to the days of Saint Wilfrid in the 7th Century. Once, as he stood among a crowd of his converts, he tried to indicate their severance of all connections with heathen religions by cutting down a great oak.
Ron And Ken’s Barber Shop 9 E. Walnut Street
As it fell to the earth, the oak split into four pieces and — to the amazement of the converts — a young fir tree with its green spire pointing toward the
heavens grew from the center. “This little tree,” said Wilfrid, “is a young child of the forest. It shall be your holy tree tonight.
MAY THE HOLIDAY SEASON RING IN HEALTH AND HAPPINESS FOR YOU AND YOURS!
ART FURNITURE SHOP MR. & MRS. FRANK HENTEP
We hope Santa makes everyone’s dreams come true! To you and yours, our best wishes for a Merry Christmas, and our thanks for your patronage!
JIM HARRIS CHEVROLET-BUICK Indianapolb Road