Last week, my wife Mary Alice and I attended the Christkindl Market in Mifflinburg. We read on the brochure that it is the oldest authentic "Christ Child" market in the United States.
The actual German figure is called "Christkind," which is derived from the earlier Christkindl, that was introduced by Martin Luther.
Dec. 25 is the traditional anniversary of the birth of Christ; however, most scholars are unsure about the true date for Christ's birth. The decision to celebrate Christmas on Dec. 25 was made sometime during the fourth century by church bishops in Rome.
Above, bright leaf-like bracts surround small, green flower clusters of the traditional red poinsettia. Below, a variegated poinsettia has mottled leaf-like bracts. Poinsettias of any color are considered mildly toxic to cats and dogs.
Many early cultures in the Roman empire had fallen into sun worship. Recognizing their dependence on the sun's yearly course in the heavens, feasts were held at the time of the winter solstice, in December, when the days are shortest.
During these festivals, bonfires were built to give the sun god strength to bring him back to life again. Great rejoicing was had when it became apparent that the days were growing longer. The church leaders in Rome decided to celebrate Christ's birth during the winter solstice in an attempt to Christianize these popular pagan celebrations.
Long before the advent of Christianity, certain plants and trees remained green throughout the year. Since these plants and trees remained green during the winter months, many people believed this had a special meaning and began to decorate their homes during the festive season with pine, spruce and fir trees.
Ancient peoples hung evergreen boughs over their doors and windows. In many countries, it was believed that evergreens would keep away witches, ghosts, evil spirits and illness.
In the 16th century, Germany is credited with starting the Christmas tree tradition (as we know today) when devout Christians brought trees into their homes to decorate. During the American Revolution, Hessian soldiers brought the Christmas tree custom to America.
Back in ancient times, holly was thought to be magical because of its shiny leaves and the plant's ability to hold fruit during the winter. The Romans brought holly to England, where it was considered sacred.
Why are holly berries red?
And why is snow so white?
Why are spruce and pine so green?
And why are candles bright?
Can't you guess? It's Christmas time
When everything's aglow,
And loving hearts are full of cheer
It's Christmas - don't you know?
- Author Unknown
In Mexico, it was traditional to leave gifts on an altar for Jesus on Christmas Eve.
One of the legends surrounding the poinsettia began when a young boy, who had no gift to leave, knelt outside the church window and prayed. In the spot where he prayed, a beautiful plant, with vibrant red leaves, appeared. This plant was known as "The Flower of Holy Night."
Dr. Joel Robert Poinsett, of South Carolina, who was the first ambassador to Mexico, brought the plant to America, where it was renamed in his honor. Dec. 12 was named Poinsettia Day.
The poinsettia is a shrubby plant of the spurge family, with milky juice and brightly colored leaf-like bracts surrounding small green flower clusters.
While poinsettias are commonly considered as poisonous plants, the poisoning is greatly exaggerated. Poinsettias are only mildly toxic to cats and dogs. Only mild signs of vomiting, drooling and diarrhea might occur if an ingestion occurs; however, this is not enough to cause death to your pet. Far more worrisome are the lily, holly and mistletoe.
Another custom is the mistletoe, which is a parasitic plant believed to have magical powers because it too had berries during the winter. Mistletoe often grows on apple and oak trees.
The Celtic people believed that mistletoe had the power to heal diseases, give protection from witches, bring fertility to humans and animals and also bring good luck. The legend was told that if enemies met underneath a sprig of mistletoe, they would lay down their arms, exchange friendly greetings and keep a truce until the next day.
From this, our custom of hanging mistletoe over a doorway became a token of goodwill and peace to all who entered, and anyone standing under the mistletoe should receive a kiss.
I hope you and your family have a blessed Christmas and remember the reason for the season.
Bower retired after 34 years as a wildlife conservation officer for the state Game Commission. He has published several books about his experiences. Questions and comments may be sent to him at 153 Redington Ave., Troy PA 16947.