Selwyn Times: December 20, 2016

22
Tuesday December 20 2016
HOME PROFESSIONALS
SELWYN TIMES
Christmas – an evolving tradition
The tradition of decorating the house,
sharing food and beverages with family
and friends and giving presents has
evolved over time.
For Christians, Christmas represents
the coming of Christ and nativity
scenes are often included in decorated
homes, along with a star at the top of the
Christmas tree.
For Jewish people the end of November
or December is the time they celebrate
Hanukkah, marking the re-dedication of
the holy Temple in Jerusalem, after it was
won back from the Syrian-Greeks in 165
BC.
Views differ on how the tree became a
symbol of Christmas. Some link it to the
Pagan marking of Winter Solstice, others
to Saint Boniface, a monk in the 7th and
8th century who likened the fir tree to the
Holy Trinity. Decorated Christmas trees
are said to have originated in Germany in
the 15th century or by Martin Luther in
the 16th century.
The monarchy introduced decorated
Christmas trees to England; initially by
Queen Charlotte then by Queen Victoria’s
Prince Albert who established the trend
there.
The tradition of hanging stockings
by the fireplace is linked to the legend
of Saint Nicholas creeping down the
chimney and slipping gold into them.
Fifty years ago, Christmas trees were
dressed with glass baubles, bells, stars,
handmade decorations and streamers.
Glitter sprayed on the pine needles added
sparkle and crepe paper or foil streamers
were hung across the ceilings and walls.
Lights once seen mainly on Christmas
trees now decorate the interiors and
exteriors of homes with some amazing
displays by a growing number of houses
joining this tradition each year.
Colours indicative of Christmas were
traditionally green, red, gold and silver
with the blue and white which we now see
in decorations here, representing winter
for those in the Northern Hemisphere.
Christmas wreathes are hung on the
front door to greet visitors to the home.
Today it is not uncommon for the
colours and trimmings adorning
manufactured Christmas trees, to
change with the year. Less common are
pine Christmas trees, which were New
Zealand’s alternative to the fir tree that
stands in
many homes
overseas such
as in North
America.
Wreathes
were hung on
front doors
to welcome
guests into
the home.
Made from
fresh Holly
and Ivy, which were interwoven around
the wreath they were decorated with
small gold or silver painted pine cones,
baubles, bows and a candle.
Inside Mistletoe is still hung from
doorway or ceiling, under which
a kiss might be shared while vases
of Christmas Lillies and bright red
Bottlebrush and Pohutakawa flowers or
pots of Poinsettias add to the Christmas
theme.
Christmas decorations are to be left up
until after the twelfth night, the 5th or
6th January and if not taken down then,
should stay up for the year however those
celebrating Candlemas may leave the
decorations up until the 2nd February.
Taking Christmas decorations down
before New Year is said to be bad luck.
Christmas Lillies, Bottle Brush and
Pohutakawa flowers add to the
Christmas theme.
Glass baubles are a traditional
Christmas decoration.
Saint Nicholas was the first
Father Christmas.
merry
ChrIstmas
Happy
Holidays
to all our
customers
We will be closing on
23 rd December and will reopen
on 16 th January
Great Range Of Gifts In Store
Florist | Fresh & Silk Flowers | Wall Art | Clocks | Gifts | Vases | Lamps | Home Furnishing | Jewellery
Happy Holidays
and all the best for 2017
We will be open on Christmas Eve for last
minute gifts then closing until 4 January.
Curtains • Blinds • Upholstery
Fabrics • Cushions • Crafts
Classic Curtains & Interiors
817 Jones Road, Rolleston | Ph 03 347 4295
Shop 15 Rolleston Square Rolleston
Phone 03 347 1068
robinsnest.2009@yahoo.co.nz
Hours
Mon-Fri 9am-5pm
Sat 10am-2pm