Traditional Christmas Food
In modern times, there are certain foods we associate with Christmas:
But where did all these ideas come from? During the rest of the year, many of these foods aren’t eaten at all. continue reading…
Immaculate Conception
The term “immaculate conception” is often used, in a general sense, to suggest the conception of a child by a woman who has not engaged in sexual intercourse, and specifically to the conception of Jesus by the Virgin Mary. Both usages are incorrect.
Wassailing
Wassail is an Old English term meaning “to your health”.
Wassailing is one of the oldest traditions and has a huge number of local variations. Its origins are unknown but it is mentioned in texts dating as far back as the 14th century.
In one of these texts, the leader of a group of party goers is described as taking a bowl and, raising it to the assembled crowd, shouting “Wassail!” in the same way one might say “Cheers!’ today.
There are three main types of wassailing. One is the filling of a common bowl or cup often referred to as a Loving Cup and passing it around a room to be shared. continue reading…
Christmas Decorations and traditions – Christian or Pagan?
