Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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The Newberry Sun, Newberry, S. C., Thurs., Dec. 24, 1970—SEC. D, PAGE 5 Legend, Lore Of Holiday Takes Varied Forms The belief that Santa has a reindeer-drawn sleigh and enters homes through the chimney may have come from Scandinavia. An old Norse legend about the god dess Hertha said that she rode on a reindeer’s back. Her appearance in the fire place in mid-winter was thought to bring good luck to the home. * * * “Silent Night, Holy Night” was written in 1818 by a vil lage priest in Hallein, Aus tria. Father Joseph Mohr wrote the words, to an ac companiment created by his organist, Franz Gruber. Legend has it that the church organ was out of order — damaged by mice — and so “Silent Night” was first sung to a guitar accom paniment. * * * Who invented that popular holiday beverage, eggnog? It has been part of the festivi ties for so many years that nobody really knows its ori gin. One possibility is that egg nog came from the Old Eng lish hot drink, sack-posset, which was also made of eggs, milk, nutmeg and sugar. * * * Among the earliest Christ mas tree ornaments were some that resembled the sun, stars and moon, or animals. Using signs of nature as decorations can be traced back to the feasts of the win ter equinox, when sun-wor shipping pagans hung simi lar trinkets on trees. * * * “The cattle were lowing,” says the carol, “Away in a Manger,” and Nativity paint ings often show the animals of the manger. Appropriately, tradition says that cattle and other domestic animals should have a special feast on Christmas Eve. It’s legend ary, too, that cattle are given the power of speech for a few moments at this time. * * * Mistletoe, said to hold a license for kissing, was re nowned in ancient times for many mystical powers. Be cause of its pagan associa tions, it was long forbidden in churches. A German legend held that, if a sprig of mistletoe was carried into an old house, the ghosts of the house would appear and answer questions. Debt Paying Day People in ancient China took a different approach to the First Day of the Year. They cleaned house, closed their shops and paid their debts. Following chores they shot off firecrackers. In a Chinatown of a big American city, there are colorful pro cessions and fiery paper dra gons breathing good cheer to everyone! In old Japan, New Year’s was a time for everyone to don new clothes, and to take three days off from work to visit their friends. Each gate post would be adorned with green pines and bamboo. Over each door would hang red lobsters, crabs and scarlet tangerines, standing for a long life and happiness. A TOAST John Ruskin, noted 19th cen tury critic, once toasted the New Year’s in by saying: "I consider just and tolerable the drinking of sherry from dawn to dusk . . . Happy New Year!” New Year — New You Most of the problems of 1970 we still have. So many of the problems, it is futile for us to do a lot about. Beauty and fashion problems, are something we can do something about. How about a New Year’s resolution to do just that? A suggestion: consult your skin and cosmetic problems with an expert. The cosmetician at your drug store or beauty salon will be glad to advise you. On Christmas Eve in Melbourne, the scene is set for the world’s greatest caroling party. In recent years the attendance has been as high as 300,000. The Christmas Eve gathering presents a breath taking spectacle, for every singer carries a lighted candle. The Christmas of 1970 will mark the 32nd anniversary of Mel- bourn’s great carol event, “Carols By Candlelight” as it is known. Recently, the Yule gathering has been tied in with a charitable appeal in behalf of sick and disabled youngsters. When help for these unfortunates was first sought, the response was only a trickle of con tributions. Later, money poured in such a flood that a whole new hospital unit for children was built at a cost of 300,000 pounds. The crowds at this years “Carols By Candlelight” are certain to be bigger than ever. The lure of that vast assemblance is irresistable. Everybody comes, regardless of race, religious or social position. To Stop Gift Exchange When an exchange is stopped or interrupted between family members, it can be agreed upon ahead of time. There are times Christmas spending must be cut drastically, following heavy medi cal expenses or for some other reason. Friends or family under stand this, and should they ar rive with their gifts, a “thank you” is all that is expected of you. Another Year All things change and time moves on, and eventually people look beyond Christmas and the New Year. The gifts are dis tributed and the wrappings feed the fire. A broken toy ends up discarded outdoors. A couple is married and drive away along streets still festive with the lights of the season. A New Year and another Christmas are ahead. January, 1903 On January 1st 1903, the first message was cabled across the pacific. The cableship “Silverton” arrived in Honolulu on that date after successfully laying down 2,600 miles of cable from San Francisco to Honolulu. Too Early For Music Sacred Christmas music is fre quently played too early in the season — also too often and at innappropriate times and places. A project to encourage good taste would be a worthy effort for any club or group. QUS'TIME GREETINGS Th e wonderful old traditions call for people to gather together, to meet with their near and dear. As you and yours celebrate Christmas, we wish for you the true delights of the season. Central Soya of Newberry, Inc.