Make profile and EARN MONEY Today 1000 points = $0.05
الأربعاء، 17 فبراير 2010
Make profile and EARN MONEY Today 1000 points = $0.05
Make profile and EARN MONEY Today 1000 points = $0.05
الاثنين، 5 أكتوبر 2009
Christmas - The Broken Tradition That Left Families Smiling
The jolly festive season is upon us once again, Christmas a time for happiness/ turkey/mulled wine and crackers. These are just some of the traditions that are upheld at this time of year by people who on Christmas day celebrate the birth of our Lord.
Following this big day we then have the task of putting into force our new year's resolutions just so we can break them, just another tradition where vows and promises are made.
Traditions are there for the benefit of remembrance, you have the person that abides by the rules and then you have others that intend to do things a little different.
Whoever or whatever sort of person you are tradition is tradition.
By replacing turkey with a plate of pig's trotters on the Christmas menu is another Christmas tradition broken. Remember to be extra careful who you invite on the day for dinner if porky's feet are dish of the day.
Christmas idea
A fantastic way to keep family togetherness for ever for generations to come when bearing gifts to loved ones is to give each member an identical piece of jewellery symbolizing unity. It is a fabulous way of bonding and proving to the world that blood is thicker than water
Let us go back in time where Scottish tartan denoted the clan you belonged too. Cherokee Indians/apaches etc expressed their tribal identities by headwear or other colourful symbols. So why not bring your tribe/clan together with there own identities in the form of a piece of gold or silver.
Make your new year's resolution today and go in search of the symbol that will be recognized and passed down to future generations, by doing this another tradition is broken, but if it brings happiness, what the heck.
Unison prevails in the form of your own jewellery trade mark where your chosen symbol ring/chain sends a message to the world that this family would proudly like to say, united we stand.
Jewellery gifts can be made extra special by designing your own. Jewellers can take your ideas and work miracles with them as in putting you and your family on the map with your own trademark.
Ho ho hoMerry Christmas
Following this big day we then have the task of putting into force our new year's resolutions just so we can break them, just another tradition where vows and promises are made.
Traditions are there for the benefit of remembrance, you have the person that abides by the rules and then you have others that intend to do things a little different.
Whoever or whatever sort of person you are tradition is tradition.
By replacing turkey with a plate of pig's trotters on the Christmas menu is another Christmas tradition broken. Remember to be extra careful who you invite on the day for dinner if porky's feet are dish of the day.
Christmas idea
A fantastic way to keep family togetherness for ever for generations to come when bearing gifts to loved ones is to give each member an identical piece of jewellery symbolizing unity. It is a fabulous way of bonding and proving to the world that blood is thicker than water
Let us go back in time where Scottish tartan denoted the clan you belonged too. Cherokee Indians/apaches etc expressed their tribal identities by headwear or other colourful symbols. So why not bring your tribe/clan together with there own identities in the form of a piece of gold or silver.
Make your new year's resolution today and go in search of the symbol that will be recognized and passed down to future generations, by doing this another tradition is broken, but if it brings happiness, what the heck.
Unison prevails in the form of your own jewellery trade mark where your chosen symbol ring/chain sends a message to the world that this family would proudly like to say, united we stand.
Jewellery gifts can be made extra special by designing your own. Jewellers can take your ideas and work miracles with them as in putting you and your family on the map with your own trademark.
Ho ho hoMerry Christmas
Family Christmas Traditions From Germany
German legend says that, on Christmas Eve, all the rivers turn to wine, the animals speak to each other and to humans, trees bear fruit, church bells ring from the sea, and gems pour forth from the mountains. Is it any wonder, then, that family Christmas traditions in Germany are bold, beautiful, and full of cheer? When Christmas, or Weihnachten as the Germans call it, rolls around in Germany, you’ll find lots of beautiful decorations, delicious treats, and traditional stories to brighten the season.
The first part of December is traditionally reserved for solemn religious reflection. In years past, this quiet period lasted right up until Christmas itself. This time included a focus on reconnecting with your religion through reflection and fasting. Modern Germans, however, tends to use a slightly shorter period of time while still preserving the idea of concentrating on the religious aspects of the season..
The four weeks leading up to Christmas (usually beginning just before December first so as to include four Sundays before Christmas) is the Adventszeit or Advent season. Many German households include an Adventskran, or Advent wreath. This is a wreath of leaves with five candles, usually with four purple candles and one white. On each Sunday of Advent, one of the purple candles is lit. The white candle is traditionally lit around midnight on Christmas Eve to signal the birth of the Christ Child. Most families also have an Advent calendar for each child. There’s a door on the calendar for each day from December 1st through 25th, and behind each door the child will find a small chocolate or toy. Many families open their doors just before bed, giving the children something to dream about in anticipation of the arrival of Christmas.
Children in Germany tend to honor both St. Nikolaus and the Christ Child in their traditions. On December 6th, families celebrate St. Nikolaus’s Feast Day by placing their shoes by the fireplace. The children hope that St. Nikolaus will deem their behavior throughout the year as good enough to warrant treats of fruit, nuts, chocolates, candies, and marzipan instead of the coal and twigs his partner Knecht Ruprecht bestows upon naughty children. Many modern Germans now use a decorative item like a small wooden sleigh or shoe in place of actual shoes when waiting for the arrival of St. Nikolaus. After St. Nikolaus has come and gone, the children write letters to the Christkindl or the Christ Child, addressing them to his home in Himmelstadt.
According to many accounts, the Christmas tree that has become traditional throughout many parts of the world originated in Germany. Known as the Weihnachtsbaum to the Germans, the Christmas tree is traditionally a live fir or pine tree that is decorated with candles, marzipan, beautifully wrapped chocolates, hand-blown ornaments, and tinsel. Tradition dictates that the children of the family aren’t allowed to see the Christmas tree until the Christmas bell rings on the night of Christmas Eve. Many families now keep the Christmas tree in a locked room for such a purpose, while others prefer to put their trees up on Christmas Eve evening.
On Christmas Eve, the German family traditionally starts their evening with a service at their church. When they return, one member of the family rings the Christmas bell, signaling the start of the Christmas celebration. The family then goes to the Christmas tree to open gifts. This tradition of opening gifts on Christmas Eve is different from many other Western countries, but remains true to this day. Different parts of Germany believe differently about who brings the gifts. In the northern part of the country, families traditionally believe that the Weihnachstmann or Christmas Man brings their gifts. In the southern part of the country, however, the Christkindl is who brings the gifts that everyone enjoys.
Then comes the Christmas feast. Different families partake of this feast at varying times; it can take place before the gift giving, after the gift giving, or even after the midnight Christmas church service. Regardless, the feast traditionally consists of a roasted goose or carp and lots of goodies. Some typical side dishes include Christstollen, which is a long loaf of bread stuffed with nuts and marzipan fruit; Lebkuchen, or gingerbread; marzipan fruits themselves; and Stollen, a fruit-filled bread. The feast is usually ended with plates of cookies and chocolates to bring a proper end to the celebration.
Christmas Day itself is spent with family and friends and usually includes time for religious activities. The Christmas season doesn’t traditionally end, however, until January 6th. This day was traditionally used to celebrate the birth of Christ, and is still used today as the Feast of the Epiphany or Heilige Drei Könige. This day celebrates the three wise men, and their initials along with the year are written in chalk above the doors of German homes to protect the family throughout the year.
Germany is the source of many Western Christmas traditions. While maintaining their own unique intricacies, Germans have shared their traditions throughout the world and can be looked to for wonderful ideas on how you can start your own family Christmas traditions. Maybe this year, your family can participate in the celebration of the Advent with a beautiful calendar filled with chocolates, or decorate your tree with marzipan and cookies. Make the traditions your own, and your family will remember your Christmas celebration for years to come.
The first part of December is traditionally reserved for solemn religious reflection. In years past, this quiet period lasted right up until Christmas itself. This time included a focus on reconnecting with your religion through reflection and fasting. Modern Germans, however, tends to use a slightly shorter period of time while still preserving the idea of concentrating on the religious aspects of the season..
The four weeks leading up to Christmas (usually beginning just before December first so as to include four Sundays before Christmas) is the Adventszeit or Advent season. Many German households include an Adventskran, or Advent wreath. This is a wreath of leaves with five candles, usually with four purple candles and one white. On each Sunday of Advent, one of the purple candles is lit. The white candle is traditionally lit around midnight on Christmas Eve to signal the birth of the Christ Child. Most families also have an Advent calendar for each child. There’s a door on the calendar for each day from December 1st through 25th, and behind each door the child will find a small chocolate or toy. Many families open their doors just before bed, giving the children something to dream about in anticipation of the arrival of Christmas.
Children in Germany tend to honor both St. Nikolaus and the Christ Child in their traditions. On December 6th, families celebrate St. Nikolaus’s Feast Day by placing their shoes by the fireplace. The children hope that St. Nikolaus will deem their behavior throughout the year as good enough to warrant treats of fruit, nuts, chocolates, candies, and marzipan instead of the coal and twigs his partner Knecht Ruprecht bestows upon naughty children. Many modern Germans now use a decorative item like a small wooden sleigh or shoe in place of actual shoes when waiting for the arrival of St. Nikolaus. After St. Nikolaus has come and gone, the children write letters to the Christkindl or the Christ Child, addressing them to his home in Himmelstadt.
According to many accounts, the Christmas tree that has become traditional throughout many parts of the world originated in Germany. Known as the Weihnachtsbaum to the Germans, the Christmas tree is traditionally a live fir or pine tree that is decorated with candles, marzipan, beautifully wrapped chocolates, hand-blown ornaments, and tinsel. Tradition dictates that the children of the family aren’t allowed to see the Christmas tree until the Christmas bell rings on the night of Christmas Eve. Many families now keep the Christmas tree in a locked room for such a purpose, while others prefer to put their trees up on Christmas Eve evening.
On Christmas Eve, the German family traditionally starts their evening with a service at their church. When they return, one member of the family rings the Christmas bell, signaling the start of the Christmas celebration. The family then goes to the Christmas tree to open gifts. This tradition of opening gifts on Christmas Eve is different from many other Western countries, but remains true to this day. Different parts of Germany believe differently about who brings the gifts. In the northern part of the country, families traditionally believe that the Weihnachstmann or Christmas Man brings their gifts. In the southern part of the country, however, the Christkindl is who brings the gifts that everyone enjoys.
Then comes the Christmas feast. Different families partake of this feast at varying times; it can take place before the gift giving, after the gift giving, or even after the midnight Christmas church service. Regardless, the feast traditionally consists of a roasted goose or carp and lots of goodies. Some typical side dishes include Christstollen, which is a long loaf of bread stuffed with nuts and marzipan fruit; Lebkuchen, or gingerbread; marzipan fruits themselves; and Stollen, a fruit-filled bread. The feast is usually ended with plates of cookies and chocolates to bring a proper end to the celebration.
Christmas Day itself is spent with family and friends and usually includes time for religious activities. The Christmas season doesn’t traditionally end, however, until January 6th. This day was traditionally used to celebrate the birth of Christ, and is still used today as the Feast of the Epiphany or Heilige Drei Könige. This day celebrates the three wise men, and their initials along with the year are written in chalk above the doors of German homes to protect the family throughout the year.
Germany is the source of many Western Christmas traditions. While maintaining their own unique intricacies, Germans have shared their traditions throughout the world and can be looked to for wonderful ideas on how you can start your own family Christmas traditions. Maybe this year, your family can participate in the celebration of the Advent with a beautiful calendar filled with chocolates, or decorate your tree with marzipan and cookies. Make the traditions your own, and your family will remember your Christmas celebration for years to come.
Christmas Joys
This Christmas has to go down in history as the best I can ever remember. It was my son’s 2nd year to celebrate the joyous holiday, but the first in which he could really participate in opening presents. And he had plenty to choose from!
My son took his time opening each gift – tearing wrapping paper off in one-inch sections and making sure he put them all in the trash bag. He’s quite the little neat freak even at 21 months. And, of course once the gift was opened, it had to be opened. Have you had the pleasure of opening a child’s toy lately? If not, be grateful. The toy is attached to the box by either screws or twist ties. But if that’s not enough, the screws and/or twist ties are covered in packing tape. If you’re fortunate enough to get a Little People’s set, you can have fun prying the little figures out of the heat-molded plastic casing they come in. So, after about 45 minutes of unwrapping one gift…he would move on to the next. Needless to say, unwrapping presents was an all-day event - a very enjoyable, laughter-filled all-day event.
I was having such a good time that it got me reminiscing. I remembered when I was a child; my parents would tell me that the best Christmas present they could ever receive was watching me open gifts with wide-eyed anticipation. As a young toy-craving kid, I couldn’t understand what they meant. How could giving EVER be better than receiving? I understand completely now. The older my baby gets, the more fun I have giving him gifts. And, the less I care about what I receive. As a kid, I would spend the long days leading up to Christmas examining packages, scheming to find out what was in store for me. Now those days are spent baking for friends and family, taking my son to play dates, and reading him stories about the very first Christmas. A far cry from Barbie dolls and Cabbage Patch kids, but I’ve never been happier.
The holidays have always been a great time of reflection for me. This year is surely no exception. I take note of having been blessed with a healthy child and a loving husband – both of whom have made this Christmas exceptionally grand.
My son took his time opening each gift – tearing wrapping paper off in one-inch sections and making sure he put them all in the trash bag. He’s quite the little neat freak even at 21 months. And, of course once the gift was opened, it had to be opened. Have you had the pleasure of opening a child’s toy lately? If not, be grateful. The toy is attached to the box by either screws or twist ties. But if that’s not enough, the screws and/or twist ties are covered in packing tape. If you’re fortunate enough to get a Little People’s set, you can have fun prying the little figures out of the heat-molded plastic casing they come in. So, after about 45 minutes of unwrapping one gift…he would move on to the next. Needless to say, unwrapping presents was an all-day event - a very enjoyable, laughter-filled all-day event.
I was having such a good time that it got me reminiscing. I remembered when I was a child; my parents would tell me that the best Christmas present they could ever receive was watching me open gifts with wide-eyed anticipation. As a young toy-craving kid, I couldn’t understand what they meant. How could giving EVER be better than receiving? I understand completely now. The older my baby gets, the more fun I have giving him gifts. And, the less I care about what I receive. As a kid, I would spend the long days leading up to Christmas examining packages, scheming to find out what was in store for me. Now those days are spent baking for friends and family, taking my son to play dates, and reading him stories about the very first Christmas. A far cry from Barbie dolls and Cabbage Patch kids, but I’ve never been happier.
The holidays have always been a great time of reflection for me. This year is surely no exception. I take note of having been blessed with a healthy child and a loving husband – both of whom have made this Christmas exceptionally grand.
Christmas Traditions In Germany
Germany has numerous traditions that it shares with the 9 neighboring countries that abut it. They also have quite a few that they have started themselves.
In the United States children write their letters to Santa Claus and mail them to the North Pole with their respective wish lists. In some other countries the children will write their letters and throw them in the fire so that the smoke will take their lists to Santa at the the North Pole.
German children have a slightly different tradition though. They write their letters to the Christkind or Christ Child. They seal them in envelopes and decorate the envelope with sugar and glue to make them glitter in the moon light. They then place them on the windowsill where their parents usually pick them up to leave the appearance that the Christkind has stopped by to receive them.
Another tradition is for the children to fill their shoes with hay, straw and carrots and leave them out in front of the door. They are trying to tempt Saint Nicholas to stop and feed his white stallion. He will then repay them by refilling their shoes with candy and toys.
The tradition of the Christmas tree was started in Germany and Christmas trees are quite popular there. How the tradition of the Christmas tree started is a matter of much debate.
The first tale is of a wood cutter who encountered a lone hungry child while out cutting trees. He befriended and fed the child. After the meal the child continued on his way. The next day the child appeared to the wood cutter and his wife as a spirit and thanked him for his kindness. He then explained that he was the Christ Child, Christkind to the Germans.
He gave the wood cutter a sprig from an evergreen tree and explained that this tree would bear fruit year round. This lead to the German's felling evergreen trees and decorating them with ribbons, candies, etc. to celebrate the Christkind.
The other tale of how the Christmas tree came about is attributed to Martin Luther. He supposedly brought in an evergreen tree one year from outside and decorated it with candles. The candles were to represent the light of Jesus Christ and the heavens according to tradition
Christmas Trivia
Everyone enjoys the hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping and decorating. Children love to write letters to Santa and get a reply with an envelope stamped "North Pole". But even more fascinating is the origins of many of our beloved Christmas traditions.
Exchanging Gifts: In ancient times holiday meals were shared with family, friends, and the poor. It was believed that in order to have a prosperous year, one must not be selfish for to hoard what they already had would guarantee that they would never be blessed with more. This is why we exchange gifts today.
Tree decorating: In olden times trees represented life triumphant over death. The Romans trimmed trees with trinkets, candles, and toys. The Druids tied polished apples and other offerings on tree branches. In Munich, even trees in cemeteries were decked with holly and mistletoe. Therefore, the evergreen tree, which decorates our homes today, has come to signify the ever living Christ.
Yule Logs: The ancient Druids and other cultures believed that the sparks from a burning log carried their wishes for a prosperous New Year to the gods. Today, fireplaces with burning logs recapture this ancient custom with the belief that the firelight is symbolic of the light that came from Heaven when Christ was born.
Candles: In England, large candles were burned in conjunction with the yule log. In America today, the candles represent the Star of Bethlehem.
Holly: The Druids believed that holly was favored by the sun because it was always green. Today holly represents the ever living Christ. The white flowers, purity; the red berries, his blood; the leaves, his crown of thorns, and the bitter bark, his sorrow.
Mistletoe: Comes from a Norse legend. Freyja, a goddess, had arranged for her son to be protected from all earthly dangers. When he was shot with an arrow made from mistletoe, Freyja made mistletoe promise never to harm anyone ever again. So today, mistletoe is a symbol of peace and love. It's winter blossoms bring promise of bounty for the coming spring.
Caroling: In Scandinavian custom, every Christmas, a party was given to the god Thor, represented by a goat. After much singing and dancing the goat would pretend to die and return to life. Today, carolers go from door to door singing and this represents the life of Christ.
Santa Claus: Santa actually started out as a version of Poseidon, Greek god of the sea. Sailors feared him because he could bring terrible storms or grant them safe journeys. Because he could save them from angry waters, he became known as "giver of all good things". Due to the rise of Christianity, the old custom was changed to honor Nicholas of Myra, an Asian bishop. Nicholas wore red clothing, rode a white horse who could fly, and delivered gifts anonymously. Today, he is Santa with his flying reindeer!
A Christmas History Lesson
The Twelve Days of Christmas is one of the most famous Christmas carols ever written. It has been sung for a great many years, and is known the world over. To most it is a delightful hymn, but it was originally created with a very serious intent. In England between the years of 1558 and 1829, it was illegal to practice Catholicism in public or private. It was essentially a crime to be Catholic in England during those years.
The Twelve Days of Christmas was written to help preserve the traditions of the Catholic faith during the years that Catholicism was banned in England. The song is steeped in symbolism, and the fact that it is so well known throughout the world is a testament to the faith of the followers of the Catholic doctrine. The symbols contained in the song are as follows:
1st verse – "True Love" refers to God.2nd verse – "2 Turtle Doves" refers to the Old and New Testaments.3rd verse – "3 French Hens" refers to Faith, Hope, and Charity.4th verse – "4 Calling Birds" refers to the Four Gospels or the Four Evangelists.5th verse – "5 Golden Rings" refers to the first five Books of the Old Testament.6th verse – "6 Geese-a-laying" refers to the six days of creation.7th verse – "7 Swans-a-swimming" refers to the seven sacraments.8th verse – "8 Maids-a-milking" refers to the eight beatitudes.9th verse – "9 Ladies dancing" refers to the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit.10th verse – "10 Lords-a-leaping" refers to the Ten Commandments.11th verse – "11 Pipers piping" refers to the eleven faithful apostles.12th verse – "12 Drummers drumming" refers to the twelve points of the Apostle’s creed.
I love this song. It is, by far, my favorite Christmas carol. I had no idea about the symbols contained in the song, until I googled the song lyrics one afternoon. I find it very interesting that a song we all know so well could contain so many hidden meanings. I would never have guessed that it was anything more than lovely Christmas carol. It’s always nice to learn something new, especially about the wonderful celebration of Christmas. I hope you learned something, too. Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!
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