In England, it is still common to hear someone say "the cock crows for Christmas." Legend has it that the crowing would scare off evil spirits from the holy season.
Other superstitions say that bees can sing at Christmas and sheep walk in procession in commemoration of the visit of the angel to the shepherds.
In an old book called " Sketches of Upper Canada" there is supposedly the true story of an Indian creeping cautiously through the woods on Christmas. When asked what he is doing, the Indian replies that he is watching to see the deer kneel and look up to the Great Spirit.
At one time in the German Alps it was believed that cattle had the gift of language on Christmas, but it was a sin for anyone to try to eavesdrop.
In Poland, the story is told that on Christmas the heavens are opened and the scene of Jacob's ladder is re-enacted, but only the saints could see it.
A hundred or so years ago in the rural life of Russia, the young and old of a village would gather and form a procession to visit the houses of the resident nobleman, the mayor and other dignitaries. They would sing carols and receive coins in return.
In perhaps no other land is Christmas more celebrated that in Scandinavian countries. Peace and goodwill is the order of the season. Old quarrels are adjusted and feuds are forgotten. In each household family members place their shoes in a row. It symbolizes that during the year the family will live together in peace and harmony.
Let us hope the world's shoes will be in a row this year.
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1 comment:
I would love to put my shoes in this row...
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