THURSDAY FACTS A few more festive facts for you..... *Mistletoe is from the Anglo-Saxon word misteltan, which means “little dung twig” because the plant spreads though bird droppings. *Evergreens (from the Old English word aefie meaning “always” and gowan meaning “to grow”) have been symbols of eternal life and rebirth since ancient times. The pagan use and worship of evergreen boughs and trees has evolved into the Christianized Christmas tree. *In Germany, Heiligabend, or Christmas Eve, is said to be a magical time when the pure in heart can hear animals talking. *The Viking god Odin is one precursor to the modern Santa Claus. According to myth, Odin rode his flying horse, Sleipnir (a precursor to Santa’s reindeer), who had eight legs. In the winter, Odin gave out both gifts and punishments, and children would fill their boots or stockings with treats for Sleipnir *The names of Donder and Blitzen derive from Germanic words for thunder and lightning, respectively.
Posted on: Thu, 18 Dec 2014 09:25:22 +0000
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