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How did the legend of St. Nicholas begin? There are many legends of St. Nicholas, but this is the most famous legend and it includes elements of today's Santa: A nobleman who lived with his three daughters had fallen on hard times. The daughters had no chance of marriage, since their father could not pay their dowries. One night, St. Nicholas threw a sack of gold through a window of the nobleman's shabby castle, which was enough for one daughter's marriage. The next night, he tossed another sack of gold through the window for the second daughter. But on the third night, the window was closed. So, St. Nicholas climbed onto the roof and dropped the sack down the chimney. The next morning, the daughters found the gold in the stockings they had hung to dry by the fireplace. Hence leaving the stockings out for Santa Claus. How many other names is Santa Claus known by?
What is Mrs. Claus' first name? Mrs. Claus' full name is Jessica Mary Claus. Her mother picked her middle name after the mother of Jesus. They were married on Christmas Eve. Is St. Nicholas patron saint of anyone? Yes! Saint Nicholas is the patron saint of Russia, of children, and of sailors. He also has been patron saint of Moscow, Greece, prisoners, bakers, pawnbrokers, shopkeepers and wolves. Have many books been written about Santa Claus?
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What is Mistletoe? Mistletoe is one of many species of semiparasitic green plants and is used as part of the Christmas celebration. Symbolizes peace, kisses. Sacred symbol of ancient Druids and symbol of eternal life. One tradition has it that if you catch someone under the mistletoe you may kiss them. Who created the first Christmas Card? A Christmas card is a greeting card often sent by mail (or in present times, electronic mail/'email') to express Christmas goodwill and cheer. Almost all English-speaking countries following this tradition as do many other countries. John Callcott Horsley is credited with designing the first card in 1843. It was introduced to the United States in the 1870s. John Callcott Horsley was born January 29, 1817 in London, England and died October 18, 1903 also in London. He was a painter who designed the first Christmas Card in 1843 for Sir Henry Cole who was his friend. The first edition of 1000 cards as copied and hand colored and shows a family party and with the legend "A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to You." What is garland? Garland is a chain of leaves, flowers, or foliage often used to decorate homes at Christmas time. There have been many other uses throughout history. This also has druidic orgins. What is a wreath? A wreath is essentially a garland that is joined at both ends. There are several styles used at different occasions. Since the 19th century it is generally made of evergreens, holly, with pinecones and nuts. They are hung as decorations, for example on a door in Canada, the United States, and northern Europe. In Tudor England and during medieval times a wreath of rosemary and bay was served over a boar. The advent wreath has four candles and is a Christian symbol of the four Sundays preceding Christmas. A Christmas wreath is more decorative and is generally made of holly leaves and berries and is a custom of many countries including particularly those listed above. What is a Christmas Tree? A Christmas Tree is usually a balsam or douglas fir, and is decorated with lights and ornaments as a part of the Christmas season. Evergreen trees, wreaths, and garlands are an ancient custom dating back to the Chinese, Hebrews, and Egyptians. Initially part of pagan Europe, tree decoration became part of Christian tradition initially as part of the New Year celebration in order to scare the devil away. Likewise, it was part of a German custom of placing a Yule tree at an entrance to the house as part of their midwinter holiday. The modern Christmas tree tradition came from western Germany, from a medieval custom, as a paradise tree -- a tree decorated with apples, wafers (or cookies), and candles representing the Garden of Eden, the host, and Christ. By the 19th century it had become a deep-rooted German tradition. European countries such as Austria, Switerland, The Netherlands, and Poland imported the German tradition. Queen Victoria's husband, German Prince Albert popularized the tradition in England after it had been introduced earlier in the 19th century. German and English settlers to North America brought the tradition there and missionaries in the 19th and 20th centuries spread the tradition to China, Japan, and other parts of Asia. |
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What is Christmas? The word itself comes from the Old English, "Cristes maesse" which means "Christ's mass" on which Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. It is now both a religious and secular holiday. Romans celebrated this festival in AD 336 which coincided with a pagan Roman festival coinciding with the Winter Solstice. It is often celebrated December 25, but few churches celebrate it on January 6th. It is traditionally a celebration of family and children. English: Christmas, Yule, Noel German: Weihnachten Finnish: Joulu Swedish: Jul Italian: Il Natale Spanish: La Natividad French: Noel Christmas -- traditionally has been celebrated during a prolonged period from December 24 to January 6th. What is Christmas Day? Derived from the traditional birthday of Jesus. Near the shortest day of the year (the Winter Solstice) an important pagan and solar feasting period in Europe. Fixed by the church near the old Roman Saturnalia festival (December 17-21). The first mention of the birthday is from the year 354. Gradually most Christian churches adopted this day, except Armenians who celebrate 6th January which date for other Churches is the baptismal day of Jesus and the day of the three Magi). What is a "Carol"? A song, generally of religious joy. The earliest known Christmas songs date from the 4th century; "Jesus refulsit omnium by St. Hilary of Poitiers" is the oldest. Songs were created in the Catholic Church and many other places. Early songs were religious and in latin. Music by Handel and Mendelssohn was adapted and used as Christmas carols. The most famous of all, Silent Night (Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht) was written by the Austrian parish priest Joseph Mohr and composed by Franz Gruber, church organist, in 1818. Why a Star? The astronomical/astrological phenomenon that triggered the journey of the Magi to find and give presents to the Christ child, Jesus. A star is often placed at the top of the Christmas tree. What is a Magi? From the old Persian language, a priest of Zoroaster (Zarathustra). The Bible states they came from the East and were from Persia (today, Iran). Their names were Balthasar, Melchior, Caspar. What is Advent? It is a period of preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ at Christmas. Advent begins on the Sunday closest to November 30th - St. Andrew's Day - and is the beginning of the church year. Popular traditions are Advent Candles and Advent Calendars (often colorful children's calendars with a door for each day in December). Advent is from the Latin "adventus" meaning "coming," as in the coming of Christ's birthday. Who is Charles Dickens? Dickens is one of the greatest English novelists. He was born February 7, 1812 (Charles John Huffman Dickens) in Portsmouth, Hampshire. In 1843 he wrote A Christmas Carol, creating a Christmas myth. He also wrote: Oliver Twist, David Copperfield, A Tale of Two Cities, and The Pickwick Papers. |
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