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By Paula Green Merry Christmas! Happy Hanukkah! And Happy Kwanzaa! Most people are busy with the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. But where did some of these holiday traditions come from? The word Christmas comes to us from an old English term ‘Cristes Maesse’ meaning the ‘Mass of Christ” – the story of Christmas begins with the birth of the baby Jesus in Bethlehem. The first gifts given at Christmas were from the Magi (Wise Men) to baby Jesus. In Roman times, gift giving was popular during Saturnalia, a winter solstice celebration. The tradition as we know today is derived from St. Nicholas, a 4th century bishop who was known for giving children presents. His long flowing red and white bishop’s robes were the inspiration for Santa’s modern day costume. The custom of decorating Christmas trees dates back to 16th century Germany where fir trees were adorned, both indoor and out, with apples, roses, glided candies and colored paper. In the Middle Ages, a popular religious play depicted the story of Adam and Eve’s expulsion from the Garden of Eden – the Paradise Tree. The Druids believed that mistletoe fell from heaven and grew into a tree that sprang from Earth. Mistletoe thus represented the joining of heaven and earth, and God’s reconciliation with mankind. A kiss under the mistletoe symbolized acceptance and reconciliation. Holly has sharp edges, symbolic of the crown of thorns worn by Jesus at his crucifixion. The red berries represent his blood. The candy cane is also symbolic of Christ. The “J” was for Jesus, or the shepherd’s staff. The white symbolized purity, while the red stripes indicated blood. Peppermint is similar to hyssop, the Middle Eastern mint mentioned in the Bible. The sending of Christmas cards began in England first when young boys practiced their writing skills by creating Christmas greetings for their parents, but it is Sir Henry Cole who is credited with creating the first real Christmas card. Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday that commemorates the victory of the Jews over the Syrian-Greeks. At the heart of the festival is the nightly Menorah lighting. Hanukkah foods include fried food — latkas (potato pancakes) and soofganiot (doughnuts) and dairy foods. The celebration of Kwanzaa is a non-religious African-American holiday that celebrates family, community and culture, and it is celebrated for seven days from Dec. 26-Jan. 1. Since we have presented to you some holiday facts, we must now try to make your day “merry” with festive questions. So get ready to don your Santa hat because it is time to get a little trivial… 1. What 4th century gentleman is responsible for introducing us to the custom of Christmas stockings? 2. When will Hanukkah be celebrated this year? 3. How many nights in a row is the Hanukkah menorah candle lit? 4. What three color candles are burned during the Kwanzaa celebration? 5. This native Mexican plant was brought to America in 1828. It is popular during the Christmas season. 6. Name the December 26 traditional celebration in England. 7. What is the Spanish term for “Merry Christmas?” 8. In 1895, American citizen Ralph E. Morris came up with this bright Christmas invention. 9. What organization has a famous “kettle campaign” during the holiday season? 10. The Greeks introduced us to this abbreviation for Christmas. 11. What is the name of Christmas story written by Charles Dickens 12. Which American department store was the story of Rudolph-the-Red Nosed Reindeer created for? 13. When do Eastern Orthodox Christians celebrate their Christmas? 14. What is the name of the ballet that is performed during the Christmas season? 15. Located in downtown at the USX Tower, this magnificent display is the only authorized, official replica of the one that is erected at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. Sources: http://www.allthingschristmas.com/traditions.html Answers: 1. St. Nicholas 2. sunset Dec. 21-sunset Dec. 29 3. eight 4. red, green and black 5. poinsettia 6. Boxing Day 7. Feliz Navidad 8. electrical Christmas tree lights 9. The Salvation Army 10. Xmas 11. A Christmas Carol 12. Montgomery Ward 13. January 7 14. The Nutcracker 15. The Pittsburgh Creche |
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