December 21, 2022 Issue, Page 30 of 30

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PG20 HOMETOWN TIDINGS - rt | when 20th century advertisers — especially person could be kissed. When all the berries the artists responsible for Coca-Cola ads — had gone, there could be no more kissing. Wine Oneiins@ portrayed Santa in a red suit with a big smile. CHRISTMAS BELLS Church bells ring for many special servic- Delovedsnolida MISTLETOE Mistletoe is hung in doorways, and cou- es, including Christmas mass. During Christ- ples who stand beneath are encouraged to mas midnight mass in the Catholic Church, share a kiss. The tradition of hanging it in the the altar bells may be rung while the priest Witeremdidiit allibesins house goes back to the times of the ancient Druids. Mistletoe was thought to bring good says the “Gloria.” Bells are part of caroling, luck to a household and ward off evil spirits. and jingling bells are associated with sleighs hristmastime is here. The presents some people still put tangerines in Christ- The custom of kissing under mistletoe can and Santa’s reindeer. are being purchased and wrapped. mas stockings. be traced to England. Originally, a berry was Christmas is rife with traditions that date ‘The stockings will soon be hung on picked from the sprig of mistletoe before the back ages. the fireplace mantle. Mistletoe is CHRISTMAS TREE pinned above the front entryway, and poin- Christmas Trees are everywhere this time settias add rich color to home decor. of year. The use of evergreen trees predates Tradition is integral come the holiday sea- Christmas and is associated with the pagan son. Throughout the month of December, festival of Saturnalia, which celebrated the traditions fill people’s days and comprise the agricultural god Saturn with partying and many reasons why individuals decorate, cel- gift-giving. During the winter solstice, green ebrate and dine the way they do this time of year. But few may know the origins of some branches served as a reminder that spring of the most beloved holiday traditions. would arrive anew. Germans are credited with first bringing evergreens into their CHRISTMAS STOCKINGS homes and decorating them. ‘The Christmas stockings of today may be SANTA CLAUS a byproduct of various traditions. One such Santa Claus’ origin story can be traced to tradition dates back to a Dutch custom in St. Nicholas, a Christian bishop who lived which children would leave shoes full of food to feed St. Nicholas’ donkeys, and then St. during the fourth century. St. Nicholas was very generous and gave away his fortune to Western Oklahoma Insurance Nicholas would leave small gifts in return. help the needy. He also did various other “It’s always something” Another origin story of Christmas stock- good deeds. St. Nicholas became infamous Homeowners « Vehicles « Farm and Ranch « Life and Health ings can be traced to the 12th century, when and began to be known by various names nuns would leave socks full of nuts, fruit around the world. The Dutch called him Sin- 580-225-1121 and tangerines for the poor. ‘This is why ter Klaas, which was eventually transformed 119 N. Jefferson Ave, Elk City, Ok. to Santa Claus. The jolly persona came later fs Haines Wrecker Servic Licensed and Insured 2623 West Broadway ¢ Elk City www.haineswrecker.com