Christmas Traditions, 24 Nov 21

X-MAS TRADITIONS
Read the text on X-Mas traditions and place the missing sentences A-H
where they go in the text.
A. If you turn it upside down, it becomes the letter J symbolizing the first letter in Jesus' name.
B. Luther was so inspired by the beauty of the sight that he cut down a small evergreen and
brought it home.
C. Ancient Romans used them to ward off evil, and to convince the sun to shine again.
D. Blown-glass ornaments called kugles were sent to the United States
E. Scandinavians also thought of mistletoe as a plant of peace and harmony.
F. It comes from the 1800's.
G. Later becomingcorrupted to Sinterklaas, and finally, in Anglican, to Santa Claus.
H. The people at that time thought the plants were symbolic of the Star of Bethlehem.
Santa Claus
The original Sa nta Claus, St. Nicholas, was born in Turkey in the 4th
century. He was very pious from an earlyage, devoting his life to
Christianity. He became widely known for his generosity for the poor. But
the Romans held him in contempt. He was imprisoned and tortured. But
when Constantine became emperor of Rome, he allowed Nicholas to go
free. Constantine became a Christian and convened the Council of Nicaea
in 325. Nicholas was a delegate to the council. He is especially noted for his love of children
and for his generosity. He is the patron saint of sailors, Sicily, Greece, and Russia. He is also,
of course, the patron saint of children. The Dutch kept the legend of St. Nicholas alive. In
16th century Holland, Dutch children would place their wooden shoes by the hearth in hopes
that they would be filled with a treat. The Dutch spelled St. Nicholas as Sint Nikolaas.
1._____In 1822, Clement C. Moore composed his famous poem, "A Visit from St. Nick,"
which was later published as "The Night Before Christmas." Moore is credited with creating
the modern image of Santa Claus as a jolly fat man in a red suit.
The Christmas tree

Ancient people revered evergreens for their a bility to stay alive
during the cold winter months. Often considered magical, they
came to symbolize good luck and prosperity. Greenery often ado
rned the inside and outside of homes during the Winter Solstice
Festivals. A legend tells of Martin Luther, the founder of the
Protestant religion, walking through the woods late one night. As it
was clear, many stars were shining through the branches of the trees giving the impression
of twinkling lights. 2._____He recreated the stars by putting candles on the tree's
branches.The use of a Christmas tree indoors appears to have begun in Germany. German
Christians would bring trees into their homes to decorate. From there the tradition spread all
over the world.
Mistletoe and Holly

Two hundred years before the birth of Christ, the Druids used
mistletoe to celebrate the coming of winter. They would gather
this evergreen plant that is parasitic upon other trees and used it
to d ecorate their homes. They believed the plant had special
healing powers for everything from female infertility to poison
ingestion. 3._____ They associated mistletoe with their goddess of love, Frigga. The
custom of kissing under the mistletoe probably derived from this belief. Theearly church
banned the use of mistletoe in Christmas celebrations because of its pagan origins. Instead,
church fathers suggested the use of holly as an appropriate substitute for Christmas
greenery.
Poinsettias
Poinsettia s are native to Mexico. They were named after America's

first ambassador to Mexico, J oel Poinsett. He brought the plants to
America in 1828.4. _____ Thus the Poinsettia became associated
with the Christmas season. The actual flower of the poinsettia is
small and yellow. But surrounding flowers are large, bright red
leaves, often mistaken for petals.
The Candy Cane
In the late 1800's a candy maker in Indiana wanted to express the

meaning of Christmas through a symbol made of candy. He came up with
the idea of bending one of his white candy sticks in to the shape of a
Candy Cane. He incorporated several symbols of Christ's love and sacrifice
through the Candy Cane. First, he used a plain white peppermint stick.
The color white symbolizes the purity and sinless nature of Jesus. Next, headded three small
stripes to symbolize the pain inflicted upon Jesus before His death on the cross. There are
three of them to represent the Holy Trinity. He added a bold stripe to represent the blood
Jesus shed for mankind. When looked at with the crook on top, it looks like a shepherd's
staff because Jesus is the shepherd of man. 5. _____The candy maker made these candy
canes for Christmas, so everyone would remember what Christmas is all about.
Christmas stockings
The tradition of hanging stockings from the fireplace originated from one
of the most famous Christmas stories of St. Nicholas. 6._____. The
father of three young maidens could not afford a dowry for his daughters
to be married. From his castle, St. Nicholas heard of the poor misfortune
of the maidens, and secretly threw three bags of gold coins down their
chimney. It is said that the gold coins landed in the girls' stockings,
which were hanging in the fireplace to dry.
Candles
In the time of darkness surrounding the winter solstice, in

the long cold month of December, candles were an
important source of light and heat. 7._____. In Victorian
times, candles came to represent good will for those less
fortunate during the holiday season. Candles were often
placed in windows during the Christmas season as a sign to passersby that shelter and
warmth could be found within.
Christmas ornaments
When German immigrants came to America, they brought with

them the tradition of hanging small toys, ca ndies and other
goodies on the Christmas tree. Between 1800 and 1920,
8._____ , where they were eventually popularized by dime store
chains.

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X-MAS TRADITIONS

The Christmas tree

Mistletoe and Holly

Poinsettia s are native to Mexico. They were named after America's

The Candy Cane

In the late 1800's a candy maker in Indiana wanted to express the

In the time of darkness surrounding the winter solstice, in

When German immigrants came to America, they brought with

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