Each New Day

Although Alaska is part of the U.S., we read about some of the Aleutian traditions that people still practice today. One of these is the making of star wheels. These star wheels are made of tinsel, usually with an eight point star, and may be as big as an umbrella. In the center of the wheel is a picture representing the nativity. Someone with a lampada or candle or even flashlight these days will lead the group of star bearers from house to house singing carols. While singing, the star wheel is to be turned to bring the happy messages of the carols to the listeners.

Learning about Chirstmas in Canada meant that we learned about many different traditions brought over by many folks who have immigrated to that country. One of the funnest things we read was about the people who dress up as “belsnicklers” during the twelve days of Christmas. These people don masks and crazy outfits-maybe grandma’s nightgown or some long underwear-and head out making noise and ringing bells in search of sweets. Children will be quizzed by these masked mummers as to their behavior. Once identified, the belsnickler removes his/her mask and ceases all the ruckus. Nativity scenes, turkey dinners and decorated flotilla of boats are also part of the Christmas tradition in Canada.

We read today about Christmas in Mexico-Los Posadas. It is a real time of celebration. Beginning on December 16, every day until Christmas Eve, the children will dress up and re-enact the journey of Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem. On Christmas Eve, the procession ends at the church, with the baby Jesus being placed in the manger scene.

There are lots of parties and decorations. One of the most popular decorations and perhaps the symbol of los posadas is the Poinsetta Plant, known in Mexico as the Flor de la noche buena-the Flower of the Nativity. This plant was “discovered” and brought back to America by Joseph Poinsett, so in is known in the States as the Poinsetta flower. Of course any Mexican celebration will include a pinata, and Christmas is filled with the colorful paper colored decorations, waiting for the treats to rain down. The Christmas season lasts several weeks in Mexico, up until February 2, Candlemas Day.

We did several small projects today to commemorate what we learned about Christmas in Guatemala. One of our projects was actually a Polish paper cutting project, but it was in the design of a rooster, so we used it! We folded the paper and cut away the gray areas, leaving us with two adjoining roosters.

Next we made nativity wreaths. I had bought little nativity scenes at the dollar store. We used these figures to glue onto wreaths. The kings were glued seperately in honor of Day of the Kings. Last, the little boys drew pictures of what they think God looks like.

Christmas in Guatemala includes some interesting traditions. One tradition is the Misa De Gallo, the Mass of the Rooster. This particular Misa de Gallo is held at midnight, to honor the legend of the rooster that crowed at midnight, right when baby Jesus was born. Manger scenes, known as nacimientos, are prominently displayed in homes and throughout towns. Some homes even have an entire room dedicated year round to the nativity scene. The figure of the Christ Child is added to the scene on Christmas Eve. Throughout the season, images of the Saints are paraded through the streets. At the end of the procession is a white bearded figure said to represent God. The Day of the Kings, known also as Twelth Day, is celebrated in January.

Because many Guatemalans are descended from the Mayan Indians, there are still some traditions dating back to that era. One such tradition is the Palo Voladare, which is celebrated on December 21, St. Thomas Day. This is a dance of sorts, performed from a fifty foot pole. Three men climb the pole. Two wind ropes around their ankles and then jump from the platform. As they descend, the rope slowly unwinds. It is believed if the men land on their feet, the sun god will be pleased.

We went to see the play “A Christmas Carol” this week. It was on the same day that we read about Christmas in Great Britain. It was a great correlation, as one of the traditions of Christmas in Great Britain is to watch a pantomime, or play. We learned that Christmas was banned for a while during the 1600’s because it was correlated with pagan celebrations. Not long after, Christmas was reinstated as an acceptable practice and tradition. After colonists traveled to the new world, turkeys were sent back to England. They soon became a staple for Christmas dinners. We also learned about the fun treat every place setting would have-Christmas crackers. These are paper tubes covered with crepe paper and filled with trinkets. When opened, the tube would make a popping or cracking sound.

In reading about Christmas around the world, we learned today about Santa Lucia Day in Sweden. This takes place on December 13 and celebrates and honors St. Lucia. It is celebrated on the 13 of December because that is the longest night/shortest day of the year. This makes it the perfect day to honor a light bearer. During the celebration, boys and girls wear white. The boys wear cone-shaped hats decorated with stars. The girls wear white robes and carry candles. The oldest daughter in a family wears a robe tied with a red ribbon. On her head is placed a wreath of greenery encircled by candles. She serves rolls to her family on this day and sings the Santa Lucia song.

We read today about Christmas traditions in Germany. One of the biggest traditions is the Christmas Tree. It is common practice to decorate a tree and pile the gifts for giving under it. The children usually first see their decorated and lighted tree on Christmas Eve. It has been said that perhaps Martin Luther is one of the first to have put lights on a tree and brought it into his home. He did this to symbolize the light of Christ. Another legend says a woodcutter helped a small hungry child in the forest. This child was said to be the Christ Child. He broke off a piece of fir tree to bless the woodcutter and his wife for taking care of him. This became a tree that bore golden apples and silver nuts.

Other traditions include the Christmas market filled with prune men and women. These figures are said to bring gold and happiness to your home. Streets are decorated with greenery, angels are seen about as decorations. In Bavaria, on the three Thursday nights preceding Christmas, children don masks and knock on neighborhood doors citing rhymes that begin with the word “knock”. They in turn receive treats of candy, coins or fruit.

Today we read about Christmas in Italy. There are many traditions celebrated in this country. We read first of all about the presepio-the manger scene set up in many homes and churches throughout the country. Many of these family owned presepi are family heirlooms handed down generation to generation. Another treasured display is the ceppo. This is the Christmas pyramid-a shelf decorated with figures, flags, pinecones and puppets.

One Italian tradition is the legend of Befana. There is a story told of the old witch woman who was asked by the Magi to come see the Christ child. She was too busy sweeping her home to leave right then to go with them. She finished her work and set off to see the baby, but lost her way. On January 5, Italian children leave their shoes by the fireplace in hopes that Befana will come down the chimney on her broomstick and leave gifts for them. Children also receive gifts on Christmas from Babbo Natale (Father Christmas) or from Bambino Gesu (Baby Jesus.) Their dinner may consist of baked eel or chicken, pasta, and a Christmas cake. At dinner, the children will hand their parents a letter they have written to them. This letter will wish the parents Merry Christmas and include a promise to be good. These letters are read aloud, then tossed into the fireplace. Then at noon many will gather at Vatican Square to hear the Pope give his blessing.

This week we also learned how the Christmas holidays are celebrated in Greece. Evergreen trees are decorated. Boats are also decorated with blue and white lights. Gifts are given on St. Basil’s Day. Children can sometimes receive small gifts caroling from door to door. On Crosses Day (Epiphany) crucifixes are sometimes dipped into the sea or river by a priest.