Candy Canes

One of the most often seen symbols of Christmas is the candy cane. Not only are candy canes used as a sweet Christmastime treat but they are also used for decoration. How did this seasonal candy get its familiar shape, and when did it become part of Christmas tradition?


When the practice of using Christmas trees to celebrate Christmas became popular in Europe the people there began making decorations for their trees. Many of the decorations were food items including cookies and candy. The predecessor of our modern candy cane appeared at about this time in the seventeenth century. These were straight, white sticks of sugar candy.

Part of the Christmas celebration at the Cologne Cathedral were pageants of living creches. In about 1670 the choirmaster there had sticks of candy bent into the shape of a shepherd’s crook and passed them out to children who attended the ceremonies. This became a popular tradition, and eventually the practice of passing out the sugar canes at living creche ceremonies spread throughout Europe.

The use of candy canes on Christmas trees made its way to America by the 1800’s, however during this time they were still pure white. They are represented this way on Christmas cards made before 1900, and it is not until the early 20th century that they appear with their familiar red stripes.

Many people have given religious meaning to the shape and form of the candy cane. It is said that its shape is like the letter “J” in Jesus’ name. It is also in the shape of the shepherds’ crook, symbolic of how Jesus, like the “Good Shepherd” watches over his children like little lambs. It is a hard candy, solid like a “rock”, the foundation of the Church. The flavor of peppermint is similar to another member of the mint family, hyssop. In the Old Testament hyssop was used for purification and sacrifice, and this is said to symbolize the purity of Jesus and the sacrifice he made.

Some say the white of the candy cane represents the purity of Jesus and his virgin birth. The bold red stripe represents God’s love. The three fine stripes are said by some to represent the Holy Trinity: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Others say they represent the blood spilled at the beating Jesus received at the hands of the Roman soldiers.

From its plain early beginnings to its familiar shape and color of today, the candy cane is a symbol of Christmas and a reminder of the meaning of the holiday.

By Laura Witcher Goldstein

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"Stille Nacht! Heilige Nacht", 'Silent Night'

Composer:  Franz Gruber
Lyricist:  Josef Mohr

History:
Austrian priest Joseph Mohr wrote the lyrics to "Stille Nacht! Heilige Nacht", 'Silent Night', in German, as a poem in 1816 to describe the inspirational night on which Jesus Christ was born. Two years later, the organ at his parish church, St. Nicholas, broke down right before Christmas Eve. That made it impossible to play the complex Christmas hymns that were traditionally part of the Christmas Eve Mass worship service. But Mohr didn't let them stop him from coming up with music for his congregation.

Mohr took his poem to his friend, St. Nicholas parish organist Franz Gruber, on Christmas Eve 1818, asking Gruber to set the words to music so they would have a simple song to include in Christmas Eve Mass that evening.

Gruber accepted Mohr's challenge, and within a few short hours, he joined Mohr at St. Nicholas to sing a duet of the new song, 'Silent Night,' while Mohr accompanied them on the guitar.

This simple yet beautifully reverent Christmas carol, written at the last minute during a crisis, has since been translated into hundreds of languages and sung around the world every year at Christmas -- becoming one of the most beloved Christmas carols of all time.

Silent Night lyrics:
Silent night! holy night!
All is calm all is bright
round yon virgin mother and child
Holy infant so tender and mild
sleep in heavenly peace!

Silent night! holy night!
Shepherds quake at the sight
glories stream from heaven afar
heavenly hosts sing Alleluia
Christ the Saviour is born!

Silent night! holy night!
Son of God loves pure light
radiant beams from thy holy face
with the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus, Lord at thy birth.

Fun Fact:
During World War I, fighting stopped temporarily on Christmas so soldiers could observe the holiday. Both English and German soldiers sang 'Silent Night' together during the truce.

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Wassiling

As far back as the 1400’s, wassailing has been associated with Christmas and the New Year. It is a way of wishing friends and family good wishes.

What is “Wassail”?
It is an ale based drink, seasoned with sugar, spices, roasted crab apples, and honey. A Saxton custom, it is served in huge bowls; one would “toast” others by saying, “wassail”.

The name “wassail” comes from the Old English term “waes hael” (“be well”). At the start of the New Year, the lord of the manner would shout “waes hael” and the others would reply saying, “drinc hael” (“drink and be healthy”).

As time went on, this tradition continued with people then going door to door, bearing good wishes and wassail. In return, it was common to receive drink and foods pertaining to Christmas fare. It was believed they would receive good luck for the New Year.

One song of popularity in caroling (“a-wassailing”) when going door to door:
“Here we come a-wassailing
Among the leaves so green,
Here we come a-wassailing
So far to be seen
Love and joy come to you,
And to your wassail too,
And God bless you and send you,
A Happy New Year,
And God send you a Happy New Year!”

Wassailing to the Apple Trees
It was a common tradition to also sing to the apple trees. This was to ensure a good crop of apples as the landlords needed a good crop to attract good workers. Their wages were paid in apple cider. Cider was then poured over the roots of the biggest apple tree and pieces of toast were left in the forks of the branches.

Recipe for Wassail Cup, recorded by Nicholas Culpeper (1620):
2 or 3 cinnamon sticks
3 blades of mace
4 cloves
1 teaspoon of nutmeg
1 ginger root
4 apples
4 oz. of sugar
1/2 pint of brown ale
1/2 pint of cider
1. Core the apples and sprinkle with sugar and water. Bake at 375 degrees F for 30 minutes, or until tender.
2. Mix ale, cider and spices together. Heat but do not boil. Leave for 30 minutes. Strain and pour over roasted apples.
3. Serve in a punch bowl. Of course if you're planning on saluting more than a few wassailers you'll want to increase the recipe accordingly.

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Christmas Trivia

Christmas trivia. How many of these are new to you?

Xmas has been used for hundreds of years in religious writing, where the X represents a Greek chi, the first letter of Χριστος, "Christ."  But people unaware of the Greek origin of this X often mistakenly interpret Xmas as an informal shortening pronounced (ĕks'məs). Many therefore frown upon the term Xmas because it seems to them a commercial convenience that omits Christ from Christmas; when in fact, this is not the true meaning.
 
The custom of singing Christmas carols is very old - the earliest English collection was published in 1521.

The word Christmas is Old English, a contraction of Christ's Mass.

The first president to decorate the white house Christmas tree in the United States was Franklin Pierce.

Germany made the first artificial Christmas trees. They were made of goose feathers and dyed green.

Electric lights for trees were first used in 1895.

The first Christmas cards were vintage and invented in 1843, the Victorian Era.

Rudolph" was actually created by Montgomery Ward in the late 1930's for a holiday promotion. The rest is history.

Jingle Bells" was first written for Thanksgiving and then became one of the most popular Christmas songs.

If you received all of the gifts in the song "The Twelve Days of Christmas," you would receive 364 gifts.

The poinsettia plant was brought into the United States from Mexico by Joel Poinsett in the early 1800's.

Holly berries are poisonous.

Contrary to common belief, poinsettia plants are non-toxic.

In 1843, "A Christmas Carol" was written by Charles Dickens in just six weeks.

The first state to recognize the Christmas holiday officially was Alabama.

Christmas became a national holiday in America on June, 26, 1870.

An angel told Mary she was going to have a baby.

Traditionally, Christmas trees are taken down after Epiphany.

More diamonds are sold around Christmas than any other time of the year.

"White Christmas" (1954), starring Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye, was the first movie to be made in Vista Vision, a deep-focus process.

"The Nutcracker" is the name for the ballet performed around Christmas time each year. "The Nutcracker Suite" is the title of the music Tchaikovsky wrote.

"Wassail" comes from the Old Norse "ves heill"--to be of good health. This evolved into the tradition of visiting neighbors on Christmas Eve and drinking to their health.

A Christmas club, a savings account in which a person deposits a fixed amount of money regularly to be used at Christmas for shopping, came about around 1905.

Hallmark introduced its first Christmas cards in 1915, five years after the founding of the company.

In 1947, Toys for Tots started making the holidays a little happier for children by organizing its first Christmas toy drive for needy youngsters.

The traditional flaming Christmas pudding dates back to 1670 in England, and was derived from an earlier form of stiffened plum porridge.

There are twelve courses in the Ukrainian Christmas Eve supper. According to the Christian tradition, each course is dedicated to one of Christ's apostles.

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Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree

Some believe the Christmas tree started during the Winter Solstice when Druids worshipped trees. But from the beginning, Christmas trees have been used as Christian symbols to teach about Christ.

During the 7th century, a monk was preaching the word of God. He used the triangular shape of the Fir tree to teach about the Trinity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Germany is credited with starting the Christmas tree tradition as we now know it in the 16th century when devout Christians brought decorated trees into their homes. It is a widely held belief that Martin Luther, the 16th-century Protestant reformer, first added lighted candles to a tree. Walking toward his home one winter evening, composing a sermon, he was awed by the brilliance of stars twinkling amidst evergreens. To recapture the scene for his family, he erected a tree in the main room and wired its branches with lighted candles.

By the 1890s Christmas ornaments were arriving from Germany and Christmas tree popularity was on the rise around the U.S. It was noted that Europeans used small trees about four feet in height, while Americans liked their Christmas trees to reach from floor to ceiling.

The early 20th century saw Americans decorating their trees mainly with homemade ornaments, while the German-American sect continued to use apples, nuts, and marzipan cookies. Popcorn joined in after being dyed bright colors and interlaced with berries and nuts. Electricity brought about Christmas lights, making it possible for Christmas trees to glow for days on end.

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70th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor

December 7, 2011 marks the 70th Anniversary of the attack on the US Naval Base at Pearl Harbor on Oahu, Hawaii by the Imperial Japanese Navy . The day after the assault, President Franklin D. Roosevelt asked Congress to declare war on Japan; Congress approved his declaration with just one dissenting vote. Three days later, Japanese allies Germany and Italy also declared war on the United States, and again Congress reciprocated. More than two years into the conflict, America had finally joined World War II.


Each year there is a commemoration of the anniversary at the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial.  The youngest of the survivors are approaching age 90.  Those that are able, return at this time to pay respects to their comrades who perished there.

U.S.S. Arizona Memorial

The 184-foot-long gleaming white structure was built to honor the 2,390 people who died December 7, 1941 during Japan’s infamous attack on Pearl Harbor, including 1,177 heroes still entombed in the Arizona.  The original memorial was a flagpole attached to the broken main mast of the ship with a commemorative plaque. This tribute was ordered erected in 1950 by Admiral Arthur Radford, then-Commander in Chief of the Pacific Fleet. In 1958, President Dwight D. Eisenhower approved the design for the present structure, which was completed in 1961 and dedicated a year later. There are three main sections of the memorial: the entry and assembly room; a central area designed for ceremonies and general observation; and the shrine room, where the names of those killed on the Arizona are engraved on a marble wall.

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History of the Christmas Wreath

The history of the Christmas wreath dates back to the ancient cultures of the Persian Empire. During that era, Christmas wreaths were considered to be the symbol of importance and success. These wreaths were much smaller in size than what is seen today. The small sized Christmas wreaths were known as "diadems" which people used as headbands.

Wreaths were usually handmade and symbolized pride and victory. Flowers, branches, laurels, threads and evergreen twigs were used to make beautiful handmade wreaths. They were often used in auspicious occasions such as weddings. It was around 776 BC when Greeks started using laurel wreaths as crowns awarded to athletes who came first in Olympics. In ancient Rome, wreaths were worn by military heroes and kings. Wreaths have been closely linked to Christianity. The Holy Bible links Christmas wreaths with joy, honor and victory. In Christianity, the Christmas wreath stands for a circle that has no beginning and end. Hence, it is treated as a symbol of God's eternity. Christmas wreaths made of evergreen leaves and branches symbolize God's love and mercy upon us. Green color symbolizes hope and new life.

The Advent Wreath:

Set on the branches of the wreath are four candles: three purple candles and one pink candle. In the center of the wreath sits a white candle. As a whole, these candles represent the coming of the light of Christ into the world.

On the first Sunday of Advent, the first purple candle is lit. This candle is typically called the "Prophecy Candle" in remembrance of the prophets, primarily Isaiah, who foretold the birth of Christ. This candle represents hope or expectation in anticipation of the coming Messiah.

Each week on Sunday, an additional candle is lit. On the second Sunday of Advent, the second purple candle is lit. This candle typically represents love. Some traditions call this the "Bethlehem Candle," symbolizing Christ's manger.

On the third Sunday of Advent the pink, or rose-colored candle is lit. This pink candle is customarily called the "Shepherds Candle" and it represents joy.

The fourth and last purple candle, oftentimes called the "Angels Candle," represents peace and is lit on the fourth Sunday of Advent.

On Christmas Eve, the white center candle is traditionally lit. This candle is called the "Christ Candle" and represents the life of Christ that has come into the world. The color white represents purity. Christ is the sinless, spotless, pure Savior. Also, those who receive Christ as Savior are washed of their sins and made whiter than snow.

The evergreen Christmas wreath gives a special feeling to our homes, once they are decorated during Christmas holidays. The leaves of the Christmas wreath symbolize life during and throughout the tough winter. Over the years, Christmas wreaths are used as significant decorative pieces for Christmas.

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"Merry Christmas, My Friend"

"Merry Christmas, My Friend"

also known as:

THE SOLDIER'S NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS"

 

'Twas the night before Christmas, he lived all alone,

 In a one bedroom house made of plaster & stone. 

I had come down the chimney, with presents to give
and to see just who in this home did live.

As I looked all about, a strange sight I did see,
no tinsel, no presents, not even a tree.
No stocking by the fire, just boots filled with sand.
On the wall hung pictures of a far distant land.

With medals and badges, awards of all kind,
a sobering thought soon came to my mind.
For this house was different, unlike any I'd seen.
This was the home of a U.S. Marine.

I'd heard stories about them, I had to see more,
so I walked down the hall and pushed open the door.
And there he lay sleeping, silent, alone,
Curled up on the floor in his one-bedroom home.

He seemed so gentle, his face so serene,
Not how I pictured a U.S. Marine.
Was this the hero, of whom I’d just read?
Curled up in his poncho, a floor for his bed?

His head was clean-shaven, his weathered face tan.
I soon understood, this was more than a man.
For I realized the families that I saw that night,
vowed their lives to these men, who were willing to fight.

Soon around the Nation, the children would play,
And grown-ups would celebrate on a bright Christmas day.
They all enjoyed freedom, each month and all year,
because of Marines like this one lying here.

I couldn’t help wonder how many lay alone,
on a cold Christmas Eve, in a land far from home.
Just the very thought brought a tear to my eye.
I dropped to my knees and I started to cry.

He must have awoken, for I heard a rough voice,
"Santa, don't cry, this life is my choice
I fight for freedom, I don't ask for more.
My life is my God, my country, my Corps."

With that he rolled over, drifted off into sleep,
I couldn't control it, I continued to weep.
I watched him for hours, so silent and still.
I noticed he shivered from the cold night's chill.

So I took off my jacket, the one made of red,
and covered this Marine from his toes to his head.
Then I put on his T-shirt of scarlet and gold,
with an eagle, globe and anchor emblazoned so bold.

And although it barely fit me, I began to swell with pride,
and for one shining moment, I was Marine Corps deep inside.
I didn't want to leave him so quiet in the night,
this guardian of honor so willing to fight.

But half asleep he rolled over, and in a voice clean and pure,
said "Carry on, Santa, it's Christmas Day, all secure."
One look at my watch and I knew he was right,
Merry Christmas my friend, Semper Fi and goodnight.

~ "Merry Christmas, My Friend," has been a holiday favorite among 'leatherneckphiles' for nearly the time it takes to complete a Marine Corps career. Few, however, know who wrote it and when. Former Corporal James M. Schmidt, USMC, in 1986 was stationed at Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C., pounded it out on a typewriter while awaiting the commanding officer's Christmas holiday decorations inspection... while other leathernecks strung lights for the Barracks' annual Christmas decoration contest, Schmidt contributed his poem to his section."

 

Over the years the text of "Merry Christmas, My Friend," has been altered to change Marine-specific wording into Army references (including the title: U.S. Marines do not refer to themselves as "soldiers") and to incorporate line-ending rhyme changes necessitated by those alterations.

 

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History of the Christmas Carol "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day"

In 1861, poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's wife, Fanny, was sealing a packet with sealing wax. It was never known whether a spark from a match or the sealing wax was the cause, but suddenly her dress caught fire and engulfed her with flames. Her husband, sleeping in the next room, was awakened by her screams. He desperately tried to put out the fire and save his wife. He was severely burned on his face and hands.


She, tragically burned, slipped into a coma the next day and died. His grievous burns would not allow him to attend her funeral. He seemed to lock the anguish within his soul. Because he continued to work at his craft, only his family knew of his personal suffering. They could see it in his eyes and observe his long periods of silence. His white beard, so identified with him, was one of the results of the tragedy - the burn scars on his face made shaving almost impossible.

On Christmas Day, three years following the horrible accident - at age 57 - he sat down to try to capture, if possible, the joys of the season. He began:

"I heard the bells on Christmas day,
Their old familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet the words repeat
Of peace on earth, good will to men."

As he came to the next stanza he was stopped by the thought of the condition of his beloved country. The Civil War was in full swing. The Battle of Gettysburg was not long past. Days looked dark, and he probably asked himself the question, "How can I write about 'peace on earth, good will toward men' in this war-torn country, where brother fights against brother and father against son?" But he kept writing - and what did he write?

"And in despair I bowed my head:
'There is not peace on earth,' I said,
'For hate is strong, and mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good will toward men!"

Wadsworth then turned his thought to God, and continued writing:

"Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail,
With peace on earth, good will to men."

And so we have the marvelous Christmas carol I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day. The musician J. Baptiste Calkin wrote the musical setting that has helped make the carol a favorite.

By Lindsay Terry

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Osteopenia: Know Your Fracture Risk

Osteopenia, an early stage of bone loss, isn't as serious as osteoporosis, but it can still cause your bones to break. Are you at risk?  By Diana Rodriguez

Do you know your T-score? This magic little number is calculated from bone density tests such as dual absorption absorptiometry (DEXA) — and it can tell you a lot about your bone health. If your score shows low bone density (but not
yet low enough to be osteoporosis), you could have osteopenia.

But to get a full picture of your bone health, you and your doctor need to take several additional factors into account.

Bone Density Tests:

This is a non-evasive test done in a medical imaging office.

Your T-Score

Your T-score is a number on a scale that measures bone density. The ideal score is 0, which means that your bones are as dense as those of a healthy young adult. Negative numbers indicate less-dense bone. The lower the number, the more severe the bone loss; for example, -3 is worse than -2.

A T-score between +1 and -1 is considered normal. Osteoporosis is defined as a T-score lower than -2.5, which indicates substantial bone loss and significant risk of fractures. A T-score between -1 and -2.5 indicates less-severe bone loss, a condition called osteopenia.

However, even with a T-score in the osteopenia range, you can still be at risk of fracturing a bone. In fact, more than 50 percent of fractures due to weakened bones occur in women with T-scores in this range.

Assessing Other Fracture Risk Factors
Your T-score is only one piece of the puzzle. Determining your fracture risk requires also looking at your current health, medical history, and other factors. Your risk of breaking a bone is higher if you:

* Are 65 years old or older
* Have a thin, small frame
* Smoke tobacco
* Experienced early menopause
* Have a family history of osteoporosis
* Have used steroids for a long time or used certain anti-seizure medications
* Are undergoing treatment for prostate cancer or breast cancer
* Have an overactive thyroid or are taking high doses of thyroid hormone for an under active thyroid
* Are female — men also experience bone loss as they age but are less likely to develop osteoporosis or experience fractures
* Don’t get enough calcium and vitamin D
* Consume more than three alcoholic drinks per day
* Have a disease that can cause bone loss, such as rheumatoid arthritis or anorexia nervosa

Evaluating Your Risk
One way to calculate your fracture risk based on the above factors is to use the WHO Fracture Risk Assessment Tool, or FRAX, according to Nelson Watts, MD, a nationally recognized bone health and osteoporosis expert and the director of the Osteoporosis and Bone Health Program at the University of Cincinnati in Ohio.

Available for free online, the FRAX calculator, which was developed by the World Health Organization (WHO), uses a range of criteria to determine your likelihood of having a fracture in the next 10 years. FRAX is an effective assessment of risk because it incorporates so many factors, says Dr. Watts.

Guidelines from the National Osteoporosis Foundation encourage the use of FRAX for patients with T-scores between -1 and -2.5, says Watts. For people with scores in this range, the foundation recommends osteoporosis medication for those who also have a FRAX 10-year probability of a hip fracture of 3 percent or higher or a FRAX 10-year probability of a major osteoporosis-related fracture of 20 percent or higher.

Having a bone density test to learn your T-score is important for those concerned about bone health and fracture risk. But remember that your T-score alone doesn't give you a complete appraisal of your risk of breaking a bone. For a more realistic assessment, take a look at the bigger picture.

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