LADY BUG: CHRISTMAS SYMBOLS, LEGENDS AND TRADITIONS ABOUND

The days of anticipation are over!

That wonderful time is here!

Christmas!

It is a day of caring, of giving, of squeals and peals of laughter, of happiness, of food, fun and families together, of merriment, and, also of solemn reflections on the true meaning of this most significant day in all history.

Christmas is a season of traditions and legends, many of them dating back very far. Since the fifth century, Christians have been celebrating the birth of Christ.

For the past 30 years this column has gathered legends and traditions of the season to share with readers prior to Christmas Day. Because there are so many of them, which have been handed down from generation to generation, and many that have remained popular, it is impossible not to repeat some.

Time has changed some of the methods and has added new customs, but the original intention remains the same -- the symbolic representation of the birth of Christ. Each of the elements surrounding that simple birth more than 2,000 years ago -- the manger, the magi, the ox and many more symbols play an important part in our Christmas today.

Manger scenes are common in home decorations. The scene portrays the event as portrayed by artists and craftsmen. The manger and setting represent humility, and the swaddling clothing refers to His future suffering.

The shepherds were the first known worshipers of Christ. The sheep, worshiping with the shepherds, are lowly creatures often used to symbolize humanity with Christ as the divine shepherd.

The three kings often appear in Christmas decorations. The three kings came, also, to worship the newborn King. The wise men or magi visited the manger after the birth, as foretold in Psalm 71 and Isaiah 60 as kings bearing gifts of frankincense and gold for the Savior.

Few plant products of the ancient world are more famous than frankincense and myrrh. Frankincense is a fragrant gum resin that is yellowish white and oozes from incisions made in the trunk of a tree. Small tree chunks are ground into a powder that emit a balsam-like odor when burned. Myrrh-producing trees look somewhat like low, spreading cedars.

There are many symbols and legends of the Christmas season. Some bear repeating while others, although ancient, are unfamiliar. The following are some that have been handed down these many years, through generations and are often repeated:

YULE LOG -- People of long ago believed that burning a big log drove away evil spirits. Through the years a custom grew to cut down a large tree several weeks prior to Christmas. There was a belief that anyone who helped would have good luck. Today, some people burn a special log, called "yule" at holiday time.

WASSAIL -- Years ago many English people held Christmas feasts. As they drank a hot punch, they would say "wassail," which means "to your health." Today, many families serve a hot punch called wassail when they entertain at an open house or holiday party.

CRECHE -- The first creche (pronounced kresh) or manger scene, was created by St. Francis of Assisi in 1224. He used live animals and people in creating the scene. Today, many manger scenes are smaller models made of wood, china, ceramic or other materials. Recently, we were in a home where the hostess had a marvelous collection of various types of creches, which was a lovely display.

ADVENT WREATH -- The word "advent" means "the coming." The advent season is the four weeks before Christmas. An advent has four candles on it. People light one each week for four weeks. Candles are usually three purple and one pink in color. Lighting the candles is usually accompanied by a religious ceremony.

MISTLETOE -- This parasite was hung over doorways hundreds of years ago. People believed it would keep evil spirits away. It was considered an emblem of peace in Great Britain, where this legend began. People also believed it would keep them healthy and their marriage happy. Modern tradition of hanging mistletoe above the door is a better tradition (so the ladies would be kissed?) don't you think?

HOLLY AND EVERGREENS -- In ancient days, some people believed that holly would ward off evil spirits.

Christians came to believe that the berries stood for the blood Christ shed. The leaves stood for his crown of thorns.

Evergreens stay green all year and bear fruit in winter. For this reason, they are a symbol of never-ending life.

These are just a few of the symbols and legends of the holiday season. Maybe it would be fun to collect some to preserve in your family for oncoming generations.

~Mary Blue is a resident of Cape Girardeau and is an avid gardener.