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Show 11C Thursday, Dec. 23, WEST VALLEY VIEW THE 1982 GREEN SHEETWEST Rites, Food, Parades Part OfYuletideObservance (From Page IOC, Col. 7) may see its glow, And walk with Christ a mile or so. Spain From the snow- bound villages of Catalonia to the sundrenched province of Cadiz, Christmas in Spain is a time of devout and beautiful religious ceremonies. The observances begin on December eighth, which is the feast of the Immaculate Conception. After Vespers on that day the stately dance of the Sixes is performed in the magnificent cathedral of Seville. Despite the dances name, the origin of which is lost in the mists of antiquity, ten boys are trained under ecclesiastical direction to participate. Dressed in plumed hats and suits of pale blue satin, like royal pages of a bygone era, they go through intricate, ritualistic steps before lace-trimme- the d altar to the accom- ilies gather around Nacimientos every their houshold evening during Christ- mas week to sing carols, and children shake tinkling tambourines as they dance for the Christ Child. There are special holiday foods, of course, such as dulces de aimendra, or sweet almond pastries. Elaborate cards bearing greetings are distributed by tradesmen to their patrons. And the rich give food and clothing to the poor for, according to time-honore- tradition, good luck will come only to those who are generous during this season of peace and goodwill. It is not until Jan-urar- y sixth that the children receive their gifts, which are said to be left by the Magi passing through on their way to Bethlehem. On too, honoring the Three Kings are held in the big cities. castanets. cathedrals, that day, elaborate parades paniment of clicking In d Sweden in country churches and in most homes, manger scenes known as Nacimientos are centers of devotion. Carved Nacimiento figures appear in the shops in early December, and are sold along with Christmas evergreens on the steps of the great cathedral in Barcelona. Many fam In Sweden Christmas is the holiday of holidays, the star and jewel of the northern year. From the gaudily lit streets and mar- kets of Stockholm to each tiny snow-covere- d hamlet, Christmas is a play of contrasts - bright light amid winter darkness, pagan customs ming -- led with Christian ritual. Here, in heathen times, it was believed that at Christmas the Christmas beer symbolize fecundity; and, according to old tradition, the manner in which the dough of the Christmas cake rises portends whether or not a good year is in prospect. On December thirty-firs- t a vigil is held at many churches, with prayers at the stroke of twelve. Then large parties are held in restaurants and halls dead returned to earth, so food and drink were set out for them. Today the children set out food for Santa Claus. In the long midwinter darkness any light is welcome, so the making of candles is a high point of the Christmas cele-bratio- stream through the streets and the church bells ring in the New Year. France Along the broad boulevards of Paris, shopwindows are carrying burning awakens sleeping families at dawn to offer them wheat cakes and cofthat she represents the revered Lucia of ancient Syracuse, who had her eyes put out for refusing to renounce her Christian believe santons, saints, faith. In villages little are sold. Some are miniatures throghout the land of the Holy Family to young girls vie each place in a creche year for the honor of others are figurines of portraying her. butchers, bakers, Even more colorful policemen and priests is the procession of the to be given as playStar Boys, which re- things. enacts the journey of Almost every home the Three Kings to has its creche. In rural Bethlehem. As they go areas the children about the towns singgather laurel, holly, ing, they are followed stones and moss from the woods for its by strangely costumed Grownfigures, most notably decorations. Judas with his purse. ups go to the woods, There is always too, to bring home the On great feasting. The Christmas pig and the Christmas Eve a glass Yule log. "''M " shoes for Father tassels and white feathers, sing old carols and folk songs. The Urn of Fate is a gay and suspenseful part of Christmas. A large ornamental bowl brimming over with wrapped gifts, it con- peacock march into the towns from the outlying districts. They carry bagpipes, reeds and oboes, on which they play sweet music tains many before each shrine to the Holy Child. They boxes. takes his turn at pause, too, before carpenter shops in reaching into the bowl, and many are likely to draw blanks before getting a real present. honor of Joseph. Often they are invited into homes, where empty person Each they to fill. Adult gift giving comes later, on New Years Day. Italy The Italians have a female Santa Claus called the Lady who Befana, distributes gifts on in Epiphany while children roam the December with dolls, toys and animated figures. Throughout France small painted clay figures made in Provence and called fee. Many people X fireplaces are infrequent, the tradition is kept by eating cakes shaped like logs and covered with icing to resemble tree bark. Then the children hang up stockings or set out while the young Christmas n. And on Saint Lucias Day, December thirteenth, a young girl clad in white with a crown of candles on her hair, followed by other young people candles, of wine is poured over the log before it is ignited, and a late supper, to be eaten after midnight Mass, may be cooked over the blaze. In cities, where "K streets blowing paper trumpets. Legend has it that when Christ was born the shepherds told her of the wondrous happening and the guiding star, but she delayed setting out. Every Christmas she has since, wandered in search of the Holy Child leaving gifts at each house in the hope that He might be within. Like Santa Claus, she comes down the chimney. One of the most 1 Drawn I f 5th grade, by Cherlyn Clyde, Hillsdale Elementary. Parents Mr. and Mrs. William D. Clyde. J z col-orf- ul Christmas customs is that of the pipers, or pifferai. During Advent shepherds, attired in sheepskin trousers, flaming ed red vests and hats with red broad-brimm- "K MERRY CHRISTMAS ' 1 Drawn by Bryan Wrigley, age 7, 2nd grade. McMillan School. Parents Mr. & Mrs. Robert Wrigley. , Drawn by Cindy Comfort, age 10, grade Meadow Moor Elementary. Parents Mr. Mrs. Robert Comfort. GORDON WILSON CIIEV. 5. 5650 So. State Street 5200 So. Highland Dr. 272-968- 262-341- 6 M 1 tH Drawn by: William Wirth, 5th grade, Monroe Elementary. Parents: Mr. and Mrs. Terry J. Wirth. A wish echoed by all of us at . WALLPAPER WAREHOUSE & EAGAR & COMPANY 1616 WEST 3500 SO., S.L.C. 219 W. 9000 SO. 561-143- H 1;:. r li'T .. .w 6 972-878- 3 ; L i |