Legends Add Magic to Christmas

By Genevieve Folsom

Christmas is a time for rejoicing when family and friends gather to celebrate the birth of the Christ Child.

Hardly a home is without a poinsettia. A native of Mexico, it was brought to the United States by Joel Poinsett, ambassador to Mexico more than 125 years ago. There is an interesting legend connected with the poinsettia:

On a Christmas Eve a long time ago, a little Mexican girl named Pepita was sad. She wanted to bring a beautiful present to the Christ Child at the church. As she walked toward the church with her cousin, he told her that the most humble gift, if given in love, would be most welcomed. So little Pepita gathered a bouquet of weeds from alongside the road and placed them at the feet of the Christ Child.

As she did, the weeds turned into beautiful flowers. They were called Flores de Noche Buena -- Flowers of the Holy Night. Today, we enjoy them as poinsettias.

With presents beneath its branches, the Christmas tree is an important part of the celebration. There are many legends about the Christmas tree.

Primitive tribes in ancient Europe took pine trees into their homes with the hope the tree spirits would reward them with immortality. In some countries, a pine tree was placed under the roof of a new house so those who lived there would not have bad luck. Fir trees were decorated in honor of the winter season in ancient Rome. In Greece, the pine tree was sacred.

The first lighted trees were in Germany, where candles were used. At the end of the 19th century, Americans used simple trees, while the Germans enjoyed elaborate decorations. Candles gave way to electric lights, and the tradition of beautifully decorated trees started.

In this modern age, we have a choice of fresh-cut trees, living trees to be planted in the garden, and artificial trees as the center of our Christmas decorations.

Another custom from England is the yule log. In ancient times, a huge log was decorated and lighted on Christmas Eve. Today, we still honor the custom. Select a nice log that will fit your fireplace and decorate it with greens, some holly and even a bow.

The holly tree and its brightly colored berried branches have special significance at Christmas. It was used in Druid ceremonies before the Christian era. Holly was sacred to the Druids, who used it in healing. They believed it would protect a home from storms and, in addition, would repel evil spirits. They hung holly branches in the house and stable and considered it a good omen. The name is supposed to be derived from the word ``holy,'' and it has been a symbol of Christmas for many countries.

We use holly in centerpieces, in garlands and in wreaths to brighten the holidays.

The ancient symbol of the Christmas wreath was that of eternal life with no beginning and end. For generations in many countries, the wreath hung on a door or in a window was a welcome to those who entered the home.