and so this is Christmas ...

Some icons we treasure

Christmas is a global celebration uniquely observed in many cultures. Over the years, many legends, folktales and myths have surrounded this significant religious event, bringing in various icons such as Santa Claus, Christmas trees and Yule logs we’ve come to treasure so much today. Just like the Nativity scene, or the crib that is displayed in the churches and homes, these icons too have come to stay. So, let’s check out the origin of some of them.

Santa Claus

Yes! He is your favourite. Who among you has still not written a letter to Santa asking him to bring you all the toys you’ve been dreaming of? Hurry up... and send him an e-mail, at least. Well, this wonderful jolly old man with the long white beard and twinkling eyes is believed to have become a part of Christmas, as a result of the Bishop of Myra, St. Nicholase, who is known for his benevolence and love for children.

There are many legends about the origin of Santa Claus... who is said to be living in Lapland.

Here are some of the names by which Santa Claus is known in other countries.

Brazil - Papai Noel

Germany -

Der Weihnachtsmann

Netherlands -

Sinterklaas

United Kingdom -

Father Christmas

Norway - Julebukk

In our country we call him Naththal Seeya in Sinhala and Nattal Thaththa in Tamil.

Candy canes

The J shaped candy canes in red and white originated in Cologne Cathedra some 230 years ago. The candies which were originally not of this shape were given to two little boys to keep them quiet during a church service. As it was not accepted to give sweets in church it is said the candies were bent like shepherd’s crooks to honour the shepherds who first visited Baby Jesus.In 1847, an immigrant of German descent in Ohio liked them so much that he used them as decor on his Christmas tree. They were then mass produced in 1920 as decorations and today there are many beautiful candy cane decorations. Some have interpreted that the white symbolises the piety of Jesus and the red, the wounds He suffered. The shape, they claim stands for the letter J, which is the first letter in Jesus, and not for the shepherd’s crook.

Christmas tree

The first Christmas tree was set up by Martin Luther way back in 1935 for his children. Prince Albert is believed to have introduced this custom from Germany to Windsor Castle in 1841.

Frosty the Snowman

A popular figure during the festive season; children in countries where the winter season is experienced enjoy making snowmen during winter.

The roly-poly figures comprising two snowballs or sometimes three, are now very much a part of Christmas.

The popular character, Frosty the Snowman was a Tin Pan novelty created as a follow-up to Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer by Jack Nelson and Steve Rolling in 1950. Later the song was sold to Gene Autry who recorded it. There are many children’s books and cartoons in Frosty’s honour.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

He is believed to be Santa’s lead reindeer, who guides the sleigh. The other eight reindeer who drew Santa’s sleigh on his trips around the world to distribute the toys are: Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid Donner and Blitzen.

Seasonal fare Spiritual message ...

An event of great religious significance in the Catholic/Christian calender will dawn in a few days time, uniting the faithful followers the world over in a spirit of peace, love and harmony.

Christmas which is celebrated on December 25 every year marks the birth of the Prince of Peace - Jesus Christ - more than 2,000 years ago in the little town of Bethlehem. By now most of you must be familiar with the Nativity and the incidents that led up to the birth of Jesus, the spiritual leader of millions today.

Many may wonder as to why Jesus was born in a stable with only a manger as a crib when He could have been born in a palace, surrounded with all the luxuries and comforts. Well, there is a reason for Jesus being born in such humble surroundings with poor, humble shepherds as His first visitors. Of course there were the three wise men or the kings (also called the Magi), who travelled from far away places, following a bright star in the sky to pay homage to the Baby Jesus. But, it was to the shepherds that the angels of God first proclaimed the wonderful message that “.... unto you is born today in the Royal city of David, a Saviour who is Christ the Lord.”

The birth of Jesus is not just a date in the Christian calendar or a religious event that faded into oblivion (was forgotten) with time; it was the beginning of a whole new era for those who believed in the existence of God. With the significant birth of Jesus was born a stronger bonding with God and the human race; for Jesus is believed to be the Son of God who came into this world to save all mankind. Through His humble birth, the message of humility and hope, love and peace was spread throughout the world...

Even though Christmas, which marks the birth of Jesus is not celebrated on the exact day He was actually born (with the original date not being clearly recorded), December 25 which was declared as the day to celebrate this event, is widely accepted today. And so, we all look forward to this great day as the year draws to a close... However, as with most significant events, religious or otherwise, Christmas too has become a highly commercialised event today with the true spirit of the season and the hallowed spiritual message of peace, love and harmony taking second place to a materialistic celebration of the great event; tinsel trimmings and merry making are what many focus attention on today.The Prince of Peace was born to usher in peace to this world, something we humans in many parts of the world are searching and longing for.

Peace is indeed the need of the hour and Christmas is an ideal time to reflect on the true meaning of peace which can only exist in this world if we learn to accept each other as members of one big family - the human race, irrespective of our religious beliefs, ethnic and cultural differences and social standings. All spiritual leaders have, over the years, strived to guide humanity in the right path. The spiritual light they have tried to kindle in us through their great teachings is like the illumination we see through a many faceted lantern. Though seen from many views, all spiritual leaders convey the same message; to live in peace and love each other.

Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year... especially for Catholic/Christian children, with mouth-watering sweetmeats galore, plenty of new clothes to wear, places to visit and gifts to unwrap. And hey, what about that jolly old man who comes all the way from the North Pole, loaded with toys?

Yes, Christmas is a time that fills the hearts of children with so much joy and excitement. Even though you may be too young to reflect too deeply on the true meaning of this spiritual event, and will be totally caught up only in the fun and frolic that comes with the season, you are certainly not incapable of sparing a thought for all those who are in need of a helping hand, not just due to poverty, but also due to various other reasons such as the war, natural disasters, illnesses, violence and crime.You can make Christmas more meaningful for them because it is the season of giving!

Miru

Facts, myths and legends

* Oliver Cromwell who once ruled England was of the view that Christmas celebrations should be a solemn one. He banned Christmas carols in 1649 and 1660. The only celebration was a prayer service and a sermon.

* In 1643, the British Parliament abolished the celebration of Christmas.

* The common abbreviation for Christmas - X’mas is derived from the Greek alphabet. The letter X stands for Chi in the Greek alphabet, and is the first letter for Christ’s name in the Greek alphabet.

* Crackers or bon bons were first made in London by a sweet maker named Tom Smith.

* The first postage stamp to commemorate Christmas was issued in Austria in 1937.

* Alabama became the first State in the USA to declare Christmas as a legal holiday in 1836.

* The song “Twelve Days of Christmas’ was originally a children’s rhyme which was published in a book called Mirth without Mischief, in London in 1780. It was initially used in a memory and forfeit game, but a century later it was adapted into a cumulative song; meaning each verse is built on top of the previous verses.

* In 1914 during the World War, suddenly at midnight on Christmas eve, firing from the German trenches had ceased. A German brass band had then started playing Christmas carols. The Allied soldiers had been surprised by this act. Early Christmas morning, the German soldiers had come out of their trenches and approached the Allied lines calling out ‘Merry Christmas’. The Allied Forces had been suspicious, thinking it is a trick used by the Germans.But on realising it wasn’t so, they too had climbed out of the trenches and shook hands with the enemy soldiers. They had then exchanged presents of cigarettes and plum puddings and even played a game of soccer. The truce is said to have lasted a few days before the fighting was resumed again.

* President Franklin Pierce enjoyed viewing the first decorated Christmas tree at the White House .

* The traditional colours of Christmas are green and red. It is believed that while green represents the continuity of life through the winter and the Christian belief of eternal life through Jesus Christ, the colour red symbolises the blood Jesus shed when He was crucified.

* Carols are religious songs, associated with Christmas. One of the earliest English carols is the ‘Boor’s Head Carol’ printed in 1521. The word carol meant a song or dance of praise.

* The legend of flying reindeer is believed to have originated as early as the 19th century as a result of the poem ‘Twas the night before Christmas’ by Clement Clarke Moore.