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SEC. I), PAGE 12-The Newberry Sun, Newberry, S. C, Thursday, December 21,1972 They Still Speak Aramaic, The Lanttua^e of Jesus In the village of Ma’lula in Syria where the houses of heavy native stone are tinted blue, one would hard ly notice the passage of time since the birth of Christ, over 2000 years ago. The people have changed little, in dress and habits, and more importantly in their speech. For it is here in Ma'lula. as well as in two other villages in Syria, Jeb- adeen and Bakhaa, that one can hear the Aramaic language Christ used dur ing His life on earth. Aramaic was spoken throughout ancient Pales tine. and the lands that are now Jordan. Lebanon, Syria, southern Turkey, and north ern Iraq. But after the Arab conquest of these lands in the seventh century. Ara maic was gradually replaced by Arabic. In Syria, only those three villages, all in the Qalamon valley not far from Damascus, have pre served the ancient language of Christ to the present day. The population numbers only a few thousand, two- fifths of them Greek Or thodox. another two-fifths Greek, and the rest Moslem. Philologists of the Uni versity of Beirut tell us that while the Aramaic dialect of these three villages has been intermixed with Ara bic, the villagers would have understood, and been un derstood by. Christ and the people of His time. Naturally, the people of Ma’lula are very proud of their Aramaic language and take pains to keep it alive and flourishing. Many fam ilies speak only Aramaic to their children until the youngsters are five years old and must go to school, where they learn Arabic, the national language. Outside Syria, Aramaic is spoken at Urmia, in Turkey ... by the Chaldean Catho lics of Bartelle in northern Iraq ... and by the villagers of Malabar in southwestern India. And Aramaic is still used in the liturgy of cer tain churches which began in the Middle East, such as the Marionites and Syrian Orthodox groups. Many New Year Feasting Customs Our ancestors believed that a Hood meal on the first day of the New Year would assure that there would be plenty in the days ahead Feasting is as important in observing the New Year as the offering of a proper toast. In the United States, turkey is somewhat traditional, such as at Christmas. In some sections, ham is a must In portions of the south, black-eyed peas are essen tial regardless of the entree. Ologg is as important to the Swedes as food for part of the holiday fare. This traditional drink is made with claret wine, sweetened with sugar and flavor ed with almonds, raisins, dried orange peel, cinnamon, cloves and cardamon. It is usually set to (laming before serving. In Scotland. New Year’s Eve is referred to as “Hogmany”. Scottish children Hood the streets shouting “Hogmany”. expecting cakes and fruits from neighbors just as American children do at Halloween. The Spanish treat is “sopa” • which is rice cooked with olive oil, tomatoes, vegetables and meat particles Know What “Wassail” Means? This ancient word, famil iar to us from song and story, comes from the An glo-Saxon words “Wes hal” — which means “be whole,” or in more modern terms, "Good Health.” It was used as a toast, before lifting one’s glass — and by exten sion came to mean a drink ing song. Mat* qou enjoq a Merrq Christmas. HENRY’S BARBER SHOP 1509 Main Street Newberry, S. C. A/e ’re singing out our warmest wishes to you for a Holiday richly reward ing in good cheer and happiness. AL RABIN’S SHOES 1304 Main St. Newberry. S. C. FORD MERCURY Old-fashioned ways have a special meaning at Christmas. And, in this old-time spirit, ever-new, we wish you and your family the happiest holiday. Merry Christmas! SHEALY MOTOR COMPANY BY-PASS 76 PHONE 276-0412 , NEWBERRY, SOUTH CAROLINA