Trivia

[Dusty]

Trivia

Frankincense is a sweet - smelling gum resin derived from certain Boswellia trees, which at the time of Christ grew in Arabia, India, and Ethiopia. Tradition says that it was presented to the Christ Child by Balthasar, the black King from Ethiopia or Saba. The frankincense trade was at its height during the days of the Roman Empire. At that time this resin was considered as valualble as gems or precious metals. The Romans burned frankincense on their alters and at cremations.

 

[violet]

I love your tidbits of information!
We should keep this going with facts about Christ's time on earth, which fascinates me!


Joseph and Jesus
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[Dusty]

Ok Violet..... I'll try to fine more and please you all feel free to add. Thanking you in advance.

 

[Dusty]

Ok .... Here's another one.

The carol " Silent Night" was wrtten in 1818 by an Austrian priest, Joseph Mohr . He was told the day before Chhristmas that the church organ was broken and would not be prepared in time for Christmas Eve. He was saddened by this news and could not think of Christmas without music, so he wanted to write a carol that could be sung by choir to guitar music. He sat down and wrote three stanzas. Later that night the people in the little AUstrian church sang " Stille Nacht " for the first time.

 

[Dusty]

Myrrh is an aromatic gum resin which oozes from gashes cut in the bark of a small desert tree known as Commifera Myrrha ot the dindin tree. The myrrh hardens into teardropped shaped chunks and is then powdered or made into ointments or perfumes . This tree is about five to fifteen feet tall and one foot in diameter. Legend says that Casper brought the gift of myrrh fron Europe or Tarsus and placed it before the Christ Child. Myrrh was an extremely valuable commodity during biblical times and was imported from India and Arabia.

 

[Dusty]

 

[Whirlwind]

We put up our tree last night.

Instead of using ornaments, we used these little stuffed toys we've been getting out of the claw-machine all year. It looks so neat!

We listened to carols on XM and wrapped the presents we'd bought throughout the year.

*sigh*

I love Christmas!

 

[Dusty]

Me too Whirlwind. God gave us our first gift, Jesus Christ, His one and only Son. What greater gift is that.? That He laid down His life for us. Hallalujah what a Saviour. !!!

Your tree sounds wonderful. And are there fire balls on it ? ..... LOL

 

[Dusty]

More trivia.

In Victorian England , turkeys were popular fior Christmas dinners. Some of the birds were raised in Norfolk and taken to market in London. To get hem to London, the turkeys were supplied with boots made of sacking ot leathers. The turkeys were walked to the market. The boots protected their feet from the frozen mud of the road. Boots were not used for geese; instead , their feet were protected with a covering of tar.

 

[Dusty]

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Christmas in Canada[/SIZE]
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• Christmas celebrations are quite similar in the variety to America.
  In some provinces, a big winter festival, called Sinck tuck, is celebrated by the Eskimos, with dancing and a present-giving party.
  In Labrador, turnips are saved from the summer harvest and are given to children, with a lighted candle pushed into a hollowed out hole.
  In Nova Scotia, a country settled by Scottish highlanders, songs and carols brought from Britain two centuries ago are sung each Christmas morning.
  Also in Nova Scotia, during the twelve days of Christmas small groups of belsnicklers, or masked mummers, appear in neighborhoods, ringing bells, making noise, seeking candy or other treats. The hosts may try to guess who the mummers are and if they guess right the mummer removes his or her disguise and stops making rude noises and actions. Children may be quizzed by the mummers on their behavior if they say they have been good they are rewarded with candy.
  In Quebec they display Crèches or nativity scenes in their homes as the Christmas decorations. After attending midnight mass, families may be served tourtiere or pork pie. Another favorite food is Boulettes or small meatballs. A Christmas banquet is called a reveillon.
  In British Columbia Christmas turkey may be accompanied by either fresh or smoked salmon.
  In Canada the traditional Christmas dinner is roast turkey with vegetables and sauces. For dessert it is rich, fruity Christmas pudding with brandy sauce. Mince pies, pastry cases filled with a mixture of chopped dried fruit.
  Masked mummers are a Christmas tradition from Newfoundland.

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[smellycat]

dusty original post,which way did the 3 kings follow the star to bethlehem?so where would they come from?

 

[Dusty]

dusty original post,which way did the 3 kings follow the star to bethlehem?so where would they come from?

Good question Michael. All it says in the Bible is the wise men came from the east and followed the star. They followed the star to Jerusalem where they asked saying they saw the star in the east and when King Herod heard he was troubled and called a meeting of all the leading priests and teachers of the law. He asked them where the Christ would be born and they answered, " In the town of Bethlehem in Judea.. The prophet wrote about this in the scriptures. ( Mic. 5:2 )" But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah , you are important among the rulers of Judah. A ruler will come from you. He will be like a shepherd for my people , the Israelites. "

 

[Dusty]

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Christmas in England[/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]The English enjoy beautiful Christmas music. They love to decorate Christmas Trees and hang up evergreen branches.
One England's customs is mummering. In the Middle Ages, people called mummers put on masks and acted out Christmas plays. These plays are still performed in towns and villages.
The English gift giver is called Father Christmas. He wears a long red or green robe, and leaves presents in stockings on Christmas Eve. However, the gifts are not usually opened until the following afternoon.
Christmas in England began in AD 596, when St Augustine landed on her shores with monks who wanted to bring Christianity to the Anglo Saxons.
Father Christmas delivers them during the night before Christmas. The Children leave an empty stocking or pillowcase hanging at the end of the bed. In the morning they hope it will be full of presents.
In England the day after Christmas is called Boxing Day because boys used to go round collecting money in clay boxes. When the boxes were full, they broke them open.
In England Christmas dinner was usually eaten at Midday on December 25, during daylight.
In England, the only thing that people ate on the day before the feast was Frumenty, which is, was a kind of porridge made from corn. Over the years the recipe changed. Eggs, fruit, spice, lumps of meat and dried plums were added. The whole mixture was wrapped in a cloth and boiled. This is how plum pudding began.
In England the traditional Christmas dinner is roast turkey with vegetables and sauces. For dessert it is rich, fruity Christmas pudding with brandy sauce. Mince pies, pastry cases filled with a mixture of chopped dried fruit.
In England also they elect Boy Bishops in commemoration of St. Nicholas compassion for children. These mock bishops were allowed to do the duties of the ecclesiastic except deliver the Mass.
****

Hey Michael.... You guys have Boxing Day the same as we do .
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[Dusty]

• [SIZE=+1]Christmas in United States of America[/SIZE]
  [SIZE=-1]Santa Claus was born in US in the 1860's he was named this as he had a white beard and a belly, so he was named Santa Claus as this was the Dutch word for St Nicholas, Sintaklaas. Although the Dutch had bought him with them in the 17th century, he did not become an important person at Christmas until the Novelist Washington Irving put him in a novel that he wrote in 1809. This first Santa Claus was still known as St. Nicholas, he did smoke a pipe, and fly around in a wagon without any reindeer, but he did not have his red suit or live at the North Pole, he did however bring presents to children every year.
  In 1863 He was given the name Santa Claus and bore the red suit, pipe, and his reindeer and sleigh.
  Now Christmas celebrations vary greatly between regions of the United States, because of the variety of nationalities which have settled in it.
  In Pennsylvania, the Moravians build a landscape, called a putz - under the Christmas tree, while in the same state the Germans are given gifts by Belsnickle, who taps them with his switch if they have misbehaved.
  Early European settlers brought many traditions to the United States. Many settled in the early days in the South, these settlers would send Christmas greetings to their distant neighbors by shooting firearms and letting off fireworks. In Hawaii this practice is still in use as under the sunny skies, Santa Claus arrives by boat and Christmas dinner is eaten outdoors.
  In Alaska, a star on a pole is taken from door to door, followed by Herod's Men, who try to capture the star. Colonial doorways are often decorated with pineapple, a symbol of hospitality.
  In Alaska, boys and girls with lanterns on poles carry a large figure of a star from door to door. They sing carols and are invited in for supper.
  In Washington D.C., a huge, spectacular tree is lit ceremoniously when the President presses a button and turns on the tree's lights.
  In Boston, carol singing festivities are famous. The singers are accompanied by hand bells.
  In New Orleans, a huge ox is paraded around the streets decorated with holly and with ribbons tied to its horns.
  In Arizona, the Mexican ritual called Las Posadas is kept up. This is a ritual procession and play representing the search of Mary and Joseph for a room at the inn. Families play the parts and visit each other's houses enacting and re-enacting the drama and, at the same time, having a look at each family's crib.
  In Hawaii, Christmas starts with the coming of the Christmas Tree Ship, which is a ship bringing a great load of Christmas fare. Santa Claus also arrives by boat.
  In California, Santa Claus sweeps in on a surf board.
  In America the traditional Christmas dinner is roast turkey with vegetables and sauces. For dessert it is rich, fruity Christmas pudding with brandy sauce. Mince pies, pastry cases filled with a mixture of chopped dried fruit.
  The majority of Americans celebrate Christmas with the exchange of gifts and greetings and with family visits. For many, the day begins on Christmas Eve with the Midnight Mass. At Christmas it snows in many states, so dinner is usually eaten indoors. Dinner usually is roast turkey, goose, duck or ham served with cranberry sauce, then plum pudding or pumpkin pie followed by nuts and fruit.
  American homes are decorated with holly, mistletoe and branches of trees, most have a Christmas tree hung with electric lights, tinsel, baubles, and strings of popcorn and candy canes.
  In Colorado, an enormous star is placed on the mountain, it can be seen for many kilometers around, while in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, a star is lit in early December.
  Polish Americans on Christmas Eve spread hay on their kitchen floor and under the tablecloth to remind them of a stable and a manger. When they make up the table for dinner two extra places are set up for Mary and the Christ Child in case they should knock at the door to ask for shelter.
  In Philadelphia, a procession called a mummers parade runs for a whole day with bands, dancers and people in fancy dress.
  There are two homes for Santa Claus in the United States one is in Torrington, Connecticut, where Santa and his helpers give out presents. The other home is in Wilmington, New York, where a village for Santa and his reindeer is located.
  In Arizona they follow the Mexican traditions called Las Posadas. Families play out the parts of Mary and Joseph searching for somewhere to stay. They form a procession and visit their friends' and neighbors' homes where they admire each family's Nativity crib. In parts of New Mexico, people place lighted candles in paper bags filled with sand on streets and rooftops to light the way for the Christ Child.
  

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[Dusty]

• [SIZE=+1]Christmas in Australia[/SIZE]
  [SIZE=-1]Christmas in Australia is often very hot. Whereas the northern hemisphere is in the middle of winter, Australians are baking in summer heat. It is not unusual to have Christmas Day well into the mid 30 degrees Celsius, or near 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
  A traditional meal includes a turkey dinner, with ham, and pork. A flaming Christmas plum pudding is added for dessert. In the Australian gold rushes, Christmas puddings often contained a gold nugget. Today a small favor is baked inside. Whoever finds this knows s/he will enjoy good luck. Another treat is Mince Pies.
  Some Australians and particularly tourists often have their Christmas dinner at midday on a local beach, Bondi Beach in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs attracts thousands of people on Christmas Day. Other families enjoy their day by having a picnic. If they are at home, the day is punctuated by swimming in a pool, playing Cricket out the backyard, and other outdoor activities.
  The warm weather allows Australians to enjoy a tradition which commenced in 1937. Carols by Candlelight is held every year on Christmas Eve, where tens of thousands of people gather in the city of Melbourne to sing their favorite Christmas songs. The evening is lit by as many candles singing under a clean cut night sky. The sky with its Southern Cross stars is like a mirror. Sydney and the other capital cities also enjoy Carols in the weeks leading up to Christmas.
  Australians surround themselves with Christmas Bush, a native plant which has little red flowered leaves.
  Christmas shopping is often done in shorts and t-shirts. At many beaches Santa Claus arrives on a surfboard, or even on a surf lifesaving boat.
  Australia's worst Christmas was in 1974, when Cyclone Tracy devastated Darwin in the Northern Territory. More than 60 people were killed.
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[Dusty]

[SIZE=-1]Question: What's red and white and gives presents to good little fish on Christmas?[/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]Answer: Sandy Claws. [/SIZE]



[SIZE=-1]Question: Why does Santa have 3 gardens?[/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]So he can ho-ho-ho. [/SIZE]
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[SIZE=-1]Question: What do you get when you cross a snowman with a vampire? [/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]Answer: Frostbite.[/SIZE]

 

[Dusty]

[SIZE=+1]Christmas in Switzerland[/SIZE]
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• A tinkling of a silver bell heralds the arrival of Christkindli - a white clad angel, with a face veil held in place by a jeweled crown. The tree candles are lit as she enters each house and hands out presents from the basket held by her child helpers.
  The week before Christmas, children dress up and visit homes with small gifts. Bell ringing has become a tradition, and each village competes with the next when calling people to midnight mass. After the service, families gather to share huge homemade doughnuts called ringli and hot chocolate.
  In Switzerland, the Chlausjagen Festival or Feast of St. Nichohlas is celebrated at dusk on 6 December with a procession of "lifeltrager' wearing gigantic illuminated lanterns in the shape of a Bishop's mitre on their heads.
  The Swiss wait for the Christ child called Christkindli, to arrive with gifts for all in his reindeer-drawn sleigh.
  In Switzerland, during the holiday season the Star Singers or Sternsingers dressed as the Three Kings parade through the streets of cities and towns singing Christmas songs.
  In Zurich, Santa visits in a special fairytale tram and gives the children a ride through the city, singing songs with them and sharing a basket full of sweets.

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[Dusty]

• [SIZE=+1]Christmas in Bethlehem[/SIZE]
  [SIZE=-1]In Bethlehem the town where Jesus is said to have been born is the site of the Church of the Nativity, which is ablaze with flags and decorations on every Christmas. On Christmas Eve natives and visitors alike crowd the church's doorways and stand on the roof to watch for the dramatic annual procession. Galloping horsemen and police mounted on Arabian horses lead the parade. They are followed by solitary horseman carrying a cross and sitting astride a coal-black steed, then comes the churchmen and government officials. The procession solemnly enters the doors and places an ancient effigy of the Holy Child in the Church. Deep winding stairs lead to a grotto where visitors find a silver star marking the site of the birth of Jesus. Christian homes in Bethlehem are marked by a cross painted over the door and each home displays a homemade manger scene. A star is set up on a pole in the village square.
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[Dusty]

[SIZE=+1]Christmas in Wales[/SIZE]
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• The Welsh are great lovers of music and so every year at Christmas, carol singing is the most enjoyed activity. In the churches, they are sung to the harp. They are sung in people's homes around the Christmas tree and at the doors and windows of the houses.
  Caroling is called eisteddfodde and is often accompanied by a harp. In some rural areas a villager is chosen to be the Mari llwyd. This person travels around the town draped in white and carrying a horse's skull on a long pole. Anyone given the "bite" by the horse's jaws must pay a fine.
  Christmas is spent with lots of people gathering in the public square for the announcement of who, during the year, has won the prize for submitting the best music for a new carol, and the formal pronouncement of it as the carol of the year. This carol is now added to those already known and sung in Wales.
  Taffy making is one of the most important of the Welsh Christmas. This involves the making of the special kind of chewy toffee from brown sugar and butter. It is boiled and then pulled so that it becomes lovely and glossy. The Christmas goose is also essential.
  The Welsh people maintain most of the traditional customs associated with England such as holly, mistletoe, pudding, carols, Christmas stockings, oranges, crackers and lots of snow.
  The carolers make their rounds at dawn on Christmas morning, and families wake from sleep and ask them in for refreshments.

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[Dusty]

Christmas in Russia
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• In Russia the religious festival of Christmas is being replaced by the Festival of Winter but there are some traditions that are still kept up in some parts of the country.
  In the traditional Russian Christmas, special prayers are said and people fast, sometimes for 39 days, until January 6th Christmas Eve, when the first evening star in appears in the sky. Then begins a twelve course supper in honor of each of the twelve apostles - fish, beet soup or Borsch, cabbage stuffed with millet, cooked dried fruit and much more.
  Hay is spread on the floors and tables to encourage horse feed to grow in the coming year and people make clucking noises to encourage their hens to lay eggs.
  On Christmas Day, hymns and carols are sung. People gather in churches which have been decorated with the usual Christmas trees or Yelka, flowers and colored lights.
  Christmas dinner includes a variety of different meats - goose and suckling pig are favorites.
  Babushka is a traditional Christmas figure who distributes presents to children. Her name means grandmother and the legend is told that she declined to go with the wise men to see Jesus because of the cold weather. However, she regretted not going and set off to try and catch up, filling her basket with presents. She never found Jesus, and that is why she visits each house, leaving toys for good children.
  The role of Father Christmas was played by Dedushka Moroz or Grandfather Christmas.

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