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New AdventuresChr Sakrrrifirlh (£alifnrtriatt Tuesday, Dec. 20,1 lt;?66 ?~The 19dt) Christmas season is providing new experiences for the four American Field Service students spending this school year in Bakersfield. Nguyen Minh Thuy of South Vietnam finds that Christmas is celebrated differently here, while for Nasseem Gol-zar of Iran, it is a new adventure. Seija Hvtonen also finds Christmas customs differ from those In Finland; however, Johann Gerber of South Africa states the main change for him is the climate, as this is the summer season In his homeland.fere nee between tlie observ- Gerbers for the families of hisa nee of Christmas here and in his homeland. He might miss the mince tarts and fruit cake his mother prepares, but these will be replaced by other pastry and special Christmas cookies prepared by Mata Clinger with the assistance of the younger children. Another change will be that Johann, an only child, will this year be part of a larger household for the exchange of family gifts on Christmas Eve and the excitement of children opening gifts from Santa on Christmas morning. However, Santa Claus is no stranger to Johann, as he has had the honor can Field Service son of Mr. of portraying Santa for fivefarm workers. As Santa, Johann distributed gifts provided by the employer to each member of the 10 or more familiesland, most of the ChristmasDec. 24.onactivity occurs Early that morning Seija’s grandfather and the nine children in her family ski to thefathered around the Christmas nearby forest to select withtree. This year Mr. Gerber will substitute for his son in this role.Johann Gerber, the Ameri-Rayyears at an annual ChristmasEsther Drive, finds little dif- party given by a friend of theThe Derrill Mergers of 3701Dalehurst Drive have already begun introducing their AFS daughter, Seija Hytonen, to American traditions. Things which Seija has found novel include the Christmas parade, the fact that the Morgers will decorate an artificial green Christmas tree, and that presents will be placed under the tree.Moreover, at home In Fin-great care the prettiest tree for their home. After shaking the snow from its branches, they bring it home, where the whole family helps decorate it. Until recently, real candles were used, but now the Hy-tonens use electric candles, ornaments, tinsel, and small red apples.While this activity is transpiring, the two women of the house, the grandmother andfirst is baked ham garnished with plums. Next comes “lepeakala,” which is driedcodfish that has been frozenin lye. placed in a mesh bag and thawed in a stream for a week, and then boiled in seasoned water. This is served with wihte gravy and boiled potatoes. The third dish is baked diced beef and pork. A rutabaga casserole and raisin soup over rice pudding complete the main meal. The raisin soup Is made from dried apricots, plums, and raisins boiled and thickened with potato flour.After dinner the whole family, Including the children.Later the family takes turns at their “sauna,” the steam bath found at all Finnish homes. The parents and young children go first, followed by the older children either individually or in groups according to sex.Dressed In theirclothes, the children await the visit of ‘kai”mother, prepare the traditional drink coffee as they eat home-dinner, which entrees. Themade gingersnaps, plum tarts, and apple tarts.night-then “Joulupuk-(yollo pook’ key), or Santa Claus. Either papa or a neighbor fills the role with either a full costume or Santa mask and fur coat. When Santa knocks on the door, he is immediately welcomed by the children, who sing carols as he distributes gifts to all members of the family. (The children know Santa will always appear, but they fearhis present will be a packet of switches if they have been bad.) After opening their gifts, the Hytonens retire for the night.Seija fondly recalls that onChristmas morning the family members rise early and ride to church in a horse-drawn sleigh complete with bells. A leisurely day follows, with family fellowship and the munching on leftovers, red apples, peanuts, and store-bought candy.This year Seija helped decorate the tree Dec. 15 and will open presents with the Morgers on Christmas morning. Then she will participate in a lively family gathering of 30 people for the gala earlyV.v,lt;v.' vX•AW2.SV,A V7.VV/AV/A- A• •*-WWav. .' 1 « I 4mafternoon dinner consisting ofthe traditional turkey, ham, yams, cranberry salad, pies, and the featured dessert, the traditional peanut butter cakeof Mrs. Stella Adams, the mother of Mrs. Morger. The rest of the day will be spent visiting and playing cards or dominoes.Nasseem Golzar of Iranfinds that celebration of Christmas is similar to hercountry’s “No Rouz,” or “New Day,” which is the main holiday of the year and occurs at the time of the vernal equinox at various times of the day, from sunrise to dusk, depending on the position of celestial bodies. It is at this time that gifts and good wishes are exchanged, but there is also a specific ceremony each familv follows in the observance of No Rouz.Often compared with this country’s Christmas tree is a special table called “haftsin,” meaning “seven things beginning with S.” This table is the center of activity on the eve of the new year. The seven items include “sama-nu,” a thick, sweet, dark brown sauce made from germinated wheat; “srekeh,” vinegar: “sib,” an apple:“sabzeh,” a dish of greenwheat or lentil shoots about three inches long; “subol,” hyacinth, “sir,” garlic; and “senged.” a small native fruit. Also on the table are a live goldfish, the Koran (-acred book of Islam), a tray of colored eggs, flowers, a mirror at the head of the table, and one candle for each member of the family.The family members—everyone clad in new clothes for this special occasion—sit at the table and partake of the edible Items. Then when the new year begins, they kt-. extend good wishes to each other, and exchange gifts. When the year is five minutes old, the Shah speaks on tv and radio, and the wrhole country listens to his greeting. Nothing specific marks tht rest of the day until the first dinner of the new year, which features either “cookoo sab-zi,” a herb omelet, or fried fish. Similar to Christmas, thisis a family day.When Nasseem came to m e
Newspaper Details
Bakersfield Californian
Bakersfield, California, US
Tue, Dec 20, 1966
Page 24
Full Page
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Utah, USA 24 Jan 2023
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