Frankincense and Myrrh Were Precious Gifts
A brief look at the biblical gifts of the Magi to Jesus as recorded in St Matthew. Gold was highly valued in ancient times, with royal associations in Troy Crete and Egypt possibly sourcing from Mysore. Frankincense and myrrh, resins used as incense and in medicine, came from Arabia Africa and Asia.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Troy
Crete
Egypt
Indian
Mysore
Asia
Africa
Arabia
Encyclopedia Americana
Christmas Cards Show Many Changes Through Time
Early American Christmas cards in the 19th century seldom depicted Nativity or holly motifs. Cards featured roses portraits of young ladies robins on icy branches and occasional pin up style images. By about 1870 cards gained frosted edges and heavy silk trimmings reflecting changing tastes.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Encyclopedia Americana
Kate Greenaway
Dowries and the Christmas Stocking Legend
The story credits St Nicholas with secretly providing dowries for a bankrupt merchant’s daughters by dropping gold down a chimney, which landed in stockings hung to dry. The tale links the saint to stockings, though fixed feet appeared in the 11th century.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
St. Nicholas
Santa Claus
Star of Bethlehem Mystery in Ancient Astronomy Theories
The article surveys explanations for the Star of Bethlehem from natural celestial events to possible miracles. It cites Tycho Brahe's 1572 nova in Cassiopeia, periodic brightening hypotheses, and Kepler’s 805 year planetary conjunction aligning with 6 B C birth estimates, noting that astrologers among the wise men might notice such alignments.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Bethlehem
Tycho Brahe
Cassiopeia
Johannes Kepler
Jupiter
Saturn
Mars
Pastor Wrote To Please the Children
Ohio pastor Benjamin Hanby wrote the Christmas song Up on the Housetops in 1864 to entertain children in New Paris. He wrote songs when funds ran low, and the tune became popular before his authorship was fully recognized after his death.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Benjamin Hanby
New Paris
Ohio
Nick
Chicago
George F. Root
Hanby
Santa's elves tied to Scandinavian Tomtar legends
In Norway, Denmark and Sweden the story recalls Tomtar elf helpers who hide presents for children on Christmas Eve. The piece notes these Nordic legends as likely origins for Santa's workshop elves.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Santa
Norway
Denmark
Sweden
Tomtar
Marzipan History and Its Sweet Traditions
The article traces marzipan from ancient legends to modern practice. It notes ingredients such as almonds eggs sugar syrup and flavoring and mentions that honey is sometimes used. It references St Mark and Bartolome Scappi as early associations with the confection.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Cardy, Chocolate and Confectionery Institute
Sea Inspires Lore Of Ships At Yale
Ships arrive on Christmas morning carrying Jesus, Mary and Joseph in the carol Saw Three Ships Coming. The piece notes legends from seafaring peoples linking Christmas to ships and traces St Nicholas and St Basilio gifts legends to maritime travels across Asia Minor to Europe and Greece respectively.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Jesus
Mary
Joseph
St. Nicholas
Asia Minor
Europe
Holland
Spain
Greece
St. Basilio
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Edna
Beauty Shop
Leonora
the Fabric Shop
Lee
Oatman Abstract Co
Wilburn Oatman, Jr
Maxine Nerren
Tommie Jean Fowler
Tarrant
Llano, Texas
Llano
Merry Christmas
Yas
Toa
Marzipan
Yale
Christutas
Mallie
Highland Lakes
Norma
Al's Mobil Service
Sreetings
Charlie’s Store
Mr. and
Mrs
Charles Ratliff
Irene Gregory
Katie Keng
Nettie Wagner
Elton Ratliff
Bernice Tomlinson
Alma Rogers
Dick Patton
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