The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

[AS The first carols were dance songs, or ring songs, sung by villagers around a Maypole, or to celebrate other festive oc- caslons throughout the year, during the Middle Ages. Later they became more ex- clusively associated with Christmas. The word "carol" derives from the Greek and Latin word "choraules" meaning "chorus." The phrase, "Christmas Carols" first appeared during the 16th century in England in little songbooks printed by Wynken de Worde. and Richard Kele. DANCE CAROLS -- Best examples of . these rounds or ring dances are still to be found in Sweden, where people dance around the tree singing many rollicking songs. Elsewhere, dance carols are merely sung, although many of the tunes are known to inspire dancing feet. . SHEPHERD CAROLS, of and about the Shopnsts to whom the angels appeared, and their coming to the stable with humble gifts are the most human and appealing accounts of Christ's birth. They were sung to accompany the vivid portrayals of this scene in the medieval "mystery" plays, which were common in England as well as all other European countries. Best known jody is the traditional English carol, "While Shepherds Watched." LULLABY CAROLS were among the ear- liest Christmas songs and like all cradle songs have a rocking, llting rhythm and a simple melody. "Cradle rocking" carols or "Kindelwiegen" were a part of the church ritual in Germany and Austria. A good example of this type of carol is the 16th century English carol, "What Child Is This?" which was sung to the 16th century dance tune, "Greensleeves." An- other is the 19th century American anony- mous carol, "Away In A-Manger." . One of the most beautiful of all lullaby carols is the "Coventry Carol," which was a part of one of the English medieval "mysteries." It is sung by a group of women, portraying Bethlehem mothers just before erod's soldiers slaughter their babies. p CAROLS OF THE MAGI -- The arrival of the Magi with precious gifts for the Christ Child is the most picturesque and colorful part of all Christmas pageants. The Magi songs all tell this rich, spiritual story. Among the most familiar of these to Americans is "We Three Kings," the words and music for which were written by John Henry Hopkins, Jr. in the 19th century. NATIVITY CAROLS -- There are many varieties of these. The first hymns in honor of the Nativity were written in Latin during First Christmas Carols the 5th century, when Christmas was full established as one of the great church feasts. It was not until the 13th century, when St. Francis of Assisi inspired his friends to write in their native tongue, that Nativity Songs were written for the people to sing. From Italy, these Nativity Songs spread throughout all Europe. Two of the most familiar of these to us are: "Joy To The World," written by Isaac Watts in the 17th century and the 18th century. German "Stille Nacht" (Silent Night) by Joseph Mohr. The original mu- sical called for a guitar accompaniment. LEGENDARY CAROLS spring from the folklore of people throughout the world inspired by superstitions and pre-Christian bellefs. One thing they have in common is that they all tell a story. * Most well known of these is the tradi- tlonal English "I Saw Three Ships," "The Boar's Head Carol" both from the Middle Ages, the latter of which is still sung at Christmas dinner at Queens College, Ox- ford, as the boar's head is ceremoniously brought in. "Good King Wenceslas," writ- ten by J. M. Neale in the 19th century is about a fervent Christian Duke of Bohemia. CAROLS OF CUSTOM deal with pre- Christmas customs that have become attached to Christmas celebrations. For example, the yule log and mistletoe of England go back to the Druids. Decking the halls with boughs of holly and ever- green come from the Hebrews, Egyptians, Romans and other ancient peoples, for whom the evergreens were symbolic of life triumphant over death. The wreath came originally from the ivy crown worn. by Romans in Bacchanalian festivals. "Was- sall" was the Anglo-Saxon drinking pledge, "Waes-Hael" which means "Be in health" and which was part of Early Saxon feasts. "O Tannenbaum" (O Christmas Tree) the traditional German carol goes back to the early days of wandering tribes, Who would always leave a grove of trees in the middle of the land they cleared. CAROLS FOR THE TWELVE DAYS -- During the 6th century, the 12 days from Nativity to Epiphany were declared a fes- tive season, celebrated in medieval England by many gay customs including, jousts, banquets, caroling and "mumming," which originally was a sort of pantomime dance performed by masked and costumed groups. Best known of these carols are the tradi- tional English "God Rest Ye Merry," and "The Twelve Days of Christmas," which is based on an old French rhyme and chant. Nad don A al OSIRIA LY Ar AN Ae ES PALE 55 38 ' ' PI I ¢ 22 . "RAYE OX RS / 4 ! Er APALIEON MVEPROINSN TIVE ERr SRR TPFP RISEN ¥ STRATES SEF PORT PERRY STAR -- CHRISTMAS EDITION 1974 -- 5 A Lasting Christmas i come aon sei, I keep a part of Christmas There's a beauty when it's Christmas For it helps to add a glow, All the world is different then, To the January darkness There's no place for petty hatred And the February snow. In the hearts and minds of men. , If March is cold and blustery That is why my heart is happy And though April brings us rain, And my mind can hold a drear, The peace and warmth of Christmas For I keep a part of Christmas With its happiness remain... - With its peace and joy supreme. Reprinted by permission from GUIDEPOSTS MAGAZINE, Copyright 1974 by Guideposts Associates, Inc., Carmel, N.Y. 1 May the joys of this he Christmas season rekindle cherished memories, and fill Silent IN; t your heart with great happiness. igh W. Frank Real Estate During the season of Christmas may joy and peace be yours, Warm appreciation to all. RALPH TAYLOR FUELS Glad Tidings May you and your family Chris Dennis - Fred Briggs enjoy a happy holiday. We thank you warmly. PORT TAVERN patrons. We hope Santa fulfills your wishes. Utica Farm Equipment Ltd. P C ka rd | 3 rdwa re At Christmas, greetings and wishes for the ift of MERRY as 6 during Postma the holiday season. Thanks for the past patronage! Sleighloads of thanks to you loyal -- J A nN an oi IAS \ = === \ EP yy -- V ON g Le RELIABLE Plumbing and Hea Bert Faber LS We wishi you a Christmas 1; 71 . "friends for allowing us to serve you. . May your holiday be filled Night with peace and serenity: the quiet contentment which comes from within. Our special thanks 2. rich in . Wo) love to the patrons we serve TT and for putting Thanks, their trust in us. ting Joyous 0. | [CDRISTMAS { 1 1 . f 1 CED CE Na Pr A AE Songs A oe z AT Sy vow PT re * -