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This newspaper page contains 6 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
Big Timber Pioneer
Location
Big Timber, Montana, United States of America
Date
Dec 22, 1960
Page
6
The article notes wreaths dating to the sixth century as the church set aside the four Sundays before Christmas for Advent. It mentions green door wreaths as symbols, the ban on official references to Christmas behind the Iron Curtain, and the continuing holiday atmosphere with winter trees and images of Father Frost remembered by children.
The yule log symbolized Christ's light and the season's birth. burning customs date back centuries. English speaking regions adopted it from Scandinavians. logs were selected months ahead from fruit trees to dry fully. Families joined in blessing and hope it kept witches at bay for the year.
A tradition warned against dirty hands or a bare foot entering the room with the yule log, lest luck fail. On Christmas morning children mocked the dying log with sticks, seeking gifts. Parents later hid presents beneath the log, kept a fragment to reignite the fire, and used ashes as fertilizer for fruit trees.
The article recalls old beliefs about church bells warding off evil and signaling Christ's birth, including legends from Holland and Germany. It then describes the poinsettia as a Christmas emblem with Mexican roots and a folk tale of a heartbroken girl whose tears became the plant.
The article notes St. Croix Island near Calais Maine as the site of North America’s first recorded Christmas observance in 1604. It recalls a Protestant Catholic settlement founded in 1604, its defensive purpose, and religious services held that Christmas with accounts by Samuel Champlain the explorer and writer.
Dutch settlers brought old world customs to New Amsterdam. They chose a burgher to play St. Nicholas who gave sweets and toys to children. Over time Nicholas became Nic Klaus or Claus and Saint transformed into Santa. Wooden shoes by the fireplace dried and gifts followed in stockings.
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