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R EAR (A Rn AL SEY SF AAI ADL RIEL Mal) EVRA GA SN I, RAND SA HO 12 - PORT PERRY STAR CHRISTMAS EDITION, 1971 Tree Radiates Yule Meaning The Christmas tree, a uni- versally recognized symbol of the merriest season, radiates the meaning of the Christ- mas story. For many people, the tree recalls the atmosphere of the holiday home and thus re- flects the joyful warmth of the season. As a religious symbol, the tree with its lights and greenery represents both the story of the garden of Eden and the belief in Christ as the "Light of the_ world." Although only a century and a half old in America, the custom of the tree has a history that is measured in many centuries. The fore- runner of today's Christmas tree was seen in medieval miracle plays, which were produced as religious instruc- tion for the illiterate -- in an era when illiteracy was common and the ability to read a rarity. A play about Eve's eating the forbidden fruit in the garden of Eden was enacted with only one prop on stage, . a single, apple-laden fir that became known as the Para- dise Tree. The play ended with the promise of the com- ing of Christ and was usually presented just before Christ- mas. At about the same -time, people also decorated for the Christmas season with pyra- mid-shaped frames of light, symbolizing the birth of Christ as the Light of the world. Early efforts to combine the Paradise Tree and the Christmas Light pyramid are recorded in manuscripts from Germany dating to the 16th century, collected by the Hallmark Cards research li- brary. BOTH ELEMENTS THAT LE TO TODAY'S C SR tree -- the Paradise Tree and the Christmas Lights pyramid -- are shown Ba this antique Christmas card of the 1880's. The card was pub- Ldhed by Opbacher Brothers of Munich, Germany, and is part of the Hallmark Cards Historical C ollection. to have been brought to the United States by Hessian . soldiers during the American Revolution. These homesick soldiers and other immi- grants carried the tree throughout the country, 'A major setback almost occurred in Cleveland in 1851 when a pastor decorated a tree in his home. His Why Pick Chimney? St. Nick Has Reasons Why does Santa come down the chimney? Of all the traditions con- Even when he takes to heli- copter or jet plane, Santa: de- livers his gifts by way of the chimney! The first tree was thought parishioners condemned "the tree as pagan, but relented after an explanation of its religious aspects. The tree that is common today is a combination of the religious elements. The ever- green' with glass, plastic or metal balls hanging from it is the Paradise Tree with its apples. Lights, tinsel, angels, a star on top, ornaments and other "good things" reflect the Christmas Light. For Feasting Traditional Christmas treat in Spain is a sweet pas- try called "dulces de almeni- dra." The ingredients are sugar, flour, egg white and almonds. A MERRY CHRISTMAS We hope Santa brightens your day as you've brightened edad our year, Thanks. At Christmas, greetings and wishes for the gift of happiness during the holiday season. Thanks for the past patronage! nected with Santa, his un- conventional mode of entry might seem the most puz- zling. Surely the magical gift giver, who has the power to drive reindeer through the \ . skies and who can cover the ie earth in a single night, could 8 find an easier way to enter ) ' 57 a house. Sait Like most of the lore of i Christmas, Santa's choice of i the ehimney has several ex- yi planations. For instance, leg- irk end has it that the original ey Santa, St. Nicholas, present- 0 ed three maidens with gifts 3, "Bost Wishes for Ciristmas We're delighted to have this opportunity e to send the season's best wishes to you. Have a Merry Christmas. | WILLIAM TRIPP LAUNDROMAT = - CARWASH v HI! MERRY CHRISTMAS Here comes Santa to brighten your holiday. Merry Christmas! And thanks for your patronage. of gold for a dowry. Modest- ly concealing his generosity, oy he tossed the gold down a BE chimney, in secret. a Another theory claims that a Santa copied -a goddess, who SA was the first to deliver gifts 9 via a chimney. According to 5 this legend, when the Vikings 35 of Norway celebrated the 1) 'Yuletide or winter solstice in A their great halls, a festive 8 feature of the. occasion was the appearance of the god- Sold 7 t dess Hertha in the fireplace. Lv Af, As her name indicates, Hertha was goddess of hearth and home, and most appro- priately arrived by way of the chimney, to deliver her Yuletide gifts of good luck and good cheer. Still another explanation takes a practical point of view. Housewives of North- 0. ern Europe, cleaning house for the New Year, used to coax children to help with Zia the chores by saying, "Let's A clean the hearth. St. Nicho- § las will soon be coming down the chimney." The children willingly set to work, and thus, says leg- HERR +: Carols echo in the crisp night air spreading Christmas cheer. Thank you for your trust, support. Toombs Insurance Agency CHRISTMAS Like the glow of the candle, happiness : lights this Christmas season. 5 ti May it shine for you every hour! A CRRA INS a ar va ¢ TF VAN CAMP CONTRACTING = LIMITED " Carload Food: Market MR. '& MRS. ROSS SWEETMAN end, a tradition was born, . . ) .