A little to the Left

by Left

There are many interesting facts and myths surrounding the Holiday season. Some of these are centered around myths and old wives' tales that inspired many of the customs we see today, while others came from actual events that happened long ago. Here are a few for your reading enjoyment.

Ever wondered where the idea of elves came from? They are actually the modern day versions of “Nature folk” described in Pagan religions of the past. An interesting little fact I never wondered about.

The Holy Days and Fasting Act of 1551 in Britain declares that all its country's citizens must attend the annual church services held on Christmas day. In fact it goes as far as stating that no vehicle should be used to travel to church on this day. The law still exists on the books, although it is not observed. And that is a good thing, because I don't know how anyone would get anywhere if they had to walk, LOL.

The tradition of burning a Yule log actually has its roots in ancient Scandinavia. Supposedly the Yule log was a source of good luck and its ashes were saved to inspire good fortune throughout the year. It was such a widely held belief that people even threw the ashes in their wells to make the water safer to drink. But somehow, I don't think that was such a good thing either.

It was once believed that any woman who went under a mistletoe and was not kissed, would not marry the coming year. Hummm, that must be why I am still a bachelor boy. I have seen a hairy toe, but never a mistle toe...

The annual Christmas pudding was more than just a tasty treat. Small items were placed in them that were supposed to have the power to predict what the New Year would bring. Coins were meant a gain in wealth, a ring was a sign of an imminent marriage, and a button meant extended bachelorhood. This idea actually goes back to the middle ages, where the cake being served on the Twelfth Night would come complete with a hidden bean. Whoever found this bean was declared “king” for that one night. I think I found the button and Dusty thinks she found the bean.

If you counted all the gifts that were given in the song “Twelve Days of Christmas” you would realize that the number of gifts being presented were 364 in total, thus a gift was given for each day of the year. Wonder who thought that one up, I was always under the impression there were 365 days in the year. But then I am a cat, so what do I know.

“Pets are people too”, this may be what pet owners are thinking during the Christmas season. It has been estimated that at least 56 percent of Americans sing to their pets. It may just be more fulfilling considering that their pets cannot possibly complain. I actually hate it when my Meowmie sings to me, and run whenever possible. She sounds like I would if she stood on my tail, LOL

It has been confirmed that at least 3000 tons of foil are used to wrap turkeys annually.

Warning: Christmas shopping may be hazardous to your health. If you are an avid Christmas shopper statistics have concluded that you will be elbowed at least three times while shopping. Ouch!

Sending Christmas cards is still the in thing to do around Christmas time. Americans on average send out 28 Christmas cards to friends and family yearly, and guess what, it's certainly not in vain either, most will receive 28 for the same period.

Christmas is a great time to exercise. You will walk an average of five miles between the parking lot and stores, however, don't let this give you a false sense of security, most people still gain those pesky Christmas pounds despite this.

Pig head, it's what's for dinner. The traditional Christmas dinner in England used to be a pig head prepared with a mustard sauce. Most English folk are possibly quite delighted that this isn't the case anymore.

Witches and Evil spirits are the greatest broom thieves. The Norwegians once believed that witches and devious spirits were likely to steal their brooms on Christmas Eve. Who knows, maybe a mischievous prankster stole a few brooms during that period and the legend stuck.

Bake your bread on Christmas Eve and it will remain fresh forever. If only. There is an old wives' tale that actually suggests that bread baked on Christmas Eve is mould resistant. While it cannot be known now how many people believed this, it's pretty obvious that any believers would be converted after the appearance of mould on their bread beyond 5 days or so.

Dave Barry once said "In the old days, it was not called the Holiday Season; the Christians called it 'Christmas' and went to church; the Jews called it 'Hanukka' and went to synagogue; the atheists went to parties and drank. People passing each other on the street would say 'Merry Christmas!' or 'Happy Hanukka!' or (to the atheists) 'Look out for the wall!'

Phyllis Diller said "Christmas is a time when everybody wants his past forgotten and his present remembered. What I don't like about office Christmas parties is looking for a job the next day."

My wish for the new year would be that I wish we could put some of the Christmas spirit in jars, and then open a jar of it every month.

And in closing, Helen Steiner Rice said "Peace on earth will come to stay, when we live Christmas every day."

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