What is the story behind hanging a pickle on the Christmas tree?
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Legend of the
Christmas Pickle
A pickle used as an ornament on the
Christmas tree seems odd at first,
but this is an old German tradition.
When decorating the Christmas tree, it
was a practice to hang the pickle
ornament last, hidden among the twigs.
The first child on Christmas Eve to find
the Christmas pickle ornament would receive
an extra gift. |
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What is the story of the Rainbow Bridge?
The Rainbow Bridge
Because of its many colors, the bridge connecting Heaven and Earth has come to be known as the Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or
maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them,
who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance.
His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over
the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous
reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved
head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent
from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....
Author: UNKNOWN... |
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What is the story of the Candy Cane?
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Many years ago a candy maker wanted to make candy that would symbolize the true meaning of Christmas - Jesus.
The hard candy was shaped like a "J" to represent that Jesus is our rock of all ages. The candy was made white to stand
for the pureness of Jesus. The red represents the blood that Jesus shed to save us from our sins.
So the next time you see a candy cane take a minute to remember the real meaning of Christmas. |
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What is the history of the Barn Star?
Adoring many homes around Lancaster County is the rustic Barn Star. The barn Star originated within the
German farming community. These farmers would often mount a large star-shaped decoration onto their barns.
Its significance varied. Some farmers considered the stars good luck, like a horseshoe hung above a doorway;
while others viewed as simply aesthetic and pleasing to the eye. Many barn stars, unique in their appearance,
represented the trademark of the builder who constructed the barn.
The tradition of the barn star in America can be traced back to the 1700's, and to at least the 1870's in
Pennsylvania. Barn stars were most popular after the Civil War.
The barn star composition has changed over the years. At first they were built directly into the barn. Later the
stars were crafted from wood as a separate piece. In the last 30 years, barn stars were constructed from roofing
tiles, giving them a rough finish. Recently, since the '90s, local craftsmen have been making them from thin
steel, unfinished, so they rust.
The present day Barn Star, now popular on homes of every size and shape, has come to mean an outward
sign of good luck and good fortune! |
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What is the history of the 12 Days of Christmas?
This is one Christmas Carol that has always baffled people. What in the world do leaping lords,
French hens,
swimming swans, and especially the partridge that won't come out of the pear tree have to
with Christmas? Here is
your answer: From 1558 until 1829, Roman Catholics in England were not permitted
to practice their faith openly.
Someone during that era wrote this carol as a catechism song for young
Catholics. It has two levels of meaning: the
surface meaning plus a hidden meaning known only to members
of their church. Each element in the carol has a code
word for a religious reality which the children
could remember.
THE PARTRIDGE IN A PEAR TREE is Jesus Christ
TWO TURTLE DOVES were the Old and New Testaments
THREE FRENCH HENS stood for faith, hope and love
FOUR CALLING BIRDS were the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John
FIVE GOLDEN RINGS recalled the Torah of law, the first five books of the Old Testament
SIX GEESE A LAYING stood for the six days of creation
SEVEN SWANS A SWIMMING represented the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit: Prophesy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership and Mercy
EIGHT MAIDS A MILKING were the eight Beatitudes
NINE LADIES DANCING were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self Control
TEN LORDS A LEAPING were the Ten Commandments
ELEVEN PIPERS PIPING stood for the eleven faithful disciples
TWELVE DRUMMERS DRUMMING symbolized the twelve points of belief in the Apostles' Creed.
So there it is. We now know how the strange song became a Christmas Carol .... So Merry (Twelve Days of)
Christmas to all! |
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