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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2004 THE NEW TANNER ll O CHRISTMAS TREE: Canada's' evergreens are known the world over for their fitness as Christmas trees. This rural lane shows their beauty in the new fallen snow. Christmas tree roots are traced to medieval times The first Christmas tree, as we know it, appeared in that part of France known as Alsace in 1521. It was introduced to France by the Princess Helene de Meckl- embourg, who brought one to Paris, after her marriage to the Duke of Orleans. Now the Christmas tree, an integral part of the Christmas season for most Canadian families, has a history that dates back to medieval times. Of course, decorated trees have been part of pagan festivities for centuries but it wasn't until the 11" century they had a Christmas basis, history tells us. During Advent in the 11" century, scenes called mysteries, including one about Paradise, were very popular. A tree decorated with red apples symbol- ized the tree of Paradise. During the 15" century, Christians began to put up trees in their own houses on December 24, the feast day of Adam and Eve. In the 18" century, the custom of decorating a Christmas tree was well established in Germany, France and Austria. In 1841, Prince Albert (originally from Germany) husband of Queen: Victo- ria, set up a Christmas tree at Windsor Castle in Eng- land. From the royal court, the custom of Christmas trees spread quickly to the middle class and then to working people. For Victorians, a good Christmas tree had to be six branches tall and be placed on a table covered with a white damask table- cloth. It was decorated with garlands, candles and paper flowers. The Christmas tree was introduced to Canada around the end of the 18" century before it became a common practice in England. The various or- naments in which it was decorated were first made at home before being com- mercially produced. In the middle of the 17" century Christmas trees were illu- minated with little candles. These were replaced at the beginning of the 20" century be electric bulbs, much safer than lighted candles. Other variations like outdoor and artificial Christmas trees started to appear around the begin- NOW atthe Thompson Wellness Centre 25 MAIN ST. N. ACTON i. HAROLD K. ARNOLD Hearing Aids Limited #104-77 Westmount Rd., Guelph, Ontario NIH 5J1 Tel. (519) 836-8111 Alternate Wednesdays. See you December 29 10am - 4pm "Happy New Year" * Repairs to all makes of hearing aids + Batteries supplied in office or mailed on request + Hearing aids selected from your response during a computerized hearing evaluation Call Guelph office to book your appointment ning of the 20" century and the custom is gaining acceptance in other parts of the world. The growing and sell- ing of evergreen trees has also become a prosperous industry in Canada. Merry Christmas from The New Tanner (519) 836-8111 with Pamela Ashton le... Candles or tapers have been a symbol of Christ from the very beginning of Christianity. At Christmas time a large candle was lit in homes on Christmas Eve symbolizing Christ, the Light of the World. It was left to burn the whole night to mark the Nativity. The custom still per- Candles symbols of Christ sists in some countries such as France, Ireland, Denmark and England. Canadian families light candles decorated with pine, or fir branches dur- ing Christmas dinner but the meaning has been obscured by the passage of time. Candles are enjoying a comeback again. Fire departments which must quench flames started by careless people are im- ploring residents to never leave lighted candles unat- tended. I Blue Begs | Spa & Salon Out professionals specialize in giving you the ubtimatoys P ie HOUy ff p expetience in beauty, health and wellness... in out oF Ja unique pa enoitonment. Pre-set ot Custom Packages available... Ask about out : M4 Len's Packages nee be Or Oust MCs © Yriends ONTARIO L7J 1G3 Tel: (519) 853-0150 Toll Free: 1-800-294-6886 Mommy-To-Be Package * Manic, Pe 1 how Mate Spa Lanch S160.00 Quick Escape Blue Springs Pedicure, 122 hour Massage or Reike, Spa Tub, Spa Snack. $90.00 5. $170.00 2 person (allow 312 hows vr Body Escape Package Customized European Facial, Aquat Salt Glas, Customized Spa Tub Session, Spa Snack $130.00 {allows 2122 hours) me eatend our sincerest bes wis MCS fer a SHalpy . Holiday Beason : : 4 ; @®a Preoipereus S) New Yar + ie : Denny's Insurance Service since 1958 15 MILL STREET WEST, ACTON Teen Package Mini Spa Manicure, Mini Spa Pedicure, Customized Teen Facial, Spa Tub Session, Spa Snack $99.00 fallow 3-172 hours} A (7 The Dreamy Escape Pedicure, Facial, One Hour Massage or Bedy Wrap, Spa Tub, Spe Leach $180.00 3-4/2 hours} Manicure, 1/2 hour Massage or Reike, Spa Tub, Spa Swack $72.00 (altow 2 hours) 9 Mill Street East, Acton 519-853-8859 www.bluespringsspa.com Certificates Avaitable