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Show 6A The Summit County Bee Coalville, UT 84017 Friday, December 12, 1986 I Anticipation Builds Through Advent as Christinas Draws Near rxrkeninri build. Drcorolion fft up, hunu urr wdnlcnl with ihr npicy need of collide baking, and children write Irtlrr to Santa, reminding him how good ihry'rr been, and what gift they wont to receive. Here, children carefully trace Santa route (left), in two rharortcrutie drawing by American tlluntrntor Hionia Natl (1840-19(12-). and Santa, at home in the North Nr. get down to reading hb utack of mail (right). AS CHRISTMAS DAY NEARS, I hr Long before Christinas Eve, the' holiday excitement begins. Thanksgiving over, Christmas decorations festoon shopping streets in towns and cities across America. Department stores become increasingly crowded as the big day nears, and hordes of shoppers become immersed in the search for the perfect gift for every person on their list. Letters are written to Santa in his North Pole residence, detailing gift requests that range from the traditional to the fantastic. Cooks and bakers begin preparations for holiday entertaining. Fruitcakes are made and allowed to age. In England, the last Sunday before Advent begins is traditionally Stir Up Sunday. This is the last day on which which adorn it are traditionally red, white or purple. The symbolism of the Advent The cirwreath is many-facetecular form of the wreath signifies eternity (juit as, in a different context, the wedding ring is a moving symbol of eternal love). Evergreens, because they live all year round, are symbols of life. The purple parts of the wreath bring home to us the need for penitence at this time; pink or rose colored elements remind us Christmas puddings can be begun, if they are to be ready in time for the holiday feast. Like fruitcakes, this traditional British dessert must be allowed to age and mellow to achieve the prefect flavor. Once Advent begins, on the fourth Sunday before Christmas, the sense of anticipation which Christmas invokes d. begins building at a very heady pace. Children, who look forward most eagerly to the joys of Christmas Day, can mark the passage of time with an Advent calendar. A tradition which originated in Northern Europe (Germany and Scandinavia), the Advent calendar depicts a house, a Christmas scene, or perhaps a Christmas tree. There is a flap to open, corresponding with each day of Advent, and the picture revealed represents a Christmas custom or tradition. The anticipation fostered by the Advent calendar culminates on Christmas Day itself, when the largest door, hiding a depiction of the Nativity scene, is lifted up. Originally a Lutheran tradition, the Advent wreath is another beautiful to rejoice. The candles, finally, symbolize Christ, He who is the Light of the World. In Germany, another tradition On each Thursday prevailed. night of Advent, children and adults alike would parade from house to house, singing hymns and creating noise by knocking on the doors of the houses they passed, with hammer or sticks, or by throwing small, hard pellets (peas, for instance, or lentils) against the windows. This practice, which earned the evenings on which it occurred, the title of Knocking Night," may stem from ancient rituals designed to expel evil spirits from buildings thus treated. In addition, it is on Knocking Night," so legend tells us, that young girls learn about their custom associated with this time of year. Made of evergreen boughs, the Advent wreath is punctuated with four candlcholders. On the fourth Sunday prior husbands-to-b- to Christmas, to mark the beginning of Advent, a candle is lit, and an additional .one is lit each Sunday until, on the last Sunday before Christmas, all the candles in the wreath are alight. Usually the wreath is set on a table or hung in a window for to admire. The candles. passers-b- y e. Another Advent superstition is the belief that a sprig from a cherry tree, cut and put into water at the start of Advent, will bring good fortune if it bears flowers by Christmas Day. This belief, itself, is a particularly beautiful metaphor for a period which represents, in the Christian world, the coming of God to men. I gNMMRMMHKMMIM X X Gfoe M I X X X Something I Different jzor CbRistraas X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X x I w 1 A Cassette Tape Recording of I 10 Oringinal Compositions by TAMMY SIMISTER SIDE ONE Let the Son Shine In, Comfort Me, Suddenly Something's Happening For Your Love, You Are Loved SIDE TWO WB siB have moons to has at reftcul rales. Jonathan, All That He Had, Give Me A Chance, Diffrent Gem by Gem Between now and December 31st, First Interstate Bank is clearing out real money for instalment loans reduced up to 1 below our already low bank rates. Money for whatever you want: a new car, a vacation, home improvements, college expenses or even the orthodontist Talk to one of our officers today. Youll find our service fast and friendly, and our loan rates competitive Come get your share while the supply lasts. X X $J99 X SIMISTER'S ART FAMILY Coalville-Kama- s Or send BBSS!! Bark A X X rust Interstate I member of the First Interstate system with assets of more than $49 billion. Member FDIG Equal Opportunity Lender I IX check or money order Simisters, Box 327, Coalville, Utah 84017 a Please add $1 .00 for postage, handling and I ! sales tax. Allow 7 days delivery. |