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Advent TraditionsA burning fire is one of the oldest forms of worship.
The energy of fire has always been connected with the sun which brings
light and warmth to earth. As the Winter solstice nears we reach
for our candles to light up the dark evenings, as we look forward to
the
sun returning to extend our days.Norse ancestors welcomed the return
of the sun god by celebrating Yule - for 24-days they would feast,
tell stories, and gather around
bonfires. The last night of the festival was called Up-Helly-Aa. Ivy
It is believed that the first Christmas tree was enjoyed back in the 8th century in Germany. Boniface, an English missionary, introduced a decorated fir tree. Evergreens were originally taken into homes at this time as it was believed they had protective and magical powers by the Pagans, as they remained green during the winter. During the 18th Century decorations for the trees became popular. They were originally white or red decorations symbolising innocence and knowledge, also paper flowers, sweets, candles, gingerbread shapes were used. The first tinsel was made from stretching real silver into long strips. By the19th century, the Christmas tree tradition had spread to other northern European countries. It was Prince Albert, Queen Victoria's husband, who first brought the Christmas tree to the UK. Glass baubles became available and the first electric lights were patented in 1882. Around seven million Christmas trees are grown in the UK each year. We all enjoy a festive Christmas tree - some enjoy looking at the
sparkling lights and bright baubles, 'Winged Figure' :Thayer (1889) The word 'angel' is Greek in origin, meaning 'a messenger' or one who is sent. Angels are said to be immortal spirits and are used by artists and poets as symbols of innocence and beauty. They are supernatural beings found in many religions and beliefs. In Christianity the archangel Gabriel appeared to Mary as a messenger to tell her that her child would be the Messiah, and other angels were present to herald the baby's birth on Christmas day. Some believe we each have guardian angel, a spirit who protects and guides us. This belief was common in Ancient Greek philosophy. Supernatural winged messengers have been the subject of myth, legend, religion and art for many hundreds of years. They are beautiful, ethereal beings we have come to admire. If you are lucky you may spot an angel ... look carefully around when you are at a solstice celebration or Glastonbury festival... Mistletoe As with other evergreens, like holly and ivy, mistletoe was thought to be a magical plant and was brought in at this time in the winter, to protect the home from evil. The Druids revered the plant and would gather sprigs of mistletoe with a golden sickle, never letting it touch the ground to maintain its power, believing it to be a potent charm. It was once called 'All Heal', and was thought to bring good luck and fertility, and to offer protection from witchcraft. Farmers would feed a tiny piece of mistletoe to any cow that calved
at the New Year to ward off any bad luck. ( Please note : Mistletoe
is highly poisonous). A good year for mistletoe meant an abundant
farming year, and when mistletoe was scarce boughs of it were kept
in the dairy. The old boughs were burnt on the winter solstice fire.
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