World War II continues to capture the imagination like no other conflict in history. A large part of this may well be because it is the most recent traditional war – as popularly imagined. While any number of large-scale conflicts have arisen since then, none have been “traditional” as World War II has been. Most wars are between generally unequal powers. After all, no one bothers fighting unless they think they can win – or are forced to.
However, in World War II, though it started out as the usual big-power-attacks-small-power conflict, big powers – the United States, Great Britain, and the Soviet Union – soon joined in and the conflict expanded worldwide almost overnight. Thus World War II was the kind of war we all know and even “love” – a “set-piece” conflict with a real good versus evil theme.
For most wars are over trifling matters; a hill here, a river there. World War II was literally a cultural war, where not only territory was at stake but the very nature of civilization itself, the form it would take for the next several decades or, even, as envisioned by Adolf Hitler, centuries. WWII’s case involved the most amount of nations which had 2 military operating alliances, the Allies and the Axis, which began at the beginning of September 1939 with an unseen invasion by Poland.
This was the most widespread battle throughout history, with over 100 million personnel mobilized. It was the only war which contributed global saturation by use of deadly nuclear weapons that have also changed the face of this earth. Not to mention the brutal actions against civilians known as the Holocaust. It has the highest number of fatalities of over 50-75 million casualties. This battle was mostly for power rather than the unconditional relief of another. The United Nations was then instructed and practically developed for the sake of international cooperation to prevent another war. But as the superpowers emerged as rivals, cooperation soon transformed into “The Cold War”, which was later resumed by U.S.A. and the USSR for the next 46 years.
It was a war to determine the way of life that should exist in Europe, and by extension as the world’s center of geopolitical gravity at the time, the whole planet. Another factor accounting for the enduring appeal of World War II is the personalities of its leading antagonists. Although Japan(Hirohito) and China(Chiang Kai-Shek) were already at war since the beginning of 1937, the support which lost the naval battle against the US, Franklin D. Roosevelt, reluctantly made the invasion on Home Islands imminent and had also lost their chance to expand towards East Asia.
Adolf lost as well just about the same time the Japanese naval battle was lost, except Berlin was to encounter the final attack by Joseph Stalin and the Soviets. The Soviets then took over Berlin which consequently sent an unconditional surrender letter by the SS Germans in May 1945, which was also the conclusion of the life-long battle of World War II. As soon as this was settled, the aforementioned superpowers were at their own war with weapons ready to fire at one another. The European colonies recovered economically as well as the decolonization of Asia and Africa. The battles were bloody and fatal, the weapons showed no mercy, but the outcome was the greatest feeling to have ever attained by the allies, victory lead towards a new beginning.
There was Winston Churchill, an imperialist leading the charge against Hitler in the name of “freedom;” there was Roosevelt, a blue-blood with especially democratic beliefs allied with the imperialist Churchill and a totalitarian dictator no better than Hitler, Iosef Stalin of the Soviet Union, whose own anti-Semitic views and actions were simply overlooked. Then there was the gangster-king Chiang Kai-Shek in China and his equally brutal nemesis Mao Tse Tung, battling for control of one-fifth of humanity against the also-brutal cabal of military nationalists in Japan.
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Tags: World War II
Remember when Christmas was still a magical time of year? The anticipation before the big day was nigh on unbearable when we were kids, the culmination of a years’ attempted good behavior potentially resulted a brace of gifts from the mythical Santa Claus, the plump white bearded harbinger of joy and happiness to kids across the world. Was I was young the Christmas experience was made so realistic I could have sworn I heard sleigh bells up above in the night sky, a thought that made me curl up under the covers in fear that Santa would find me awake.
Things have moved since then, kids no longer lust after Christmas gifts like action figurines with which to play out fantastical scenarios, now it’s all gadgets, mobile phones iPads and the like. The strong belief that there exists a kind old man with a bushy white beard and a red and white hat has not waned however and kids still worship the imaginary ground that he walks on. If you really want to make Christmas special for your kids, here are a few tips to make them really believe that Santa has been to visit! Firstly, task them with leaving a platter or snacks and a refreshing restorative at the bottom of the chimney for Mr.Claus to snack on should he wish, after all it’s tiring work delivering all those presents to everyday kid in the world in one night!
Don’t forgot Rudolph and all the other Reindeers, they might be fond of a carrot or two after all that galloping around! Simply display these offerings by the fireplace the night before in front of your kids, wait for them to go to bed, help yourself to a nightcap and one of Mr.Kipplings finest, being sure to leave a few morsels scattered about the place to make it look like Santa has been and gone in a hurry! Snap the carrots in half and leave them strewn on the driveway to convince them that Rudolph, Dancer, Blitzen and the crew had a quick chomp! Finally leave their lists of stocking fillers crumpled up next to their beds and tick off all the items you managed to find!
Tags: Christmas gifts, gadgets, stocking fillers, Xmas presents
The Winter Holiday season is right around the corner. It isn’t too early to begin thinking about your present giving! Below is a group of fantastic gift ideas to get things kicked off this year ! If you are buying for a loved one , best friend, relative or even your next door neighbor , these gift ideas will be sure to impress.
Number One: Subscription to a Magazine
Subscriptions to Magazines can be a lovely gift. There are a great deal of different kinds available that you should easily find the perfect subscription to give that special someone. Whether they like make up or crafting , a well thought out magazine subscription can offer endless entertainment and leave the receiver feeling like you really know them! If you pick an incorrect , well, at least it will still look fantastic on their coffee table!
Number Two: Rhinestone Collars or Cat Collars
Everybody love their pets and if you can get a present that is actually for their pets they will adore you for that! A wonderful choice is a brand new dog or cat collar! There are tons of different kinds , patterns, and colors to select from. Crystal Collars are particularly fetching . We like dog or cat collars with jewels by FurryFashionista.com or you might be able to buy one at close by pet boutique.
Number Three: Designer Handbags
You shouldn’t go wrong by picking out and giving a loved one that brand new designer handbag she has been mentioning. By choosing this route you will really make your loved one’s day! If you don’t know which one your wife or significant other wants, some popular designers include; Juicy , Dooney & Burke, and Louis Vuiton. This gift will be sure to amaze, but be warned, these gifts can be quite pricey . Shop around and make sure to buy one that is genuine , as there are a lot of knock off handbags out there!
Number Four: Spa Treatments
Spa treatments make excellent gifts! Treatments can range from pedicures to massages. This gift will really appeal to the guy or girl that likes to be pampered. This gift can be purchased as a gift voucher and could easily be mailed to the recipient, but it might make the present even more enjoyable if you go with them. Make it a girls day out or a romantic couple’s experience.
Number Five: Flip Video Camera
A Flip Video Camera is another excellent present ! Portable and easy to use, it makes recording and sharing special memories a snap . These portable cameras come in a variety of shades and patterns to appeal to just about anybody! The USB piece “flips” from out of the top of the camera allowing for easy connectivity to your PC without needing additional cords.
There is nothing quite like seeing someone’s face light up with happiness upon receiving the perfect gift! Hopefully these ideas will help you get in the correct mindset to shop for the perfect presents suitable for your loved ones this Holiday season. Make sure that you are having fun while shopping – after all it is not a chore and you don’t have to buy gifts for everyone. Go out and make it a wonderful Christmas Season – Happy Holidays!
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Tags: Holidays
Summer, or winter, fall or spring, you should always have sunglasses handy if there is a sun in the sky. There are two major features to consider when it comes to choosing your designer sunglasses online: health and fashion.
Let’s address health very quickly. The goal of sunglasses is not to make you look cool; that is just an added benefit. The goal is to protect your eyes from being essentially burnt over time by harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun. If your sunglasses do not block pretty much all the sun’s rays, you will actually be doing more damage to your eyes than not wearing anything over your eyes at all.
But this article is not about health; it’s about fashion. Specifically, it’s about
a brief history of sunglasses starting off with the five most popular models of sunglasses that have been worn throughout the last 70 years. These five sunglasses styles are arranged in alphabetical order:
Aviator Sunglasses
The Aviator design was introduced in 1936 specifically for U.S. military pilots – hence the term “aviator’ – and was made available to the public several years later. It was in 1986 that aviator sunglasses became all the rage, popularized by Tom Cruise as ace pilot Maverick in the movie Top Gun.
Oversized Sunglasses
Oversized sunglasses first became popular in the 1960’s when women purchased them to mimic the ones famously worn by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. These are not quite as large as the novelty sunglasses popularized by Elton John, but they are big and they do help block out more harmful rays than smaller models. They have recently made a comeback to kick off the 21st thanks to latter-day fashionista celebrities like Paris Hilton.
Ray-Ban Wayfarer
Created in 1952 Ray-Ban’s Wayfarer sunglasses replaced traditional metal frames with plastic ones, much as we have seen plastic replace other materials in everything from cars to cutlery. Originally developed for pilots, Wayfarers were quickly popularized by Hollywood stars like Marilyn Monroe and James Dean. Audrey Hepburn wore them in the 1961 film Breakfast at Tiffany’s and Tom Cruise sported them in the 1983 film Risky Business. Wayfarer is remains a popular model of sunglasses today.
Teashade Sunglasses
Teashades, also known as John Lennon glasses, were very popular in the 1960’s, but have largely fallen out of fashion since then. Teashade sunglasses keep each eye distinct and separate, as opposed to most other models that create a “unibrow” effect over the eyes. There are rumours of a teashade comeback after recent paparazzi photos of famous actresses and musicians have been seen sporting teashade frames.
Wraparound Shades
These became all the rage in the early 1990s – not that long ago. These sunglasses are the top choice for athletes, from regular teams sports to extreme sports. They stay on the face and fit comfortably and snuggly.
Although sunglasses have been a popular fashion accessory over the past 70 years, they actually have a much longer history. The first known ’sunglasses’ were made from walrus ivory, dating back to prehistoric times. Inuit peoples flattened walrus ivory and fitted them with narrow slits to help protect their eyes from the harmful rays of the sun. When the sun reflects off the vast, uninterupted expanse of snow for almost six months without stop, a little protection form “snow blindness” comes in handy.
By the 12th century, we finally have written evidence of sunglasses…from in China. These early sunglasses where comprised of flat panes of smoky quartz and were used to protect the eyes from the sun. The 20th century is when the use of sunglasses really took off. In 1929 Sam Foster began mass-producing sunglasses for the American public and from there many companies flourished by simply making sunglasses.
You can see the wide variety of styles available even just within a single brand, such as Virage sun glasses. Note that none of these are teashades, as they all connect with the unibrow look to some degree or another above the nose.
So whether your choice of wearing sunglasses is due to fashion or simply a choice to protect your eyes from the sun, remember that sunglasses do not have to be expensive to work properly. They should however be able to protect your eyes from UV rays. A good pair of sunglasses, whether they are a designer pair or cheap knockoffs, should be able to block out 100% of harmful UV rays.
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Tags: sunglasses
Only two staple items exist when it comes to decorating your home for Christmas: colorful lights across the outdoors as well as perfect christmas wreath to put on your door. See, the minute these two items have been put up, you will begin to feel the Christmas spirit enter the human body and you will probably even spread it up to many of the neighbors who see your decorations. Then, immediately , the whole neighborhood will begin to turned into a festive wonderland – just like magic!
Now, there are numerous things you ought to remember when decorating your house with these decorations for your holidays. Also remember the fact that not following these basic guidelines will quickly frustrate you and delay the appearance of the Christmas spirit (which is something you don’t want to take place to you So stick to the easy tips below and relish the holidays with the fam and neighbors in no time.
First of all, when pruchasing a Christmas wreath, you need to keep in mind that, although a definite design might look amazing inside a catalog, store or website, it would hang outdoors onto your door. This means that it is going to get exposed to various natural disasters – depending on how Our mother earth feels, of course. Now, it’s quite common knowledge that the weather could possibly get quite harsh during this season, so don’t forget to take that into consideration when selecting your wreath before anything else.
So, before buying a certain wreath, you need to ensure it is having sturdy wire and doesn’t have any dainty, fragile pieces upon it, either – especially if you know your door gets hit hard by harsh elements during the Christmas season. For instance, you might want to avoid getting a wreath with delicate ribbons in case your door gets hit by rain, sleet or freezing rain. Naturally, you probably have a highly-protected door, any design should work well for you.
Now, if you would like a wreath that comes with Christmas lights around it, you should know that these aren’t all made to withstand various weather conditions. This is especially important since such wreaths operate on electricity. Don’t try and save money by buying a cheap indoor Christmas wreath with lights to put on your door, either; if worse comes to worst, you may bring about a fire or an electrical shock. Be secure instead and enjoy the holidays having beautiful and strong Christmas wreath.
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Tags: christmas wreath
During the holidays, many people look forward to sharing traditional foods made from family recipes that have been handed down through the generations. The holidays wouldn’t be complete without Grandma’s pumpkin pie or Uncle Joe’s famous turkey stuffing. Sharing these favorite foods together helps us stay connected with our families and personal histories.
These traditional foods are also frequently a source of family pride and the center of many holiday memories. Family food traditions can be some of the most cherished holiday traditions.
But the foods that are now favorites had to start somewhere. After all, Grandma had to make that pumpkin pie for the first time at some point. She probably didn’t realize that changing a single ingredient in her mother’s pie recipe would create a family sensation, and Uncle Joe probably had no idea that the stuffing he created the year Aunt Emily was sick would become a popular part of all the Christmas meals thereafter. They didn’t intend to create traditions that would be followed year after year. They simply hoped that they could add a little bit to the holiday meal by doing something different.
The holiday food traditions we now anxiously anticipate every year were once new additions to the menu. So if you’ve been thinking about trying something new this year, you could be starting a new holiday food tradition.
What kind of tradition do you want to start? If you’re tired of the same old food for Christmas dinner, maybe you could add a new dish to the main menu. Need a new dessert? Maybe you can find a great new Christmas cookie recipe. Just try a few new ideas and see what happens. There may be some experiments that others don’t like. And some may be well-received, but not good enough to become annual traditions. You may find one, however, that gets such rave reviews you’ll want to prepare it again next year.
After a few years, that one experiment may become a highly anticipated part of your family’s traditional holiday menu. Just imagine – the new cookie recipe you find on a web site today may one day become an item your great-grandchildren cannot imagine missing.
Traditions are important and fun. Wouldn’t it be nice to add your own mark to the holiday food traditions your family’s coming generations will share? There are no rules about inventing new traditions, and you can’t really dictate what new experiments will become a popular piece of your family tradition. But you’ll never know until you try. This holiday season, try your hand at creating a meaningful new holiday tradition and add something new and festive to your holiday meal planning. Future generations may be glad you did.
(You can find more Christmas articles and printable letters from Santa Claus at PrintableSantaLetters.com.)
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Tags: Christmas
The New York Times recommends the “Stunnig Lyngen Alps” in Northern Norway as one of the “31 places to Go in 2010″, and asks “Who needs a penthouse suite when you can book a lighthouse on a private island?”
The US newspaper writes that with an acclaimed new opera house and plenty of high-end dining options, Oslo is already a must-visit urban destination. But this year the focus should be on the wilds of the Norwegian countryside. With its dazzling Nordic light and dramatic landscape, Norway is perhaps the most unexplored and exotic corner of Europe. – Having convinced the world that its fjords and southern coastline make the country a great summer getaway, Norwegians have begun showcasing its charms as a winter destination The paper says that specialized trekking and ski tours can open up pristine areas of the north like the stunning Lyngen Alps, with high-speed boats to shuttle across the fjord to ski trails that would otherwise be inaccessible. And the country’s indifference to trendy boutique hotels and splashy resorts — long the lament of global tourism professionals — is just what appeals to a more discerning clientele. “Who needs a penthouse suite when you can book a lighthouse on a private island?” writes New York Times correspondent Andrew Ferren.
Tags: norway, oslo, unexplored corner of Europe
Norway With an acclaimed new opera house and plenty of high-end dining options, Oslo is already a must-visit urban destination.
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But this year the focus should be on the wilds of the Norwegian countryside. With its dazzling Nordic light and dramatic landscape, Norway is perhaps the most unexplored and exotic corner of Europe.
Having convinced the world that its fjords and southern coastline make the country a great summer getaway, Norwegians have begun showcasing its charms as a winter destination.
Specialized trekking and ski tours like those offered by the Lyngen Lodge (www.lyngenlodge.com) can open up pristine areas of the north like the stunning Lyngen Alps, with high-speed boats to shuttle across the fjord to ski trails that would otherwise be inaccessible.
And the country’s indifference to trendy boutique hotels and splashy resorts — long the lament of global tourism professionals — is just what appeals to a more discerning clientele.
Bespoke travel specialists like Ziniry (www.ziniry.com) excel at getting visitors deep into the scenery. Who needs a penthouse suite when you can book a lighthouse on a private island? — Andrew Ferren
Tags: norway, oslo, winter in Norway
December is the darkest time of year in Scandinavia.
Located at the “top of Europe” in the northern hemisphere, the countries of Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden experience the darkest time of the year during the Christmas season when the nights are longest and the greater part of winter is still ahead.
Scandinavian Christmas Traditions
“Jul” or Yule, was celebrated long before Christianity came to Scandinavia.
At that time it was an observation of the winter solistice, that from then on the days would become longer and darkness gradually recede.
It was a celebration of light returning.
The word “jul” or Yule means “the change” of “the feast of feasts”, with reference to midwinter reveries celebrated around new years.
There was plenty of mead and plenty of food, indulging in a sort of magic of plenty.
It was believed that it would ensure prosperity and plenty for the coming year.
The “yule night” was loaded with supernatural powers when even the animals could speak.
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The word “jul” or Yule means “the change” of “the feast of feasts”, with reference to midwinter reveries celebrated around new years.
There was plenty of mead and plenty of food, indulging in a sort of magic of plenty.
It was believed that it would ensure prosperity and plenty for the coming year.
The “yule night” was loaded with supernatural powers when even the animals could speak.
The snow lies deep in the countryside and a moonlit night may look very much like the scene in the old Christmas card shown below. Of course the card also depicts “julenissen” or “jultomten”, a Scandinavian version of Santa Claus. Notice: He has no reindeer or sleigh. he is carrying the gifts on his back.
Above: An Old Christmas Card
No wonder then that there is the need to find refuge from the darkness – and the only proper refuge seems to have been the home where comfort is assured. Plants are on the windowsill and cut flowers in profusion on tables do much to dispel the gloom.
December, the “advent” period leading up to Christmas in Scandinavia is a magical time of warmth and candlelight. Speaking of candlelight, of all Europeans Norwegians are the most enthusiastic users of candles and candlelight – they call it “levende lys” meaning “living lights”. Evenings are dark, but the houses are ablaze with light…
All this would be to little avail if Christmas were not approaching toward the end of the month.
The Antidote to Darkness
Christmas in Scandinavia is an antidote to darkness, a way to break winter’s hold. Nowhere else in the world is it celebrated quite so warmly – or with so much candlelight and food – as in this northern corner of Europe.
In North America you will be swamped with images of Santa and sugar plums. Songs by Bing Crosby will ring nostalgically through our minds. Streets, shopping malls and schools will be festooned with tinsel, holiday decorations and ornamentation designed to get one and all into the season of gifts and giving. Increasingly the Internet has taken to the holiday spirit, now competing with the mall is the monitor. And on the monitor nothing is local, the world is at your fingertips, including Scandinavian Christmas.
Quote from “Old Christmas”…
– “of calling back the children of a family who have launched forth in life, and wandered widely asunder, once more to assemble about the paternal hearth, that rallying-place of the affections, there to grow young and loving again among the endearing mementoes of the old fashioned Christmas of childhood.”
Norwegian Country Yule -
from an old painting by Tidemand (above)
- an excellent example of early scandinavian christmas traditions.
The high point of the Scandinavian season is not Christmas Day, but Christmas Eve. This part of Scandinavian Christmas Traditions too may have to do with darkness. Coming to dinner through streets wrapped in darkness, having the door of welcome opened and yellow light suddenly streaming out into the dark – this belongs to Christmas in Scandinavia and is in keeping with Scandinavian Christmas Traditions.
Take a look at the painting Julegilde (Christmas Feast) by Lars Jorde. The original painting hangs in Norway’s National Gallery in Oslo. It shows a house lit up from within, with glowing lights in every window, people taking their leave (or are they just arriving?) at the door, sleds parked outside in the snow. The atmosphere is unmistakable. As true a depiction of Scandinavian Christmas Traditions as you are likely to see.
http://www.scandinavianchristmastraditions.com/
Tags: scandinavian christmas traditions
“There in the Temple, carved in wood,
The image of great
Odin stood,
And other gods,
with Thor supreme among them.”
As early as two thousand years before Christ Yule-tide was celebrated by the Aryans. They were sun-worshipers and believed the sun was born each morning, rode across the upper world, and sank into his grave at night.
Day after day, as the sun’s power diminished, these primitive people feared that he would eventually be overcome by darkness and forced to remain in the under world.
When, therefore, after many months, he apparently wheeled about and grew stronger and stronger, they felt that he had been born again.
So it came about that at _Hweolor-tid,
“the turning-time,”
there was great rejoicing
at the annual re-birth of the sun.
In the myths and legends of these, our ancestors, we find the origin of many of the ancient Yule tide customs now in vogue. They are indeed based on ancient traditions.
According to the Younger Edda, Wodin or Odin, the pioneer of the North, a descendant of Saturn, fled out of Asia. Going through Russia to Saxland (Germany), he conquered that country and left one of his sons as ruler.
Then he visited Frankland, Jutland, Sweden, and Norway and established each one of his many sons on a throne.
This pioneer traveler of ancient yule traditions figures under nearly two hundred different names, and so it is difficult to follow him in his wanderings. As Wodin, he established throughout the northern nations many of the observances and customs common to the people of the Northland today.
Ancient Yule Traditions
The Edda gives an ancient account of Balder, the sun-god, who was slain because of the jealousy of Loki (fire). Loki knew that everything in nature except the mistletoe had promised not to injure the great god Balder.
So he searched for the mistletoe until he found it growing on an oak-tree “on the eastern slope of Valhalla.” He cut it off and returned to the place where the gods were amusing themselves by using Balder as a target, hurling stones and darts, and trying to strike him with their battle-axes. But all these weapons were harmless.
Then Loki, giving the twig of mistletoe to the blind god, Höder, directed his hand and induced him to throw it. When the mistletoe struck Balder it pierced him through and through and he fell lifeless.
“So on the floor lay Balder dead; and round
Lay thickly strewn swords, axes, darts, and spears,
Which all the Gods in sport had idly thrown
At Balder, whom no weapon pierced or clove;
But in his breast stood fixt the fatal bough
Of mistletoe, which Lok the Accuser gave
To Höder, and unwitting Höder threw–
‘Gainst that alone had Balder’s life no charm.”
(From Matthew Arnold’s “Balder Dead.”)
Great excitement prevailed among the assembled gods and goddesses when Balder was struck dead and sank into Hel, and they would have slain the god of darkness had it not occurred during their peace-stead, which was never to be desecrated by deeds of violence. The season was supposed to be one of peace on earth and good-will to man.
Ancient Yule Traditions
Ancient Yule Traditions are generally attributed to the injunction of the angels who sang at the birth of Christ, but according to a much older story the idea of peace and good-will at Yule-tide was taught centuries before Christ.
According to ancient yule traditions of the Edda, gifts from the gods and goddesses were laid on Balder’s bier and he, in turn, sent gifts back from the realm of darkness into which he had fallen.
However, it probably is from the Roman Saturnalia that the ancient yule traditions of the free exchange of presents and the spirit of revelry have been derived.
The Druids held the mistletoe in great reverence in their ancient yule traditions because of its mysterious birth. When the first new growth was discovered it was gathered by the white-robed priests, who cut it from the main bough with a golden sickle never used for any other purpose.
The food peculiar to this season of rejoicing has retained many features of the feasting recorded among the ancient yule traditions of earlier people. The boar made his appearance in mythological circles and ancient yule traditions when one was offered as a gift to Frey, god of rain, sunshine, and the fruits of the earth.
Ancient Yule Tradition of the Boar
This boar was a remarkable animal; he could run faster than a horse, through the air and over water. Darkness could not overtake him, for he was symbolical of the sun, his golden bristles typifying the sun’s rays.
At one time the boar was believed to be emblematical of golden grain, as he was the first to teach mankind the art of plowing. Because of this service he was most revered by our mythological ancestors.
More Ancient Yule Traditions
In an account of a feast given in Valhalla to the dead heroes of many battles, Saehrimnir, a sacred boar, was served. Huge pieces were apportioned to the deceased heroes and the meat had such a revivifying effect that, restored to life, according to ancient traditions, they called for arms and began to fight their battles over again.
An abundance of heavenly mead made from goats’ milk and honey was provided for the feasts and on occasions ale, too, was served.
Ancient Yule
Toasts were usually drunk in honor of Bragi, god of poetry, eloquence, and song. The gods pledged themselves to perform remarkable deeds of courage and valor as they tossed off horn after horn of mead and ale in their ancient yule celebration.
Each time their mighty valor grew until there was no limit set to their attainments. It is possible that their boastful pledges may have given rise to ancient traditions of the term, “to brag.”
Apples were the favorite fruit, as they prevented the approach of age and kept the gods and goddesses perpetually young and vigorous.
Ancient Yule Traditions
Certainly Yule-tide was a very merry season among the ancient people who feasted, drank, and danced in honor of the return of the sun, the god of light and new life.
When messengers went through the various countries bearing tidings of a new religion and of the birth of a Son who brought light and new life into the whole world, they endeavored to retain as many of the established ancient yule traditions as possible, but gave to the old-time festivals a finer character and significance.
As the fact of Christ’s birth was not recorded and there was no certainty as to its date, the early Christian Fathers very wisely ascribed it to Yule-tide, changing the occasion from the birthday of the sun to that of the Son.
For a while the birth of Christ was celebrated on dates varying from the first to the sixth of January; on the dates of certain religious festivals such as the Jewish Passover or the Feast of Tabernacles; but the twenty-fifth of December, the birthday of the sun, was ever the favorite date.
Pope Julius, who reigned from 337 to 352 A. D., after a careful investigation, considered it settled beyond doubt that Christ was born on or about the twenty-fifth of December, and by the end of the fifth century that date was very generally accepted by christians.
The transition from the old to the new significance of Yule-tide was brought about so quietly and naturally that it made no great impression on the mind of the masses, so nothing authentic can be learned of the early observance of Christmas.
The holly, laurel, mistletoe, and other greens used by the Druids still served as decorations of the season, not as a shelter for fairies, as in former days, but as emblems of resurrection and of immortal hope.
The glorious luminary of day, whether known as Balder, Baal, Sol, or any other of the innumerable names by which it was called by the primitive peoples, still gladdens the hearts of mortals at Yule-tide by “turning-back” as of old; only today it yields its place to a Superior Power, in whose honor Yule-tide is observed.
* * * * *
All Christendom owes a debt of gratitude to its pagan forbears for the pleasant features of many of its holidays and especially for those of Yule-tide. The Fathers of the early church showed rare wisdom in retaining the customs of these ante-Christian festivals, imbuing them with the spirit of the new faith and making them emblematic of a purer love and hope.
New Year’s Day as a feast day is one of the oldest, if not the oldest, on record. It is mentioned by Tacitus in the First Century, but first referred to as a Christian festival about the year 567.
In Rome the day was dedicated by Numa to the honor of god Janus, for whom Julius Cæsar named the month of January. Numa ordained that it should be observed as a day of good-humor and good fellowship. All grudges and hard feelings were to be forgotten. Sacrifices of cake, wine, and incense were to be made to the two-faced god who looked forward and backward.
Men of letters, mechanics, and others were expected to give to the god the best they had to offer of their respective arts. It was the great occasion of the entire year, as it is now in many countries.
The date of New Year’s Day has varied among different nations. Among the Egyptians, Chinese, Jews, and Romans it has been observed on dates varying from March first to December twenty-fifth. It was as late as the Sixteenth Century before the date of January first was universally accepted as the New Year by the Romans.
Nations retaining the Gregorian calendar, such as Russia and Greece, observe it thirteen days later than those who reckon time by the Julian calendar.
Among northern nations the love of fire and light originated the custom of kindling bonfires to burn out the old year and destroy all evil connected with its past. Light has long been an expression of joy and gladness among all branches of the Aryan race.
The Greek and Latin Churches still term Christmas the “Feast of Lights,” and make it a period of brilliancy in Church and home. The Protestant covers the Christmas tree with lighted candles and builds a glowing fire on the hearth.
The innate love of light and warmth–the inheritance from the sun-worshipers of ages past–is always dominant in humanity at Yule-tide festivals.
“The King of Light, father of aged Time,
Hath brought about that day which is the prime,
To the slow-gliding months, when every eye
Wears symptoms of a sober jollity,
And every hand is ready to present
Some service in a real compliment.”
KING OLAF’S CHRISTMAS
At Drontheim, Olaf the King
Heard the bells of Yule-tide ring,
As he sat in his banquet-hall,
Drinking the nut-brown ale,
With his bearded Berserks hale And tall.
Three days his Yule-tide feasts
He held with Bishops and Priests,
And his horn filled up to the brim;
But the ale was never too strong,
Nor the Saga-man’s tale too long,
For him.
O’er his drinking-horn, the sign
He made of the cross divine,
As he drank, and muttered his prayers;
But the Berserks evermore
Made the sign of the Hammer of Thor
Over theirs.
The gleams of the firelight dance
Upon helmet and haubert and lance,
And laugh in the eyes of the King;
And he cries to Halfred the Scald,
Gray-bearded, wrinkled, and bald,
“Sing!”
“Sing me a song divine,
With a sword in every line,
And this shall be thy reward.”
And he loosened the belt at his waist,
And in front of the singer placed
His sword.
“Quern-bitter of Hakon the Good,
Wherewith at a stroke he hewed
The millstone through and through,
And Foot-breadth of Thoralf the Strong,
Were neither so broad nor so long,
Nor so true.”
Then the Scald took his harp and sang,
And loud through the music rang
The sound of that shining word;
And the harp-strings a clangor made,
As if they were struck with the blade
Of a sword.
And the Berserks round about
Broke forth in a shout
That made the rafters ring;
They smote with their fists on the board,
And shouted, “Long live the sword,
And the King.”
But the King said, “O my son,
I miss the bright word in one
Of thy measures and thy rhymes.”
And Halfred the Scald replied,
“In another ‘t was multiplied
Three times.”
Then King Olaf raised the hilt
Of iron, cross-shaped and gilt,
And said, “Do not refuse;
Count well the gain and the loss,
Thor’s hammer or Christ’s cross:
Choose!”
And Halfred the Scald said, “This
In the name of the Lord I kiss,
Who on it was crucified!”
And a shout went round the board,
“In the name of Christ the Lord,
Who died!”
Then over the waste of snows
The noonday sun uprose,
Through the driving mists revealed,
Like the lifting of the Host,
By incense-clouds almost
Concealed.
On the shining wall a vast
And shadowy cross was cast
From the hilt of the lifted sword,
And in the foaming cups of ale
The Berserks drank “Was-hael!
To the Lord!”
– Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.
http://www.scandinavianchristmastraditions.com/ancientyule.html
Tags: ancient yule, yule in Scandinavia, yule of the ancients
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