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h-~ PAGE 14-PLA /> M > Y^NOYKMBER St, ltM Lighting of the Yule log is a long-standing Christmas custom Of the many Christmas tradi­ tions that have survived through the ages, one ofthe most ancient ; is the ceremonious lighting of the Yule log on Christmas eve. It is a tradition that is more strongly rooted in European cul­ ture than in our own, yet it is not uncommon for an American family to gather round the hearth on Christmas eve, sip­ ping eggnog and watching the flames dance. Ancient tradition This ceremony dates back to the time of the Saxons and Goths, as well as the early Ger­ manic tribes, who burned such a log at their festival of the winter solstice. The log was often a stump or root of a tree that had been ob­ tained from one's own land or a neighboring wood, and which was brought into die house not before sundown on Christmas eve. With the entire household gathered in front of the fire­ place, the log was lighted with a piece of wood that had carefully been saved from the previous year's Yule log. Should the log not ignite on the first attempt, superstition held that ill luck would follow. To further ward off ill fortune in the coming year, the log had to burn for at least 12 hours. A portion of the extinguished log was then saved for the following Christmas, often stored in the house as a protection against lightning. The ashes of the Yule log were later mixed with the earth at the base of the fruit trees on die land, with the belief that this would make them more fruitful. Perhaps the most interesting abstraction of the Yule log tra­ dition exists in France today, where the Prench Christmas cake,*buchedei the most obvk holiday season. It is actually1 covered with cl meant to resemble a log of wood. England was merry England, when Old Christmas brought his sports again. 'Twos Christmas hroachd the mightiest ale; Is of the hocolate roll >ng, EBIRAW ANNUAL 20% OFF Pre-Christmas Sale Starts Wednesday November 26, 1980. Come In and See Our Latest in Holiday Dressings and all of the Trimmings. 5&UH3H3 liMIED 1220 N.G&EN ST M5HENR.Y,ii.6°c50 SALE CONTINUES THRU SATURDAY DECEMBER 6th ?m\\m Your Christmas Holidays Wouldn't be Complete Without Fresh Baked Goods from the Riverside Bake Shop 1309 RIVERSIDE DRIVE 385-0044 THE HOBBY HANGAR RADIO CONTROLLED MODELS Flying Field Next To Premises EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES N0Y0TNY SALES