Life is full of surprises: December 2006

The Story Of The Christmas Tree

People often wonder where the custom of having a tree in the home during Christmas time comes from. We will probably never know for sure. But there are several historical clues that point out where this custom came from.

An Ancient Symbol

Thousands or years ago, there were people who believed that evergreen trees were magical. Even in winter, when all the other trees and greenery were brown and bare, the evergreen stayed strong and green. People saw the evergreen as a symbol of life and as a sure sign that sunshine and spring would soon return. Candles, or the electric lights we use to decorate our trees today, are also an ancient symbol. They represent the light of spring triumphing over the darkness of winter.
In ancient Rome, people decorated their homes and their temples with greenery during a special December feast. It was a happy time. No battles could be fought, the schools were closed, and people everywhere joined in the carnival-like atmosphere and gave each other presents.

The Modern Tree

So when did the Christmas tree go indoors? Legend has it that the tradition was begun by Martin Luther in Germany. He was a monk and church reformer who lived from 1483 to 1546. According to the legend, Luther was returning home one wintry night when he saw the stars twinkling in the sky through the tree branches. Luther was amazed by the sight, and when he arrived home, he was eager to tell his family about it. To help them understand, he went to the woods and cut down a small fir tree. Luther brought it indoors and decorated it with candles, which represented the stars he had seen.
The custom spread in Germany, and from there all over the world. In England, the Christmas tree first appeared when Queen Victoria married Prince Albert, who was German. In 1841, Albert set up a Christmas tree at Windsor Castle near London to remind him of his homeland. The Christmas tree custom was brought to the United States by people from England as well as by many German immigrants who came in the 1800's. Whatever its origin, the Christmas tree is a beautiful symbol for everyone who celebrates Christmas.

Santa Claus Around The World

Children in countries around the world await a visit from a mysterious bringer of gifts at Christmas time. He is always a kindly man who brings them toys, other presents. or money. Most of people especially in US knows him as Santa Claus, but in many other countries he is called by other names.

Giving people presents at Christmas is a very ancient custom that has been followed for hundreds of years. During the Roman midwinter feast days, people exchanged gifts. They did it again on New Year's Day, and the gifts that they gave to each other were thought to bring luck for the New Year ahead. When Christianity spread throughout the world, the custom of giving presents continued. The gift-giving feast was called Christmas.
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n many countries, the person who brings the gifts at Christmas time comes at night. This person leaves the presents for children to find the next morning. However, in other countries, the bringer of gifts arrives during the day, often with an assistant who helps him distribute them.

In some European countries, the bringer of gifts is Saint Nicholas of Myra. He arrives on the eve of his feast day (December 5), on a day in Advent (the season just before Christmas), or on Christmas Eve itself. When he arrives, he is wearing his bishop's robes and his miter (a tall, pointed hat). He brings a strange-looking crew of followers with him. These people are often wearing masks and unusual clothing. In the Netherlands, Saint Nicholas's helper is called Black Peter. His job is to make sure that children have been good throughout the year and to help Saint Nicholas give away the presents.

In parts of Germany and in Czech republic, children write letters to the baby Jesus (in czech "ježíšek") with their Christmas present list. In Spain, children are given gifts on the feast of Epiphany (when Christians celebrate the arrival of the Magi, or three wise men, in Bethlehem to see the baby Jesus). They leave their shoes on the windowsills of the houses to be filled by the wise men as they ride past.

The bringer of gifts in North America is Santa Claus. He's a fat, jolly man with a white beard who arrives on Christmas Eve in a sleigh pulled by flying reindeer. Children will sometimes leave snacks for Santa to help him on his journey. Stockings are hung by the chimney or elsewhere in the hope that Santa will fill them with little presents and goodies. And children especially look forward to waking up on Christmas Day and finding underneath the Christmas tree even bigger presents left by Santa.

1 year ago.....

today at midnight it will be exactly 1 year i came back from china. Some dates you remember for whole life, this is one of them.

Shanghai my "second home" which i will miss. Hopefully i wil get chance to be there again.

Movie corner - today Czech movies :-)

Prachy dělaj člověka and Ro(c)k Podvraťáků

the first one - criminal comedy. Really nice movie but you have to chatch what happend from the beginning and this is real story from Radek John - our famous writer, moderator, publicist so sometimes its complicated to understand.

Second

FUN !!! as Snowboardaci or Raftaci but this one is not so sweet. Nice to chatch new words whic are teenagers using :-) its really relaxing movie, full of fun and astors are really cool. See the video :-)