December 23, 2023 Issue, Page 13 of 24

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HOMETOWN TIDINGS PGS Christian holiday - ae mhelorigins oi Somto= Season Traditions belovediholidayatraditions Some churches and towns also Wieretdiditallibeein4 put on living nativity scenes, in which adults and children dress up, hristmastime is here. The homes and decorating them. and together with live animals, de- presents are being pur- pict the manger scene. chased and wrapped. The SANTA CLAUS stockings will soon be Santa Claus’ origin story can be Christmas caroling hung on the fireplace mantle. Mis- traced to St. Nicholas, a Christian Caroling has a long history and tletoe is pinned above the front bishop who lived during the fourth was originally tied to winter sol- entryway, and poinsettias add rich century. St. Nicholas was very gen- color to home decor. erous and gave away his fortune to stice celebrations. Christians start- help the needy. He also did vari- Tradition is integral come the ed singing carols to celebrate the holiday season. Throughout the ous other good deeds. St. Nicholas birth of Jesus. Many of the songs month of December, traditions became infamous and began to be carolers sing are traditional reli- fill people’s days and comprise known by various names around gious hymns. During Advent, car- the many reasons why individuals the world. The Dutch called him decorate, celebrate and dine the Sinter Klaas, which was eventu- ols will herald the coming of Jesus. way they do this time of year. But ally transformed to Santa Claus. After Christmas, carols are even few may know the origins of some ‘The jolly persona came later when 20th century advertisers — espe- more joyous in nature. of the most beloved holiday tradi- cially the artists responsible for Many adjectives can be used to period preceding the Christmas ‘The three masses tions. Coca-Cola ads — portrayed Santa describe the holiday season, includ- celebration. Advent wreaths and Midnight Mass is a special cel- CHRISTMAS STOCKINGS ina red suit with a big smile. ebration that takes place in the late The Christmas stockings of to- ing festive, jolly and religious. An- calendars typically are part of day may be a byproduct of vari- MISTLETOE other word that may come to mind hours of the evening on Christ- Mistletoe is hung in doorways, Christmas in Christian households. mas Eve. It is the first liturgy of ous traditions. One such tradition and couples who stand beneath is tradition. Traditions factor heav- Advent calendars are sold in stores dates back to a Dutch custom in are encouraged to share a kiss. ily into holiday celebrations of faith Christmas that begins at midnight. which children would leave shoes ‘The tradition of hanging it in the and family. or can be made as craft projects. It originated in 430 AD under full of food to feed St. Nicholas’ house goes back to the times of According to The Public Religion Most of them contain small prizes Pope Sixtus III in the Basilica of donkeys, and then St. Nicholas the ancient Druids. Mistletoe would leave small gifts in return. was thought to bring good luck like chocolate treats or other trin- St. Mary Major. The popularity of Research Institute's "2020 Census kets behind each date on the calen- Midnight Mass grew by the 12th Another origin story of Christ- to a household and ward off evil of American Religion," 70 percent mas stockings can be traced to the spirits. The custom of kissing dar. Advent wreaths have four can- century, when the celebration of 12th century, when nuns would under mistletoe can be traced to of Americans identify as Christian. dles (three purple and one pink). three Masses on Christmas day leave socks full of nuts, fruit and England. Originally, a berry was Data from the Pew Research Center tangerines for the poor. This is picked from the sprig of mistletoe One is lit each Sunday of Advent. was granted to all priests. Midnight before the person could be kissed. indicates that 55 percent of Cana- why some people still put tanger- dians identified as Christians in ‘The evergreen wreath signifies con- Mass is treated as a solemn High ines in Christmas stockings. When all the berries had gone, tinuous life. Mass, which involves singing and there could be no more kissing. 2018. Millions of Christians will praying by the light of candles. A CHRISTMAS TREE be celebrating Christmas this year, Nativity scene Christmas Trees are everywhere CHRISTMAS BELLS Another popular religious tradi- Mass at dawn is the second Christ- Church bells ring for many spe- and many of those celebrations will mas mass, followed by Mass of this time of year. The use of ever- tion is setting up a nativity scene, green trees predates Christmas cial services, including Christmas feature cherished traditions. Here the Day, which is the midmorning and is associated with the pagan mass. During Christmas midnight A nativity scene places the focus are some popular Christian tradi- Mass of the Christmas celebration. festival of Saturnalia, which cel- mass in the Catholic Church, the tions during the holiday season. on Jesus Christ. One tradition in- ebrated the agricultural god Sat- altar bells may be rung while the volves moving nativity figurines Christmas is steeped in tradi- urn with partying and gift-giving. priest says the “Gloria.” Bells are Advent calendars and wreaths closer to the manger leading up to tion. While the secular traditions During the winter solstice, green part of caroling, and jingling bells The word "Advent" is derived Christmas, and placing the infant are well known, Christians also em- branches served as a reminder are associated with sleighs and Santa’s reindeer. from Latin and means "coming Jesus in the manger on Christmas brace various religious traditions at that spring would arrive anew. Christmas is rife with traditions Germans are credited with first forward." Advent is the four-week Day. this time of year. bringing evergreens into their that date back ages. Nothing Says 1414W. 3rd St. FINE WATCH : EK City; OK = REPAIRING SS ~ 580-225-1525 Th 's Christmas 115 South Main Street, Elk City » 580.225.1991