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TixwrygHXiH'm " «>!' "l«f w 7 ' -/ ' '- ' 1 « ' >X ' 4 , * " '• ' <i i '"• '*" ' 1 •' H * 4 * * yf** . v . ' • » \ V ' ' ,--: / r -W; ill HAVEOOMZ MA1TT LMSl you ever wonder about th« >Hgln of Santa Claus? Or about lie first Christmas tree? Or perwhen Christmas carols were Iftt song? Or any one of the Christmas customs yon have associated with this festive traditions you learned as tiffld and 'which have become Integral a part of your Christ' s celebration that most people ikfc.|hent for granted? Mch year the Museum of Science Industry presents a series of peclal program devoted to Christcustoms and traditions around world. With the cooperation of Drelgn language groups in Chi- , the origins and backgrounds Christmas traditions are poryed to emphasise the cultural nheritance that America has reelved from Its racial intermingle Through the dramatic medium raft, of song, dance and •ageantry, the universality of Christmas and its Christian meanare depicted, not only to bring meaning to the age-old Christtr& ditions of America, but to ire better understanding to all pie of their common Inhfcrice. This year, eighteen nationalities re represented in the programs Bg^Throu if atagecr eljh' through Dec. 10. Chr istmas 1b the major Celebris km of the Christian world. Its idltiong reflect the culture, the eonomlc background, and the eography of the country in which hey are observed. The agriculural background that has brought o many of the customs' we celerate today into being, stems dirctly from the Old World and the oonotnlc status of the people. ?3»pe the common birth of Jhnst, witnessed only by poor hepherds, established this as a •ort of traditional perogatlve. Or perhaps it is because the strength tnd resources of any nation rest the little people, in those who Dust earn their daily bread, who Ind happiness in the small things, the simple life. The story of the first Christmas free Is like that. This legend has landed down from generation lb generations, and Mke so many such stories, it may or may not true. Martin Luther, so the egend goes, while walking in the Barest* of Germany one Christmas #ve, was suddenly aware of the teautjr of the starstudded sky, fe inkling through the branches of ihe evergreens. The sight was so it>peallng to Luther, he rushed •>me and in attempting to describe fnced caudles on the branches if a small pine to simulate the ftfcrllght. Tradition dills this the Irst Christmas tree, though hlsbry shows that the evergreen, betause of its year-round verdancy, been worshipped es a deity by tfee 4rmU» who waited the German tortfcts lout before Luther was tort, wa* used by the early ChrlatteB » as a symbol of their enduring .flJtti wi by the pagan Greeks and *<*»»» u a wreath of distinction. Whatever the origin of the Christmas tree may be, it has beeft adopted by almost every nation as a Christmas tradition and has come to symbolize the material aspect <ft festival-making, just as tfci manger scene typifies the religious and spiritual side. While the Christmas tree itself is foutid in almost every country, its adornments have assumed characteristic national features. Apples, nut*. candies and cfiokies were the first to be hung from the tree, l^om there, the originality and ingeniottsness of each nationality has made its own peculiar contribution. In Lithuania for example, straw from the fields was tediously fashioned into windmills, birdcages, Dells and geometric designs to give a fragile beauty unmatched by anything modern industry has yet devised. The snow of the Alps is represented on the Swiss tree, and gaily decorated pine cones and gilded nuts make an especially festive flight. The Ukrainian tree, surmounted by the six-pointed star of the Orthodox church, is distinguMted by long garlands of bright red cranberries. A reminder of their agricultural resources is found in the heap of straw at the foot of the Ukrainian tree, to remind people of the manger birthplace of the Infant. The intense national patriotism of the Scandinavian countries is expressed in the miniature flags Strung in garlands, which are the principal decoration of the Swedish and Norwegian trees. The French tree assumes a dainty -elegance with its tinsel and snowball ornaments. The, Polish tree is spectacular with ' its brightly colored paper peasants, clown and miniature toys, testifying to the artistic nature of its people. Japan, adopting the tree from western civilisation, decorates It with tangerines, and delicate little rice Wafers which enclose fortune telling slips. America, adding its own contribution of inventiveness, can be credited with the electric lights BUTCHS Don't 1st winter knp you home. Let us check your car to assure cold weather starting. We Do Complete 309 W. Elm Street Phone 811 which today have assumed all shapes and sites. Santa Claus as almost as varied an interpretation as the tree decorations. Essentially representing the spirit of giving at Christmas, he enters the American home by the cimney tradition leaving his sleigh and reindeer on the roof. In Holland, however, he uses a white horae and so the children insure his stopping at their home by leaving carrots in their woddeii shoes. Legendary origin of Santa is generally credited to the good St. Nicholas, the philanthropic bishop of European origin who is also honored on Dec. 6 in this country as the contribution of the Dutch colonists who first introduced him in America. Santa is also known as Kriss Kringle in Germany and in France it is Le Petite Noel who fills the children's stockings. > The Christmas dinner is a. tradltlon with everyone. It is at mice a recognition of the blessings of the harvest, an occasion for relaxation and merriment and a willingness to share one's good fortune with others. In some countries the traditional feast is held in the evening and comes to at. end with midnight and church services, while in others the feasting and merry-making are held after services. But the format remains the same. It is a feast for the family and close friends. Special food and drink are a part of the ritual. In Poland, the Christmas wafer, of unleavened bread, is broken beneath the Christmas tree so tha* everyone present gets a small portion. In Denmark, following the roast goose, the Christmas pudding yields an almond to the lucky tinder who thus receives an extra gift. In the Ukraine, a silver coin is baked in the Christmas bread, brings similar good fortune to the finder. The Swedish dip bread into pork and sausage drippings "for good luck." The Norwegians share their Christmas dinner with the birds and animals with special foods being placed outdoors for their benefit. In Serbia t|ie badnyak, or Yule log Is cut to fall to the east at the moment of sunrise on the day before Christmas. When the tree falls, the branches must not touch those of any other tree, lest it bring bad luck to the family for the coming year. Made Right Here In McHenry County - . v V . ; . " ^ v • WINDOWS * 9 SASH • DOORS • TRIM • CABINETS, etc. On Christmas eve, the badjmat Is sprinkled with wine and grata, the head of the house meanwhile ottering a prayer that there will be much grain and wine in the coming year. The Christmas cake has a silver coin to bring good luck to the finder. A bit of hay is placed beneath the Lithuanian din:ter table to recall the birth of Christ. In Chechoslovakia, the family traditional supper is a solemn affair, with each dish representing a part of the ritual. Crumbs swept from the floor at midnight from this feast, when thrown over the threshold, will reveal the prospective groom to the eligible maiden of the household. In this season of merry-making, the singing of Christmas c-irols is as much a part of the occasion as the tree, and varies from the solemn simplicity of "Silent Night" to the tinkling refrain of "Jingle Bells." The original idea no doubt came from the singing of the angles, heralding the birth of Christ The first Christmas carols to be sung as such, however supposedly originated in Greece where the Calad singers carol for coins on Christmas eve. St. Francis of Assissi is also credited with the impetus to use carols widely, since he used them in services around the crecho, or manger. Like the individuality to be found in Christmas trees, each nationality has contributed its share to our repetoire of carols and even America has found its voice in "White Christmas" and other popular soags. An thus Christmas as *t know t in America, has become a feast ot all nations. The contributions and cultures of the world have, like the racial origins, become merged in the great tapestry of American tradition, to give testimony of the brotherhood of man, and to once again reiterate the message of the hearldlng agnels: "Glory to God . . . and on earth peace to men of good will." RINGWOOD thy Mia. George Shepard) ' Mrs. Louis Hawley entertained the women's five hundred club at her home Wednesday. After a dessert luncheon was served, five hundred was played, with prizes awarded to Mrs. George Shepard and Mrs. Lester Carr. The Ringwood M.Y.F. Wlit"' sponsor an entertainment in the church hall on the evening of Dec. 13. One hour of entertainment will be put on by Entertainers of Evanston. The comedy is "Flying Discord.** '• . The Round-up club held Its Christmas party in the church hall Saturday evening. A turkey supper was served at 8 o'clock. The W.S.C.S. will hold Its Christmas parfy at the home of Mrs. John Ilogan, Thursday, Dec. 21. .The school and Sunday school will hold their Christmas program in the church hall Dec. 22. Mr. and Mrs. Walter Wilcox of Woodstock and Mr. and Mrs. Walter Low and ffcznlly spent Sunday in the Beatty Low home. The Golden Age dab enjoyed a party at the home of Mrs. Clayton Harrison Monday afternbon. Refreshments were served. S. W. Brown and Mrs. Lenard Brown, visited relatives at Claredon Hills Thursday. Mr. and Mrs. Geoui were visitors in the Alan Ainger home* at Hebron Monday afternoon. Shuji Kimura spent the weekend with his parents at Oak Park. Mr. and Mrs. Roy Wledrlch and family visited his mother Mrs. Fred Wiedrich, Sr., Sunday afternoon. Quite a few from here attended the high school concert at McHenry Sunday evening Mr. and Mrs. Floyd Howe and Mrs. Hickey of Crystal Lake were visitors in the Louis Hawley . home Tuesday. Mrs. Mitchell Kane and Mrs. C. L. Harrison attended Home Bureau at the home of Mrs. Newhardt at McCullom Lake Tuesday. - XMAS GIFTS Toy Barnyards & Garages -- Table & Chair Sets Waiting Desks -- Doll Beds & High Chairs ^vw Wagons. Wheelbarrows, etc. Kitchen Cabinets -- Toy Chests Men's fe Ladies' Genuine Leather Belts & Billfolds Full line of Lawn Furniture, Bird Houses, etc. Cabinets Made To Order -- Kitchen Tables & Chairs CLARENCE J. SMITH JOHNSBURG PHONE McHENRY 583J1 Mrs. Virginia Jepson Jones of Hines hospital spent Tuesday with har mother, Mrs. Ben Walklngton. Mrs. Louis Hawley and daughter Marian, were visitor^ at Woodstock Monday. Mr. and Mrs. Henry Marlowe and family of Huntley and Mr. and Mrs. C. L. Harrison were Sunday dinner guests of Mr. Mrs. Prank Harrison and family. Among those from here that attended Eastern Star installation at McHenry Saturday evening were Mr. and Mrs. Roy Dodd, Mr. and Mrs. C. L. Harrison, Mrs. J. C. Pearson, Mrs. Roy and daughter, Bdlth, Krohn. One oat of 22 persons In tlf United States was dfsaUit oflf or more days by injuries mdMi In home accidents during XM9. aftcording to the National BefeCy. Council. The home death toll wat 31,000. of which about half resulted from falls. In almost all traffic one or more traffic laws have been violated by motorists, or both, says the National Council. ST. JOSEPH'S ANNUAL - KXt . . v: $ V.-• * % x' /-I'm IHit <4 \ ; f •* St Joseph's Social Richmond, Illinois ' " ' 1*11 Q lito" ^ . .. FRIDAY EVENING. 6EC. iH ' 9:00 P. M. Turkeys * Ducks * Chickens ; QmHiiiniHI i i t REFRESHMENTS ' -- - GAMES We cordially invite all our friends and neighbors. • FREE DELIVERY Anywhere in McHenry County QUICK* DELIVERY 24 How Towing Service m Motor Orerhauliiig. AND FINEST LOWMcHanry. DL Residence 91-R ifV ; »• Ihe S--mmri •Ha=m Unites De teas 4-Oaer tsda x* ' '» " / - t 4 * AMBKAN BUUfflr MUCN NEW• • • THOROUGHLY RELIABLE.' Of all can, here's your choice lor 1951--fle ~mw. 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