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"Government is a trust, and the officers of the government are trustees;
and both the trust and the trustees are created for the benefit of the people." - Henry Clay, 1829
"Government is a trust, and the officers of the government are trustees;
and both the trust and the trustees are created for the benefit of the people." - Henry Clay, 1829
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The Christmas TreeDecember 23, 2009
Dear Friends, What is Christmas without a tree; a Christmas tree? For many hundreds of years, the early Christians celebrated the birth of Christ without one. The tradition of bringing an evergreen tree into the home began over a thousand years ago with the pagan Vikings. During the harsh Scandinavian winters centuries ago, many people and livestock succumbed to the severe weather. The evergreen tree, that continued to thrive during these harsh conditions, gave hope to the Vikings. They would cut the trees and bring them indoors during the winter to remind them winter will pass and a new growing season would again begin in the warmth of spring weather. In many areas, the trees were used in their pagan religious services. Eventually the custom spread across Europe and into Christian celebrations. There are many legends concerning the origin of the Christmas tree. The most popular legend began with a former Catholic priest; Martin Luther (1483-1546 AD), leader of the Protestant Reformation. It is said that one Christmas Eve he was walking through the woods near Riga, Latvia and observed the beauty of the stars shining through the branches of the fir trees. He cut a small one down and brought it home to his family. As the legend goes; Luther then placed candles on the branches. He explained the lit candles represented Jesus Christ who was “the light of the world.” Luther further explained the tree was a symbol of Christianity; not only of Christmas. Shortly thereafter, Christians began decorating their trees with fruit, cookies, pretzels and the like. These customs were brought to the new world by German settlers in the 1700’s. In 1856, U.S. President Franklin Pierce was the first to celebrate Christmas with a tree in the White House. President Theodore Roosevelt expressed concern for the fir trees survival as so many were being cut down for Christmas. Some companies, when hearing of Roosevelt’s concern for the trees, began manufacturing artificial Christmas trees. It would take many years for that concept to take root; but in 1991 artificial trees outsold the real variety and continue to do so today. In 1923 President Calvin Coolidge lit a tree and officially designated it as the National Christmas Tree on the south lawn of the White House. This ceremony has taken place every year since, with the exception of the 1942 – 1944 wartime blackout years. Today, over 80% of the homes across America have a Christmas tree. Regardless of your beliefs, or no belief at all, this is truly a season to rejoice, celebrate, and hope for “Peace on earth; Good will towards men!” 2010 will be here soon enough and we can air our differences in the New Year. Until then, enjoy this Holiday Season and many more beyond!
An OLD friend, Who’ll enjoy a Merry Christmas with friends and family
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