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Show Sun Advocate Price. Utah Thursday December 19, 2002 IB fvJW. The traditions continue... s By RICHARD SHAW Staff reporter t- - While each family and area has tt&r. . 'Hr its own holiday traditions, uni- o Each year HU the AJIosaurus dons his holiday cap at the College of Eastern Utah Museum. mfi" was one of the first full dinosaur exhibits at the museum years ago hnd has become a kind of icon in the community. versal ones tend to dominate the season. Common traditions are the Christmas tree, sending holiday cards, mistletoe hanging over the door, and various other types of goings on that few people understand or know why they exist The Christmas tree was a German tradition which started as early as 700 AJX Originally the idea was from a pagan religion, but it was incorporated into the Christian holkfy as the mores of the times changed. The original mistletoe tradition came ton Europe where die type of plant that grows there (which is somewhat different from that found and used in the U.S.) was considered to have mystical powers. It was considered abestower of life and fertility and an aphrodisiac. The his-toas it relates to todays use is long. At various times it was hung from the ceiling to ward off evil spirits or prevent the entrance of bad witches. Some cultures believed it could extinguish fire. Kissing under it was originally connected with the Greek festival of Saturnalia and later with marriage. ry Christmas card sending started in the mid 1800s and This unique Christmas tree is not something everyone in the community sees, but everyone should. The tree was the brainchild of the late Mike Himonas. It is made of antique barb wire and is decorated with southwestern style ornaments that Hjmonas collected for 15 years. Before he built the tree, the adornments used to Bang on cactus' in his home. The tree features not only different kinds of antique fencing material, but it sits on an old flag stand that he found in a bam years ago. The topper to the tree is a metal arrow produced by local artist Gary Prazen. While Mike is now gone; his wife Stacy put the bee up at his office to honor and remember him and his creativity. ' ? quickly spread to the United States. Figures show that each year in America alone over two billion cards are exchanged. Candy canes have no definite history, but legend says that a choir leader in the late 1600s gave out sugar sticks to his choir members and bent them in the shape ofashepherds crook to signify the humility of the first men to worship the newborn Jesus. However it took over 200 years and atrip to the Unfertile candy cane to take on its most well known form, the peppermint, red and white cane. It became a religious symbol with the body of the cane (the white part) representing the life that is pure and the red stripe symbolic of Christs sacrifice for mankind. One other Christmas symbol seen is the use of Xmas in place of Christmas. While many people dont like this, and some have even claimed it is a way for to void Christmas meaning, the origin of that change came from 14th century Europe. The word for Christ in Green is Xristos, and the X was adopted from that term. The fact is that Christmas traditions from all over the world fill numerous books, and many in one way or another, are part of anyone who celebrates Chnst-ma- s tradition, including those who live in Carbon County. As in many places the decorating of yards is an honored tradition in the county. Some are the usual lights and scenes. Some are complicated with dozens of figures, illuminated so the whole world can see and others are more simple. Here is an example of a simple, but unique way to utilize a common yard decoration for ns the holiday. This yard near the golf course displays 17 pink flamingos with Santa nats Morning uieir ncaos. One of the most well known holiday traditions within Carbon County and actually throughout the state is the annual Helper Light Parade. Each year the parade travels through town tor two nights culminating in a fireworks display. The tradition of a light parade tor the holidays, brought the town the designation of Utahs official Christmas town by the governor a number of years ago. It was the first official light parade for the holidays in Utah, and has since been copied in many other towns throughout toe state. But as with many things, toe original is still the best year in The holidays are a big deal in Carbon County schools. Parades, plays and shows highlight this part W toe year as one of the most memorable tor children and end year out adults alike. "rrrl! V-- ' Price City Mayor, Gty Council and staff, wish everyone a safe and fun-fillholiday season with warm wishes to all for a prosperous new year. In the spirit of giving and the season make an effort to call on friends, old and new, visit your neighbors and get involved with family functions. Take a moment to enjoy the great holiday decorations lining the streets and the wonderfully decorated homes in all Gty neighborhoods. Visit Price City on the web at ed wwnw.priceutah.net k . . l . If. , R Brownie Troop 1264 of Price Gty spreads warm seasons greetings and prepared spedal holiday pictures for the community to enjoy. The Troop is selling the works of art to raise money to help with the Angel Tre programs locally. Pictures are on display at Price Gty Hall and can be pur chased there.' Brownie Scouts pictured are: Amanda Andreson, Jayde Moynier, Tasia ICarich, Shainey Hackney, Alex Rkhens, Samantha Jones, Erika Olsenand Samantha Tatton. V . i. .to |