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&PiAGE 4, WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 23, 198 1, WHITBY FREE PRESS CHIRISTMAS CAROL SECTION Most of our Christmas customs are a gift brought from other countries, 50 there la much to be iearned about the Christmnas spirit by visitlng them. In Nortn America Our journey begins in' Canada. -In- passing through this- country's contrasting regions, we find Christmas celebra- tions vary from the folkc- lorie dances of the In- nuit, to French and British carols, trees embellished with can- dies, gifts, and a wine- soaked yule log. Southbound, in that "land of the posadas," Mexiîco, famiies gather for nine consecutive nights to re-enact the first Christmas. This ceremony of drama, song, and prayer is followed by blindfolded children breaking a pinata. What a scram- 'hie to pick up the failen pieces of trinkets and sweets! Continuing south, we discover many coun- tries have adopted the posada custom. South American children also put notes beside the manger for the good angeis to take up to Jesus. Upon seeing festivi- ties from sunrise to sun- set, highllghted by horse racing and Indian dan- ces, you'I know you're in Chule. The season is ripe, and so, Bolivians cele- brate their harvest festival along with Christmas. In Europe IL was in Germany that trees and toys first became a part of the holiday. Ail the family waits until six o'clock on Christmas Eve for mother to unveil the hidden tree, decorated not only with iights and ornaments, but asty treats. On December 6j Austria's opening of the season- is greeted with a visit from "knecht Rup- recht," ileaving smali gifts and sweets for the good or a switeh for the others. Highiighting an Austrian Christmas is the procession to mid- night mass, with lighted candies, singing Austria's. own carol, * In Africa Christmas has long beeSn an important occa- sion in Ethiopia. Foilow- ing the old calendar, it occurs January 6. On Christmas Eve, people pray and chant, outside the church until dawn. At 4 a.m.,-priests iead the people into church services. Christmas day is celebrated with gifts for children, danc- ing and feasting. In Ghana, the advent seasoni begins four Sun- days before Christmas, and refera to Christ's coming. One can only admire the homes ador- ned with flowers and palm branches, and candle-filled palm trees 1 In Asia Aithough in recent years it has gained significance, Chrismas, is not a grand 'scale holiday in Asia, except for Japan. Commercial stores have fostered many Canadian customs such as gift ex- changing and Lurkey dinner. Similar to Santa is "Hoteiosho, " believed to have eyes in the back 0f-his head. In Bethlehem where iL ail began, Christmas is purely a religious cere-' mony, not encompass- ing the festive spirit found in other countries. Not much change can be seen in this Judean town, which helpa our imagination Lo visualize life in Christ's ime. In Australia If you're not dream- ing of a white Christ- mas, then book your re- servation for Australia! Here, people head for the beach or park on this usually hot day, which is foliowed by Boxing Day. Away in a manger Away in a man- ger, Noçrlb for abed, The littie Lord Jesus Laid down -Hîs sweet head; The stars In the sky Looked down where He lay, The lîttie Lord Jesus Asleep on the hay. The cattie lowlng, The poor E wakes, But littIe1 Jesus No crylng ý are Baby Lord He makes;, 1 love Thee, Lord Jesus Look down from the sky,ý And stay by my cradie. Ti mornlng Is nigh. Be near me, Lord Jesus, 1 ask Thee to stay, Close by me for- ever, And love me, 1 pray; Bless ail the dear chlldren in Thy tender care, And take us to heaven, To live with Thee there.