Show Page 2 Tuesday December 24 1996 Salina SunGunnison Valley News A Gift From the Heart The True Meaning Christmas tree is filled with customs and history Shares AN IMPORTANT PART of the holiday season the Christmas tree is as likely to reflect the traditions of each individual family as it is those of the world at large In the Victorian era people decorated trees with wooden toys candles and streaming ribbons (Photo courtesy of Winterthur Museum) Of all Christmas customs perhaps the most universally treasured is the Christmas tree Brightly decorated with shimmering lights and glittering ornaments the tree is as likely to reflect the traditions of each individual family as it is those of the world at large From the exciting moment when the tree is erected usually some days in advance of Christmas Eve it commands a position ofcentral importance during holiday festivities So much so that it is difficult to believe that 200 years ago the custom of trimming a tree at Christmastime was not widely observed outside its native Germany One legend credits Martin Luther the with theologian having set up the very first Christmas tree According to this legend Luther conceived of a tree alight with countless candles as a way of representing to his children the glory of the starlit heaven However historical sources indicate that the first Christmas tree can be traced to the early 7th century when fir trees — decorated with colored paper gold foil apples toys and candies — were reported in the German city of Stasburg What are the antique origins of the Christmas tree? Historians point to a multitude of sources among them the Roman custom of decking residences with evergreens during the festival of the Kalends which occurred in the ear ly pail of January Parallels between the Roman observation of Kalends and traditional Christmas festivities are many and include those of decorating the home with lights and extending lavish hospitality to fiicnds and family as well as extravagant Many early Christian beliefs stand behind the tradition of trimming a tree at Christmas For instance it was customary for people to bring flowering trees like hawthorn or cherry indoors during the autumn so that they might bloom and biing forth fruit on Christmas Eve This tradition may be derived from the belief that St Joseph of Arimathea settling at Glastonbury in western England planted his staff in the earth whereupon it became a thorn tree and sprouted leaves it miraculously blossomed Dec 24 accoiding to the old church calendar was the Feast of Adam and I ve on which day it was traditional to hang a fir tree with red apples This Paiadise Tree as it was called is ccitainly a forerunner of the Christmas tree as it is known today There arc some very pretty stories associated with both pine and fir trees among the most popular choices for Christmas trees According to one legend the pine tree provided a hiding place for the Holy Tamily when they were fleeing from the soldiers of lerod 1 he fir tree according to other legend boasted both flowers and fruits until Eve discovered the tree and plucked its treasures From that time on the legend continues only needles grew on the fir tree until on the evening of the Nativity it suddenly blossomed once again 1 oday centuries later the Christmas spiiit is still represented in the timeless manifestation of the Christmas tree Whether decorated with candles and colorful lights or of strings popcorn and shiny ornaments it is an important part of the holiday season of Christmas Exchanging Christmas gifts has become a highlight of the holidays From making out a wish list to shopping for the perfect gift for that special someone there is a feeling of anticipation throughout the season Buying gifts is a fine way for people to show others how much they care the time and thought put into the selection expresses love and appreciation However giving a present that they made themselves can be even more meaningful The handmade gift is always eagerly received and it doesn't have to be a complicated project Baking cookies and packing them in a holiday tin or is making preserves and putting them in a decorative jar a wonderful gift that brings the flavors of Christmas to life For those who aren't talented in the kitchen there are many other gifts to as is a sweater or scarf is always make A needlepoint pillow an embroidered wall hanging or a handmade sachet While these projects may seem difficult people can use simple patterns that are easy to create Even if the gift isn't homemade the wrapping paper and card can be Nothing will ring a smile to someone's face faster than receiving a gift wrapped with a personal touch One way to be creative is to wrap a gift in a gift For example if giving presents for the kitchen people can wrap them in fabric napkins or decorative place mats They also can decorate plain sheets of paper in their own way A personalized card is the best way to show people how much they are loved The givers can say exactly what they want to say in their own words Whether using crayons and markers pictures cut out from magazines or handmade bows they can add a sense of waimth to their holiday greetings even more special is for people to Another way to make give of themselves They can help older relatives decorate their home work A Christmas Wish For You We’re hoping that your season brings Lots of glad tidings and beautiful things The warmth of family The blessing of friends Plus peace and joy That never ends May all your hopes and dreams come true That’s our Christmas wish for you I Composite Tecknojogy A Mexican tradition at Christmas time is breaking the pinata “aYeffe Of mm W THE WQMDD M ors cmmsmiM! Here's hoping that your Christmas brings Lots of glad tidings and 1 autiful things One thing we know is well on the way Are our very best wishes for a great holiday ymmiBSOin Tlfoiriftway All the halls are decked and bright With candles wreaths and strings of light The tree is trimmed and snow is falling The windows glow and friends come calling To spread good wishes and to say “Merry Christmas to all — have a great holiday! djQOfTDDOOSOITD |