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vi a iim ld Sita Ln a int 2-- PORT PERRY STAR -- CHRISTMAS EDITION 1974 Kissing Under Mistletoe The word "mistletoe" derives from the Anglo-Saxon word "mistleltan." It is a parasitic plant which grows on evergreen trees, with small yellowish-green leaves, yellowish flowers and waxy white, poisonous berries. Under a sprig of mistletoe men are by custom privi- leged to kiss any women standing under it. The man is supposed to first remove one of the berries and pre- sent it to the woman. When all the berries are gone, this kissing game is oyer. It is thought this custom comes from an early pagan marriage rite. Mistletoe was considered sacred by the Druids in ancient Britain and they performed elaborate cere- monies around it at the winter solstice. Because of these pagan associations, it is seldom used in church decorations. " May the joys of the season grow ever greater in your heart. We'd like to express our warm wishes: enjoy a peace- ful, serene holiday. Thank you all so much. _ VAN CAMP Many Faiths Converge On Modern Bethlehem, Observe Christ's Birth It is customary in the United States to celebrate the birth of Jesus on De- cember 25th, the date ob- served by the Roman Cath- + glic Church and most Prot- estant denominations, but not all Christian faiths ad- here to that date. In -Bethlehem, Christ's birthplace, the Roman cele- bration begins on Christmas Eve, December 24th, high- lighted by the traditional idnight Mass, and contin- ues on Christmas Day. The Greek Orthodox Church, however, observes January 7 as Christmas Day, mark- ing the occasion with simi- lar ceremonies. January 18th and 19th are the dates - for the observance in the Armenian Church, The three faiths have their own churches and chapels within the Basilica of the Nativity in Bethlehem and each observes Christ- mas on its own day with services in the Grotto of the Nativity at the exact spot where, it is believed, Jesus was born. The separate observances are bolstered by a long his- tory which ecumenism may find it difficult to erase. For The homemade gift: something special to folks Every gift is appreciated at Christmastime, but the idea of making it yourself usually merits special attention. Everyone buys gifts, but not everyone puts their special talents into doing something spe- cial. Wherever your creative genius lies, why not use it to best advantage and have fun at the same time. One popular idea is to fill attractive, reusable jars or decanters with homemade jams, jellies, or preserves. Old fashioned candy tins make a great box for cookies and can- dies that you made your- self. The smart person will "do their thing" whether it's baking, sewing or even carpentry in large quan- tities so more people will be able to enjoy the treats you make: * kk kk The word "wassail" de- rives from the Anglo-Saxon "waes hael" which meant "Be in health." Wassail was a mixture of mulled ale, eggs, curdled cream, roast apples, nuts and spices. As happy veices sing out the Christmas message, we greet our friends and patrons. Thanks so much! Holiday wishes toall... With cheery thanks. Port Perry Auto Wreckers centuries the Churches dis- puted possession of the sanctuary, originally built by the. Roman Emperor Constantine in 330, and pre- cedence in worshipping there. The Greek Catholics took possession of the build- ing 1672. The Roman Catholics have shared it since the mid-19th century with the Greeks, Armenians have their own chapel and monastery in this city of about 25,000 population. Since the different ob- servances all involve num- bers of celebrants, proces- sions, traffic control, and other civic problems, the authorities of Bethlehem and the surrounding area would be just as happy if Christmas were celebrated universally on one day, but it is unlikely that such unanimity will be achieved soon in the face of the in the face of the Churches' different tradtions. MoberN BETHLEHEM, viewed from one of the higher. bell towers in the city, retains many of its age-old cus- toms and looks much the way it did during ancient times, despite modern vehicles which move through timeless streets. Photo courtesy Israeli Government Tourist Office. ro. Hope the holiday is filled with pleasant surprises! Thanks. BRIGNALL'S PORT PERRY AREA AMBULANCE hristmas Sloss ngs May this holy holiday shine down its blessings on all our neighbors, friends. Thanks for the kindness shown to us. Swain Seed Cleaners BLACKSTOCK GRANDEL'S VARIETY Doris and Perry Grandel G2