Carolers and Carols From Christmas History
A compact survey of Christmas carols tracing roots to medieval dances and nativity songs. It notes early Latin writings, St Francis connections, and the Bear’s Head tradition at Oxford colleges. The piece recalls Good King Wenceslas and the Feast of Stephen and the shepherd maiden tale from Canada.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Encyclopedia International
Bethlehem
Christ
Jacopone of
Todi
St. Francis
Queen College, Oxford
Oxford
St. John’s
Balliol
Stephen
Wenceslas
Bohemia
St. Stephen
Herod
England
Canada
Little Known Facts About Christmas Traditions Worldwide
This piece surveys Christmas customs from Sweden Denmark and Poland including the Yule Boar loaf and protective rituals. It traces linguistic variants Noel Navidad and Christmas terms, notes Saint Hilary’s 4th century hymn, and recounts Luther Boniface and medieval drama links to the Christmas tree.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Sweden
Elizabeth
Europe
Jesus
Hilary of
Poitiers
Garden of Eden
Crusade Meaning Behind the Cross Origin Story
The word crusade derives from crux meaning cross. The Cross of Christ served as the official badge for those who joined the Crusades to the Holy Land during the Middle Ages, and taking the cross meant becoming a crusader.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Christ
Holy Land
Seeking Log Was Family Affair
The Yule log tradition survives in art and story as homes lack blazing fireplaces. In ancient England families chose and dried logs from fruit trees to bring luck and ward off witches. If the log burned poorly, bad luck was foretold for the coming year. On Christmas morning children beat the log and pleaded for gifts, then were scolded and sent out before opening presents placed near the log.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Yesteryear
England
History of Christmas customs and gift giving across nations
The article traces Christmas traditions from England where Prince Albert popularized the tree to America where children play games like Snap dragon and pinatas in Central America. It notes St. Nicholas as patron of sailors, Slavic and Dutch customs, Italian La Befana, and the 1822 Moore poem that ends with a Merry Christmas to all.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
England
Prince Albert
Queen Victoria
America
U.S
Cabridge
Massachusetts
St. Nicholas
Christ
Italy
Santa Claus
Henry VII
Clement C. Moore
Presbyterian Divinity
Customs of Yule Vary Across Regions and Traditions
The article notes diverse Christmas customs worldwide from carp and fried eel dishes to turkey and goose, with North Americans adding Santa and other regional influences. It highlights seasonal differences and the melting pot effect in the United States and Canada as cultures mix in holiday traditions.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
United States
Canada
Europe
Italy
U.S
Santa
Christmas Olive Leaves Romance Forecast in Greece
In Greece youths foretell romance by tossing olive leaves on a Yule fire. If leaves curl toward each other, love will endure. if they burn apart, romance faces difficulties. The best sign is leaves burning to a single point, indicating deep, everlasting love.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Greece
Christmas wishes from church bells spread joy
In a seasonal message the church bells evoke the true spirit of Christmas and extend wishes of health happiness and lasting joy to all readers and their loved ones during this joyous season.
Also Mentioned on This Page
THE
Pella
Pella National Bank
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