PAGEl7OU,RTEEN'

N THE GUARDIAN.--gH1gXRDOTTE,TOW'Nv' .

(iliristiiias iiulz

QUESTION S

1. Who was Ki-is Kringler

2.-What does the name Kris Kringle mean?

3.-Who wrote the first Christmas Carols? When?

-i.-What superstition had the Scotch about the Christmas candle?

5.-By what other name is mis- tletoe known? l

6-Where did the custom of kiss- ing under the mistletoe begin?

7-When were Christmas candles first used?

8-How long has the practice of gift giving at Christmas been ob- served?

9-How did the custom of hang- ing Xmas stockings originate?

lo-Why are candles used during the Christmas season?

ANSWERS

l. Santa Claus' helper.

2. "Little Christ Child".

3. St. Francis of Assist and his friars-in Italy-during the 13th century.

4. It was considered an omen of bad fortune if the candle went out before midnight.

5. The Golden Bough.

ll. England.

1. In the middle ages-at the Jew- ish "Feast of Light".

8. Since the fourth century.

9. St. Nick once dropped a purse of coins down the chimney of a poor family. It landed in a stock- ing that had been hung to dry.

10. As symbols of the star of Bethlehem.

How Dickens

Br Gladys Waterer

A lifelong student of Charles Dickens. Miss Waterer dramatises one of his stories each year for presentation at the Dickens Festi- val at Brcadstalrs.

Charles Dickens saw Christmas in three different aspects.

Through his eyes he saw it with the sun shining on town and coun- tryside under snow-Jwith curtains drawn on cosy rooms-fires roar- ing up the chimneys-a feast upon the tables; with families happily united, and laughing children joining in the fun. In his heart, he saw it with a real love of kind- lines. and warm human compan-

ionship. And also. which his readers sometimes fail to realise, he saw

the spiritual significance of the joyous Festival. and what it can ..and should mean to mankind. He loved Christmas, and all its ob- servances, and it has been said that by his Christmas books he re- created the English Christmas, and its Spirit.

There are five of these little stories. The first, "A Christmas Carol" is the best, the very essence of Christmastlde. It appeared for Christmas 1843, and was in ins- tant success. To Dickens it brought something more valuable than the

AT CHRIS

the light and hope of th

PHONE 3236

BLESSINGS

Look to the bright, shining star that symbolizes

on the will for peace and the brotherhood of man.

Gourlies REXALL DRUG STORE

TMASTlME

e world. May it strength-

21 CENTRAL ST.

WATER STREET EAST”

I iii

To our many faithful friend! and customers:

At this most sacred season - - rich with the

traditions of friendship and

And, we extend

you - - - many thanks for your loyal patronage.

to continue to serve you with the same high quality merchandise and friendly, courteous service in '

time to come as in the paitl

to wish you all . A VERY MERRY. CHRISTMAS I

- Island Equipment Co., ,Ltd..

Saw Christmas

FIVE LITTLE BOOKS THAT MADE A TRADITION

fame he already posseued. and that was a feeling of deep per- sonal affection, even love. from vast numbers of his readers.

He was lecturing in Manchester in the early part of 1843 when the inspiration of "The Carol" came to him. He himself tells how the sub- ject seized him with a strange mastery, how he excited himself in the most extraordinary manner in its composition, alternately laugh- ing and weeping over it, and walk- ing about the black streets of Lon- don. as was his wont when writ- ing (fifteen andi twenty miles, many a night) thinking about it when all sober folks had gone to bed.

Kindiest Story ever Written

It is not surprising that it was such an immense success. for it is the klndliest story that ever was written, and it grips one now, as it gripped our ancestors over a hun- dred years ago. Thackeray, who was not given to great praise of anything. and who did not like Dickens. wrote of it:

"Such a book as this seems to me a national benefit, and to every man and woman who reads it, a per- soiial kindness. The last two people I heard speak of it were women; neither know the other, or the author, and both said. by way of criticism "God Bless him." What a feeluig is this for,an author to be able to inspire and what a reward to reap."

Forster, his friend and biographer. writes of it:

"There was indeed nobody that 3,had not some liiterestl in the lchristmas Carol. It told the selfish jman to rid himself of selfishness; ,the just man to make himself gen- lerous. liiid the good-natured man ,to enlarge the sphere of his good- inature. Its cheery voice of faith .and hope ringing from one end of ,the island to the other. carried a pleasant warning alike to all, that if the duties of Christmas were wanting. no good could come of Ills outward obsorvances: that it .mLrSl shine upon the cold hearth Tand warm it; that there must be iikindness. benevolence and charity.

plum

,mercy and forbearance. or its kpudding would turn to brie, and zts roast beef be indlgestible."

i it Bells - Maddening. Inspiring! l l

"The Chimes" was the second of the Christmas Books. and it was written under conditions quite dif- ferent from those of A Christmas Carol, Dickens was in Genoa, wi- ther he had gone with his en- tire family. He had been resting through the summer. but as Au- tumn drew near. he was faced with the necessity of getting ready the Christmas Book for 1844. So he sent home for the little carved figures of two fighting frogs which always stood on his writng table when he was at work. and put everything in order to begin, But Genoa did not prove to be a good place in which to write. It was very hot; the endless penis of bells from every city tower clashing and clanging round him were distract- ing beyond words; he mined friends. with whom he could talk over his ideas; and there were no London streets to wander through in search of inspiration. He could not start,

Then, quite suddenly, the miracle happened. He was, at the time try- ing to help a. friend who was suf-

trust - - we say to

our sincere pledge

- BUMMEBSID

faring from a nervous complaint in which she saw goblin ifaces all a- bout her. and Dickens' mind was full of these fantasies about which she had told him. As he sat at his desk one morning, resolute for work, a maddening peel of chimes rose from the city. such - terrific clung and clash from all in steep- les that it made "his ideas spin round and round, until they lost themselves in B whirl of vexation and giddiaess. and dropped down dead!" This onslaught of noise. however. proved - a blessing. and from it. and from the goblin facet. was born the "second Christmas Book. "The Chimes."

The bells of Genoa now proved an inspiration and not a. hindrance. Dickens became enthralled with his little story, He was pre-occu-pi- ed with the deeper feelings be- hind it. and the desire to brim! out the better side of human nature to meet the call of Christmas time.

Same Ideas. Different Picilre

"something powerful I think 1 can do," he wrote. "But I want to be tender too, and cheerful. I am fierce to finish in a spirit hear- ing some affinity, to those of truth and mercy. and to shame the cruel and canting." '

Begun on October 8th, the story was finished by isovember 3rd. He then travelled all the way back to London for a few days in order to read it to some chosen friends be- fore publication.

The third Christmas Book "The Cricket On The Hearth" reflects the same theme of love and kind- ness triumphant over all obstacles. The story of stolid, devoted John Peerybingle's willingness to forego everything worth while for the sake of his adored young wife's hap- piness. and his refusal to think ill of her in any circumstances. are just another picture of the same Christmas ideals. This time he seems to have had the idea for the title of the story first.

"What do you think of I no- tion that has occurred to me," he wrote to Forster. "It would be a delicate and beautiful fancy for a. Christmas Book, making the cricket a little household God, sil- ent in the wrong and sorrow of the tale, and loud again when all went well and happy." And from the gem of that idea. he wrote one' of the most charming little domestic comedies in our language. Except that the weather is des- cribed as cold. slushy. and frosty, there are no particular allusions to the time of Christmas. but Dickens

story to awaken some loving and forebearing thoughts, never out of place in a Christian land.

were back in England. was pub- lished for Christmas 1845.

Book He Nearly Abandoned

"The Battle Of Illfe," the fourth Christmas Book, was written with great labour and difficulty, in Lausanne. through the Autumn of 1848 in conjunction with the open- ing numbers of Dombcy and Son.

stories at once proved a task that was almost too much for their

Twice he nearly gave it up but "if I don't do it." he wrote to Forster "it will be the first time I have

have taken in hand."

surprising that "The Battle Of Life" lacks grip, is disjointed. that the main idea does not emerge clearly or prove to have charm. and that it does not disclose any special message clearly. Moreover. the ab- normal self-sacrlfice described in it does not. and never could ring true. "The Battle Of Life" was the beginning of the end of the pub- lication of an annual Christmas Book. There was one more "'rhe Hunted Man." postponed from Christmas 1847 to Christmas 1848. Dickens hated making this post- ponement. "I am very loth." he wrote to Forster "to leave any Gap at any Christmas firesldes that I ought to fill. In short I am (for- give the expreslon) blcwed if I know what I ought to do."

Forster, however, had no doubt whatever that, if there were dif- ficulties in the way of getting the story written. as there had been the year before, postponement was beat.

This course he strongly advised. and so "rho Haunted Man" did not appear until Christmas 1848.

To Keep Memory Green

This tale in writtsn found the words "Lord keep my y green." It has 1 distinct message. which ,it conveys directly and clearly. The idea is that if one loses all memory of the trouble, unhappiness and wrongs that one has suffered. either alone or with others. one loses, at the same time, the ability to sympathise and feel with the rest of humanity. And if you cannot feel for other people, or know that they feel for you. than life becomes indeed a barren wilderness. as The Haunted Man. relieved of his and memories. very soon discovers.

of course, the little tale' ends on n. note of happiness and hope I- galn, because Dickens could not have borne to have ,it otherwise.

Although the Christmufnooka came to an end with "The Haunted Mun” Dickens vol in his novels to uphold the teaching of loving kindness, tolerance and help that Christ brought to earth, and that the Futl-val of Christmas. especially. should bring to all our

hearts. (Copyright: N. I. L.)

YULI 1.06 18 OLD CUSTOM The Yule Log represents the an-

the Winter Solstice. The mine come: from the Yule rite: of North lui-ocean COIlI'lII'iUv hid eventually

said of it himself: "I wrote this the

clent custom of lighting huts fire: during the festivals that celebrated

burning of the log became part of

-Mr. W. Albert Robertson of Summerside was recently notified by the Canadian Institute of Char- tered Accountants that he success- fully passed the 1952 uniform final examinations. thereby obtaining the degreesvof Chartered Accountant. Mr. Robertson was born in Cal- gary. Alberta, and at an early age moved. with his parents, to Van- couver. B. 0.. where he received his education. He served his first six years in the business world with the Royal Bank, then held account- ing and executive positions with Vancouver's two leading vaude- ville. stock and opera theatres. He later broadened his experience in the fields of stock brokerage. auto- mobile dealership. newspaper and general public accounting and ad- ministration.

Early in 1940 he joined the R. C, M. 13.. serving as an accountant on various stations until his dis- charge in December 1945.

Deciding. after the war. to be- come a Chartered Accountant. he entered the employ of Mr. T. Earle Hickey. Chartered Accountant. Summer-side, P. E. I., with whom he served four of the required five years. To widen his scope further in the field of public accounting. he became engaged during the fifth year. with the firm of Lee it Martin. Chartered Accountants, in their lFrederlcton, N. B. branch office.

In addition to his business career. Mr. Robertson has ardently pursu- ed various hdbbles. From competi- tive Highland dancing. at an early age. he expanded his knowledge of art to professional English and Latin-American ballroom danc-

ing. conducting his own studies in above the Mediterranean. the Vancouver and San Francisco, in world's --The cricket, 0,, The gammy the thirties. Mountaineering in his stand where they have stood for. written when the Dickens family Youth exi-ended to 5 3'9” 0! bill game hunting and trapping in Nor- 400 of them. are protected by relig- them British Columbia. Swimming has been native to him since the hands of either the Moslems or the age of six. Gardening at his home Maronite Christians.

in Summerside is presently his

pet hobby.

The presentation of Mr. Robert-

son's certificate will take place at Judah had her first king. some of a later date in Moncton. and as them have a girth of 40 feet and a he will be registered with the New branch circumference of 300.

Brunswick Institute he plans to

applv for transfer to the P. E. I.

The commsmon 0' W0 Sewn” Institute of Chartered Accountants. workers were sent into the Laban-

Mr. Robertson is married. his wife being the former Miriam

aumon The max re””''.5 the 5""? Cameron of Summersldc. and they of one of the first building con- gle he Md W 3” "' w”"'e” 3" E” have one fltv-year-old son. Cam- tracts. between Hiram of Phoenecla

eron.

Mr. Robertson is to be highlv commended unon having attained tlon last Febiirary which almost

several months in his studies.

England Once Forliaile Christmas Observance

Did you know that the observ- ance of Christmas was once forbid- den in England-the home of the Yule Log. the Carol-singer and the wasaailers? .

During the Reformation many believed the undue jollity of Christ- mas day was sacrilaglcus. Parlia- ment. on December 24. 1652. order- ed that "no dbservance shall be held of the five and twentieth day of December, commonly called Chriwrnas day: nor any sclemnlty used or exercised in churches upon that day in respect thereof."

This edict proved to be very un- popular with the masses of the people. It was not until many years later, however. that Christmas was once again regarded as a holiday.

The ma.nufacturers' value of Santa's Yuletide toy pack this year ls estimated at around t370.000.000.

ntltute.

according to the American Toy In- guests move

l" , DECEMBER 73. 1952,

I.:..i. '

Pam: ILA. Exam

Y I Futlviil . K:I.VIl Iiijaily lays"

festival is not known. Rioeorde

was spoken of in the fourth cent- ury as a custom of long standing.

or the Mass of Christ. sometime during the fourth century. It took that long after the blessed might for the great importance of Chrilt'a birth to be realised by the people. Until this time it had been the custom of the church to celebrate the annlvemaarida of deaths. rather than births. Christ's birthday was the first to be made an occasion for feasting. The date for the celebration of the Christ Mass: was selected by the church. 80 many years had elapsed that the actual date of Hi: birth could only be a matter of conjecture.

The festival and mix-it of Christ- mas spread through the Oh:-iltinn worlds. Pagan customs. even as they do today, attempted to adapt themselves to the Christmas sea- ron.

For many years after the origin of Christ's Man the church'frown- ed upon the practice of exchI.ng' gifts during the festival season. Later. however. the practice was condoned, in remembrance of the spirit of the Three Kings of the Orient who had followed a shining star to the crib of the new-born Christ, bringing presents with I. sense of humility.

St. Francis of Assisi originated seasonal custom

St, Francis of Asskl is believed to have originated the custom of dia- playlng the Christ Child In I crib at Christmas time.

He is reported once to have said to one of his followers: "I win: to celebrate holy Christians night with you. In the woods near the Cloister you will find a cave where we shall arrange a manger filled with hay. We shall have an ox and an us Just as at Bethlehem. I wish to see how poor and miserable the Infant Saviour became for us.

so at midnight, in the small Ital- ian village of Garcia, in the year 1200. st. Francis and his followers celebrated mass at the cave and sang hymns in honor of the mirist Child. '

CEDARS OF LEBANON

On a. shelf-like plateau, 000 feet

oldest Chrl I trees

centuries. The cedars of Lebanon. ion and law from harm at the The magnificent trees "that sing

of the nativity" were venerated as monarchs among trees long before

In the days of the conquerors thousands of conscripted Hebrew

mix to take to Jerusalem "cedar trees without number"; the result

The exact, age of the Christmas show. however. that the holiday

Christmas began as Christ's Ital, slogan

' Afrbfmioiial Gard:

on.” Safety liiiliis

The miibnai may Council an

E. E. Parkman

are; thin wards utl Opt-11.. R-0- ! TI 0 Your 8 dl.yi!' If I ..

. c.-lpuln w hold OPTOMIIIIST down Christmas-New Year hcli- Gill!!! ""30 day acclde t toll. lyn lnmlnea

The No. 1 killer in traffic, with fires a close second. To keep 01500 il0'"I'

I to 12 - I to I and by appointment Phone 8281

death from taking your holiday or .the holiday of your loved ones -is a simple thing. It costs noth- insl. tal;1etsu,no"ti.I:le and requires REGENT THEATRE BLDG. onya eeor.Itniean.sony .

being aware of the extra holiday ”'.”"'" "” ”""""'"" halarda and of the extra caution, common sense and courtesy need- ed to overcome them. The Not- ional Council lists ten simple rules for Christmas. S't(ety that are well worth keeping in mind. They are:

I. Use extra care for the extra holiday hlllrdl.

2. Put the Christmas spirit of "good will” into your attitude to-

I. Earle lllclieii

Chartered Accountant Canadian Bank of Commerce

auunmmml I-. I. i.

ward drivers and pedestrians. PHONE "33 3. Don't let Christmas packages obstruct your vision when driving .. and when walking. - 4. Don't drive if you drink-and vice veru. um d I B. F. HIHECE Ru 0. 6. start in c an take t easy. . Allow for winter weather and ex- s""""""d" 9' ti " tra holiday traffic. ' Completn Visual Anelyaea 6. Cheek-ayour home for n.ny- aiugu Emu thing that might cause an accid- ent. PHONE sill '1. Keep your Christmas tree in IHALLMANS auwnma t . wa er and may from flames OPTOMETRIST

8. Use electric tree and window lights -- no lighted candles ever. Don't leave tree lights on when you are out of the room for a con- alder-able time.

9. Check your electrical connec-

Vl. CHESTER S.

tiona for abort: and wornout wires. 1 hr Macli0llAl.iI 10. K fl 0 ' t d numuegd wxgipingslslgg, 19,600"-., Iui-later, Bolluitor. Noun the fireplace. Etc. These are little things-but they LLB.

pay off big in holiday happines. These little extras go a long way toward keeping the lights on in your home and the red and green holly wreath on your door. They will preserve for you and your loved ones the joy and delight that are your right at Christmas.

V A MESSAGE TO ALL

These are busy day: at Mouse Jewellers. And we an pro- puod to-fill any lut minute orders from our thouunds of customers throughout Prince Edward Island. Because your confidence in this store in a great pride to us at Mono Jew- alien it is our continued wish tn atrlvo an that it will not be

' ' d We ' gratefully gnother opportunity to ok- tend to one and all our Sincere Best Wishes for a Happy Christmas and a New Year of Prosperity, Health and Content- ment.