SEASONAL SNIPPETS

SEASONAL SNIPPET # 1

The winter solstice was considered an important point of the year by the German and Celtic tribes as they held their chief festival of Yule which was to commemorate the return of what they called the burning-wheel (the sun).

SEASONAL SNIPPET # 2

During the winter solstice the druids gathered mistletoe and hung it in their homes while the Saxons favored holly and ivy.

SEASONAL SNIPPET # 3

On St. Nicholas' Day, during the middle ages, a 'Boy Bishop' was elected, and he exercised a blasphemous Episcopal jurisdiction by parodying ecclesiastical functions and ceremonies.

SEASONAL SNIPPET # 4

In Rome between the great Saturnalia festival and the solstice festival of Brumalia came the Festival of Infants known as Juvenalia, and the Sigallaria, or Doll Festival and the children were presented with gifts at both.

SEASONAL SNIPPET # 5

In ancient Rome After the festival of the Saturnalia, came the Festival of Infants known as Juvenalia, at which the children were presented with gifts.

SEASONAL SNIPPET # 6

The early Puritan settlers of America declared Christmas celebration as a "relic of Popery," and they abolished it.

SEASONAL SNIPPET # 7

St Lucia’s day, december 13th is celebrated In Sweden with the youngest girl in the family wearing or carrying a crown of small lit candles this is appropriate as Lucia means light.

SEASONAL SNIPPET # 8

The name "Santa Claus" is derived from the good Bishop "Saint Nicholas," patron saint of beggars and thieves and in the middle Ages, thieves were known as "clerks of St. Nicholas."

SEASONAL SNIPPET # 9

If you don’t take your Christmas decorations down by twelfth night January 5th you should leave them up until the 2nd of February which is Candlemas.

SEASONAL SNIPPET # 10

Kwanzaa is a non religious festival African festival beginning on December 26th and ending on January 1st the central practice is the lighting of the seven candles or mishumaa of Kwanzaa whichsignifies each of the Seven Principles or Nguzo Saba.

SEASONAL SNIPPET # 11

Candlemas was originally a Pagan festival to celebrate purification but now it is part of the Christian calendar.The feast of the presentation is celebrated on February 2nd the 40th day after Christmas and it is a day honoring Christ and Mary's purification in the temple.