E is for Elf

5th December 2013

E is for Elf

Elves have featured in mythology and folklore for a long time. They possess magical skills and can be a little picky when choosing whether to help or hinder humans, dwarfs and hobbits!

In 16th Century England, they became associated with fairies - William Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream. 

Scandinavian writers began to weave elves into Christmas stories during 19th Century. They became Santa's helpers - well how on earth was he to make and wrap all those gifts in time? - sometimes though, they could be a little mischievous.

Modern Christmas elves are an invention from the United States. They were painted wearing red and green costumes, and have huge ears. Elves check up on children throughout the year and let Santa Claus know which children were good and deserve their presents and which children were naughty and only deserve a sack of coal.

Where did you say you were from?

D is for Decoration

4th December 2013

D is for Decoration

Christmas decorations became popular on Christmas trees during the reign of Queen Victoria. Decorated trees are believed to have originated in Germany and date back to around 16th Century. They were usually decorated with candles, apples, nuts and dates.

Originally Christmas decorations and trees were not put up until Christmas Eve as it was considered unlucky.

Christmas wreaths actually date bake to Roman times when they were hung on the front door to indicate a festivity or celebration.

C is for Candle

3rd December

C is for Candle

Candles were initially used to create light. They were then used to keep time. Notches were cut into the side of the candle and as the wick burnt down, it denoted the amount of time that had past.

They are used for many different purposes today: light, celebration, religious rights, and decoration.

Candles are made out of wax with a wick (made out of string or cord). The wick is lit and slowly burns down, being held in place and retarded by the wax surrounding it.

The word candle comes originally from the Latin candre meaning to shine.

During advent it is customary to burn a candle a set amount to represent the days approaching Christmas.

B is for Bells

2nd December 2013

B is for Bells

Bells are made of metal, normally cast.

The earliest bells were made of pottery and were found in China. around 3000 BC. They are found in many religions across the world.

Metal bells, with a hanging clapper that hits the side, were used in churches to announce the start of a religious service and in town halls to announce an event.

They are rung every Christmas Day morning in a peel (a series), to herald the birth of Jesus Christ.

Bells are now used to commemorate a wide variety events: weddings, jubilees, peace, freedom and other positive and uplifting moments.

Someone who studies bells is called a campanologist.

A peel of bells at St. Paul's Cathedral, London.

A is for Angel

1st December 2013

A is for Angel

An Angel is a celestial being used by God to communicate between Heaven and Earth in the Christian and other Abrahamic religions. They carry out tasks for God and are particularly associated with Christmas.

They are normally depicted as benevolent, looking like humans with feathered wings on their backs and halos. 

My favourite film featuring an angel is Michael. Not your archetypal angel by any means.