| perfectprefect @ 2002-12-27 19:40:00 |
| Current mood: | merry |
Well, I must say, Ronald's temper is certainly flying out of control now that he and Virginia have arrived home for the holidays. William and Charles have Apparated home as well, which makes things a bit cramped for space here at the Burrow, but I do my best to make do! If only Ronald would learn a bit of patience, I suspect he would go quite far in life.
Father's computer is rather an old model, but I believe I have a knack for things that are difficult. Ronald was very impatient with it, and I believe that was the source of all of his quandary.
Christmas always puts me in a spectacular mood, and I am quite sure you are wondering why. One cannot help but be enthralled by a holiday with such a variety of customs and such a long history! I often enjoy reading of the various traditions in different countries across the world, and it always proves to be a fascinating read. Many of my favourite tales come from Czechoslovakian history. For instance, in Czechoslovakia, St. Nicholas is called Svaty Mikalas and is believed to climb to earth down from heaven on a golden rope along with his companions: an angel and a whip-carrying devil. This, of course, differs greatly from the common stories of Father Christmas and where they originated. Father Christmas became part of the greater European Santa Claus in the 1950's. However, until then he was quite a different character. His origins were steeped in the Viking lore, brought by these people when they conquered Britain in the eighth and ninth centuries. At the time, Britain was a largely Saxon stronghold. Essentially, Christianity came from two places of origin: the Celtic Church and the Roman Church. Although the Celtic Christians were brought in line with Roman practice from a decree at the Synod of Whitby in the seventh century, Christianity was still somewhat isolated from mainstream Europe. Contrary to popular belief, many of the images in the Saxon churches were actually Byzantine in style, not Roman. I cannot help being darkly amused at the popular mistakes people make between these two styles. By this time, the Byzantine Church had already begun to split from the Church in Rome, creating Eastern and Western Christians. Roman iconography was quite different to that of the Eastern Church, and Celtic imagery was harking back to what the early Church considered 'pagan' imagery. Even after the Norman invasion in 1066, when the Normans effectively wiped out all the early imagery and replaced it with Roman style, still oaths were commonly sworn "By Odin". Things changed only slowly; interestingly enough, this is something Ronald should take as an example.
Odin, as you all should know, was the father of the gods, and he had twelve characters. The character for December was sometimes known as Yalka, or Jul, and his month was known as Jultid. From this, we get Yuletide. During December the Vikings believed that Odin would come to earth on his eight legged horse, Sleipnir. He was disguised in a long blue hooded cloak, and he carried a satchel of bread and a staff. His companion was often a Raven or a Crow. (This description was also given for St Benedict, the founder of the great Benedictine Order of monks and nuns! It is likely that Benedict's description was, at some early time, overlaid onto the image of Odin.)
Odin, according to legend, joined groups around their fire, sitting in the background and listening in to hear if they were content or not. He would occasionally leave a gift of bread at a poor homestead. On the other hand, the Saxons welcomed King Frost, or Father Time, or King Winter. He would be represented by someone, given a fine hat or crown to wear, and brought to their firesides. They believed that by welcoming the Winter as a personage, or elemental deity, that element would be less harsh to them.
With the Normans came St Nicholas. Viking and Saxon deities mingled with a Christian element to create a saintly Parish Visitor - a sort of medieval social worker! Of course, there are no records in Britain to tell us whether he, as St Nicholas, was named as the gift giver for children; nor do we know whether religious establishments gave gifts to children in his name on the Feastday of St Nicholas, as was the practice in places such as Germany and Belgium. Many of these records would have been lost, I believe, during the Reformation in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. Alas!
An interesting note: Father Christmas was banned by the Puritans under Cromwell in the mid-seventeenth century. He went 'underground' along with Minced Pies, Christmas games and most things associated. Occasionally secret publishers would print Broadsheets (a sort of Muggle newspaper) with a verse about 'Old Christmas'. He became the personification of everything the British people held dear about Christmas. To think, they very nearly banned Christmas. However, once the eighteenth century rolled around, he began to re-appear in plays, and as with many customs associated with Christmas, the tradition of Father Christmas remained, when the saintly or religious elements were lost. He became a benevolent, jovial character, synonymous with the Goodwill of Christmas, but his saintly attributes were gone. He was, naturally, the modernised version of the Saxon and Viking deities, and he controlled the winter elements. It is absolutely fascinating to think about how Father Christmas came to be around!
Another ancient Czechoslovakian tradition--and one that is shared with Poland, too!--involves cutting a branch from a cherry tree putting it in water indoors to bloom. If the bloom opens in time for Christmas it is considered good luck, and also a sign that the winter may be short. The hope of early spring helps keep spirits up during the long dark winter. Czechoslovakia has many fascinating customs come Christmas times, and is rich in history! Why, I will bet you did not know that when Czechoslovakia was known as Bohemia, Good King Wenceslas made his home there.
Of course, Czechoslovakia certainly isn't the only interesting country. Like many Latin American countries, Nicaragua retains many of the customs of old Spain, actually! Children carry bouquets to the alter of the Virgin and sing carols. On Christmas Eve, church bells beckon the people to Midnight Mass. On January sixth, the feast of the Epiphany, it is the three wise men who bring gifts for the children. Often the Holiday season concludes with a brilliant display of fireworks. I myself would love to spend a Christmas in Latvia!
Myself, I have had an enjoyable Christmas this year. Minister Fudge was thoughtful enough to give me some time off over the holidays, though I must confess I feel a longing to return to work! I believe my gifts this year were, if I do say so myself, quite thoughtful (particularly the book I picked up for Ronald!). Hermione spent the evening with us on Christmas night and stayed through until Boxing Day, along with a friend of mine at the Ministry, Miss Clearwater. I believe Virginia's room was quite crowded for the evening! Miss Clearwater is Muggle-born, and I thought it would be nice for her to enjoy a Wizarding Christmas, though I do not suppose that we Weasleys are quite so typical. William still has not deigned to trim his hair, and I must apologise to Miss Clearwater for that.
You see, Ronald? I myself have had no problems updating my journal. Father's computer certai
Comments:
| percyneedsalife @ 2002-12-27 07:56 pm UTC |
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| perfectprefect @ 2002-12-28 12:41 am UTC |
I see the two of you are having as many computer troubles as Ronald. If only you would be a bit more patient, with the computer, surely you wou
(parent)| perfectprefect @ 2002-12-28 12:42 am UTC |
Do you really think so, Virginia? I must admit, I have considered beginning my memoirs, though I dare say it is a tad early for that!
(parent)| blushcrush @ 2002-12-29 10:07 pm UTC |
I was thinking maybe a book about cauldrons since you like them so much! :)
(parent)| knight_to_h3 @ 2002-12-30 02:43 am UTC Re: |
What, you don't have enough books for your bed posts?!
(parent) knight_to_h3 @ 2002-12-28 03:52 pm UTC |
YOU SAID MY NAME SIX TIMES IN THIS ENTRY WHAT IS YOUR PROBLEM?!
| perfectprefect @ 2002-12-28 03:58 pm UTC |
I am only trying to be of help, Ronald. You are doing great disservice to Mother and Father in proving your insufficient patience. Why, I myself have learned to control my temper. I believe it would be in your best interest to do the same.
Sternly,
Percy
