DECEMBM 51 1956
TIM MICHIGAN DAILY
SECT20N O--WAGE THREE
DECEMBER, 5, 1956 THE MICHIGAN DAILY SECTION TWO-PAGE THREE
INTERNATIONAL:
Gift-Giving
Has Many
Traditions
Throughout the world, Christ-
mas is looked forward to as a time
of giving and receiving of gifts.
Since the Wise Men and shep-
herds first brought gifts to the
Christ Child in Bethlehem, the
giving of gifts has been an impor-
tant part of the holiday season.
The thought, to express love
and goodwill, is the same today,
but the bearer of these gifts dif-
fers from country to country.
Jolly Santa Claus, dressed in
traditional redand white with a
snowy white beard, is eagerly
awaited by American children. He
supposedly arrives in a sleigh
drawn by eight reindeer and car-
ries his gifts in a pack on his back.
Comes Down Chimney
Santa Claus is supposed to come
down the chimney and fill the
stockings,'hung by the fireplace,
with little gifts and heap pres-
ents under the Christmas tree.
Latin American children re-
ceive gifts on two different dates.
On all Kings' Day, Jan. 6, chil-
dren leave their shoes outside and
the Three Wise Men fill them with
presents. They also receive gifts
on Christmas Eve or Morn.
Latin American countries close
to the United States have been ab-
sorbing holiday customs from Am-
erica:
Costa Ricans, Cubans and
Guatemalans are among those who
now have Christmas trees.
Began In 8th Century
The Christmas tree has its ori-
gin in the 8th century when St.
Boniface, English missionary to
Germany, replaced sacrifices to
Odin's sacred oak by a fir tree dec-
orated in tribute to the Christ
Chlid.
The Norwegians remember the
birds at Christmas with gifts of
suet and choice sheaves of grain
tied to trees. Extra fodder is also
given to cattle.
Father Star listens to the chil-
dren's prayers and catechism in
Poland.
Mother Star Gives Gifts
At Christmas, Mother Star,
dressed like an angel in a white
robe and veil, distributes gifts to
the good children.
Swiss children also await an
angel, riding in a sleigh drawn by
six reindeer.
Santa Claus also visits the chil-
dren in England. They find their
gifts tied to, and under the Christ-
mas tree.
Austrian children dress as bib-
lical characters and go from door
to door on Christmas eve, receiv-
ing gifts of candy and fruit.
St. Nick Brings Gifts
St. Nicholas brings gifts to
Dutch children and places them
in wooden shoes. He is dressed in
traditional bishop's robes of black
and carries a crozier and wears a
miter.
The tradition of St. Nicholas or
"santeklas" was brought to the
American colonies byrDutch set-
tlers. From the lean, rather stern
St. Nicholas came our jolly Santa
Claus.
.Ilaul aAlaaluaxpllgo urevII
gifts from "La Befana", a good
fairy carrying a broom.
A goat instead of a reindeer is
used by Santa for delivering gifts
to Scandinavian children. He is
accompanied by elves who distri-
bute the gifts. The children leave
bowls of porridge on the door-way
for the elves.
Christmas is celebrated in many
ways by the different peoples of
the world. But, whether they call
Santa Claus 'St. Nick' or 'Kris
Kringle,' and whether or not they
observe traditions such as Santa
Claus, peoples in all countries
seem to enjoy Christmastime and
the Christmas spirit.
Contrasts,
Carols Mark Christmas Season
By MICHAEL KRAFT
Suddenly,ethe street lights
appear bedecked in necklaces
of colored lights, cheerful pin-
points of brightness against the
darkening sky.
Store windows glow around
their glittering contents which
beckon to office wdrkers and
late shoppers, causing hesitan-
cies in their strides towards the
evening home-bound bus.
But above the whirr of tires
upon snow and the shrill traffic
whistle, a brassy rendition of
"Silent Night" subdues com-
peting noises of traffic, while
a jingling bell calls attention to
a red-cloaked woman shivering
next to her Salvation Army
kettle.
To the hurried walker, snug
against the cold world in an
upturned coat collar, the
warming realization finally
spreads . . . Christmas is com-
ing!
. Impossible it seems, for one
to have been deaf to its foot-
steps, as its approach is well
heralded. Yet the noises of
everyday life can be loud, and
perhaps for this excuse, the
"Greatest of All Celebrations,"
enjoys a long and flourishing
fanfare.
Anticipation begins even be-
fore one turkey dinner leaves
the oven and the Pilgrim Fore-
fathers end their brief parade
across magazine and news-
paper pages. Advertisements
have appeared, offering sugges-
tions of the gift to give or the
present to request.
Meanwhile, retailers have re-
ceived their first shipments of
new merchandise and now pre-
pare "Toy Lands."
Then, the country is ready to
ease itself into revival of the
"Christmas Spirit," an invisible
force of many joys and num-
erous, contrasting meanings.
For children, the spirit seems
almost exclusively their private
possession.'
December is a time of wishes
coming true, of an electric train
scurrying around a tree or a big
doll blinking at its new sur-
roundings. It means going to
bed when told, eating every
vegetable at dinner time and
doing dishes when asked.
And with Yuletide, comes an
introduction to the origins of a
faith, images of a manger and
wise men, the learning of car-
ols.
Also, it can be a lesson in the
practicality of belief, as learned
by a six-year-old observed last
Christmas near the entrance to
a department store's "North
Pole.".
The little boy voiced to his
father loud skepticisms about
Santa Claus's reality. His
father merely told him in a
quiet voice, "It's a funny thing
son, but once you cease be-
lieving in Santa Claus, he stops
bringing you presents." With
only a moment's hesitation, the
boy joined the line to see Santa.
For parents, Christmas of-
fers a chance to bring sur-
prise ,to innocent faces and
warmth to a busy family.
Also, it may include unrea-
sonable demands and regretted
bills. But with the sight of new'
toys and piled gifts, come the
soothing sounds of carols,
hymns and songs.
But for the disk jockeys and
entertainers. Christmas means
the introduction of new, short
lived records and the replay-
ing of a few older ones about
red-nosed reindeer and others
whose Christmas spirit flows
unstopped by calendars.
To the mailman, the season
brings too many greetings and
heavy loads.
Store clerks greet Christmas
with long hectic hours and ach-
ing feet.
But for the manager, with
ear drummed to the rhythm of
cash registers harmonizing with
enticing melodies of his adver-
tisements, Christmas season is
the high point of the year.
For others-those of more
limited means and years-the
Yule season brings thoughts of
home, opportunities to sleep
late, temporarily closed text-
books, and parties with old
friends.
To many, it brings a reminder
of their faith, a renewal of
values.
For still others, this wonder-
ful spirit of contradiction
means spreading of good feel-
ing among clients and sending
gestures to customers. Decem-
ber is when lights burn late in
downtown office buildings
while secretaries compile and
recheck mailing lists,
And through these same
streets, the loudspeakers man-
age to blare, still somewhat
brassily, but always audible
... "Peace on Earth, Good Will
toward Men."
n "
COMMERCIAL HOLIDAY:
Japanese Yu
Jingle of Ca
Japan is going all out this year
in its preparations to have the
merriest Christmas in its history.
Tinsel, music, Santas, and bells,
and even the jingle of cash reg-
isters will be featured.
Since only one Japanese in 267
is Christian, the holiday is al-
most entirely a commercial one.
with little of the solemnity found
in the West.
Major department stores ex-
pect to sell 125 million dollars
worth of goods, twice as much as
in November.
Christmas will have religious
significance to less than half a
million Christians out of a popu-
lation of 90 million.
'Kurisumasu' Celebrated
Commercial promotion of
Christmas, or "Kurisumasu," as it
called, began in the 1930's, but
died out during World War II.
American troops, with their par-
ties and gifts for Japanese neigh-
bors and small fry helped to re-
establish the custom.
Although the selling approach
is "Merry Xmas" in thousands of
stores, most Japanese actually ex-
change presents on the last day
of the year or on New Year's, a
solemn time.for paying homage to
ancestor's and the emperor.
Whiskey Is Given
Christmas in Japan, on the oth-
er hand, is the time when all who
can afford it give whiskey to
their associates and have a wild
night on the town.
Last Christmas eve, almost two
million people jammed down-
town Tokyo in wild "year-forget-
ting" sprees.
For everyone, however, the chief
spectacle is in the shopping dis-
le Features
sh Registers
tricts. Santa Clauses, Christmas
trees, electric Christmas displays,
and music are everywhere.
Stores Swarm With Santas
The big stores swarm with var-
ious versions of Santa Claus, but
in Japan his name is "Sahnta
Kuroshu," he is not always beard-
ed, not always fat, not dressed in
red, and not always a man.
Some ofnthe larger stores have
"Miss Santa Clauses," up to a
dozen girls chosen in beauty queen
contests. They parade in fur-
trimmed suits, passing out bal-
loons and directing customers to
the elevators.
Santas Advertise Burleys
During the holiday season San-
ta Claus sandwichmen walk the
streets to advertise burlesque
shows and night clubs.
One night club advertised, "Our
Santa Clauses (hostesses) wear
only scanty bathing suits."
One store had a seven story
high wreath painted on its Win-
dows. Advertising is full of rein-
deer and angels and nativity
scenes without any religious sig-
nificance. Christmas carols, "Ru-
dolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer"
and "Jingle Bells" blare from
loudspeakers.
The tiny Christian community
has a western-like Christmas, with
prayers, hymns, and feasts.
Yuletime festivities in Japan
are somewhat striking when com-
pared to celebrations in America.
Japanese do not ridicule cele-
bration of Christmas. They seem
to show no objection to the
jingling of cash registers in- pre-
Christmas days.
PARTIES:
All-Campus
Festivities
Mushroom
It's Christmas - the happiest
season of the year - so let your
home sing out this message to all
who go by.
Decorating the outside of the
house not only provides some real
family fun, but also tells the
world that here is a family filled
with Christmas spirit.
Even the simplest theme can
convey a holiday greeting. An es-
pecially effective Christmas dec-
oration says "Merry Christmas
and welcome" to all who enter.
There are numerous possibili-
ties for doorway decor in keep-
ing with the holiday spirit. Adapt
the theme to the style of your
house.
For the traditional entrance a
swag of evergreens hung over the
door is very effective It can
sparkle with Christmas ornaments
or light. Finish by centering on
the door a large holly wreath.
Contemporary homes should re-
ceive a more modern treatment.
Outlining the door with lights
and greens accents modern lines.
To do this one can put at 12-inch
strip of chicken wire around the
door. Evergreen boughs can be
tucked into the wire until it is
completely covered and then place
ligths among the greens.
Early American homeowners can
use all the decorating themes of
a truly old-fashioned Christmas
for the holiday decorations.
A huge candy cane, a red felt
stocking holding little gift-wrapp-
ed boxes, a traditional wreath, tall
candles flanking the doorway, or
a huge card saying "Merry Christ-
mas" will add a gala holiday touch
to the doorway.
A spray of evergreen boughs,
fastened together with wire and
trimmed with pine cones or orna-
ments and a huge red bow is an
easy decoration for any home.
To create a bright holiday mood
outdoors, one can hang lights in
the evergreen trees or outline the
porch or front door with them.
Windows, too, can get their share
of the decorations, for they can
be enjoyed both from the inside
and the outside.
-
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-Daily-Harding Williams
HOLIDAY LIGHTS-Ann Arbor's Main Street takes on a festive
look as holiday lights brighten the thoroughfare.
Tinsel, Trim, Turmoil, Frees
Transform An Arbor Streets
-Daily-Dave Arnold
ANOTHER CONTRIBUTION - Salvation Army worker Ruby
Turner thanks Michigan coed Lois Ramberg, '59N, for contribut-
ing to the Army's Christmas collection.
Ilue-Bonneted Lady of Cheer
Raises Funds To Aid Others
By JAMES SMITH
Catching sight of gay ribbons
and evergreen trim on street light
posts, students become aware of
the approaching Christmas holi-
day.
Almost overnight, commonplace
posts are transformed by the
Chamber of Commerce and a crew
of workers into the first signs of
the most festive season of the
year.
With the advent of the streetj
markers, store windows are filled
with angel hair, miniature Christ-
mas trees, a dozen type of jovial
St. Nicks, and toys tantalizing
enough to cause even a sedate se-
nior to stop and look.
The visual excitement is com-
plimented by stimulation as bell
ringers stand on corners, suffer-
ing red noses and chilled toes in
unselfish display of Christmas
spirit.
The tinkling and tinsel orna-
ments on display in Ann Arbor
stir up in the minds of many stu-
dents dormant memories of hun-
dreds of hometowns, little towns
with their town hall Christmas
tree or huge towns with extrava-
gant decorations, Santa Clauses in
every department store, and a
mammoth parade.
No matter how large or small
the town may be, the seasonal
addition of lights and other dec-
orations to the main street of the
town changes it into a nighttime
"winter wonderland".
At this time of year the student
remembers the rush of buying
crowds back home that he can-
not be a part of here at school.
But with Ann Arbor stores co-
operating, this "home away from
home" promises to hold all the
bustle and fever, all the elbowing,
package-laden crowds, all the cry-
ing youngsters frustrated by ex-
posure to toys they can never pos-
sess and all the pre-Christmas tur-
,moil that is an intrinsic part of
the American Christmas.
STUDENTS LEAVE, STAFF LABORS:
Vacation Clean-up Set for Dormitories
By BARBARA'NEUMAN
A big-hearted lady in a blue
bonnet is Ruby Turner.
During every Christmas season
for the past 23 years, Mrs. Turner
has helped the Salvation Army
collect funds for the needy.
The wife of the Army's mainte-
nance m a n a g e r, she spreads.
Christmas cheer from 9:30 a.m. to
5 p.m. in a three-sided shelter on
State Street.
Passing crowds become aware'
of her presence when they hear
familiar strains of Christmas car-
ols played on an old phonograph.
"No one cares if the music
sounds scratch. The holiday spirit
it represents is the important
thing."
Since Nov. 23, Mrs. Turner has
been exchanging Christmas greet-
ings with people of Ann Arbor.
"Because no one realized howI
close Christmas was until we took
our posts, we thing of ourselves
as the heralders of Christmas,"
she said.
According to Mrs. Turner,
crowds on State Street understand
the true meaning of Christmas.
"All of them, especially the
students, give generously," she
stated.
Snow storms and cold winds
don't cause this Salvation Army
worker to shiver.
"The warmth of the holiday,
spirit makes heating the booth
unnecessary."
Salvation Army volunteers work
all over the country, not just in
Ann Arbor.
Other Army projects include
providing clothes for those in need
and sending packages to men in
the arnied forces who are sta-
tioned overseas-
Two Salvation Army kettles on
Main Street are manned by others
who share Mrs. Turner's senti-
ment as many local civic groups
serve during the season.
Funds collected in the kettles
provide food for Washtenaw
County residents who need aid.
"People are extremely grateful
for the help we give them," smiled
Mrs .Turner.
"Many who are unbale to con-
tribute stop to compliment us on
the fine work we do."
"We're happy to be able to
bring Christmas joy to people
throughout the year," she con-
cluded, as she turned to thank a
student who had just dropped a
coin into the kettle.
By SARAH DRASIN
By the time the typical coed
has stumbled out the front door
of her dormitory under a load of
suitcases, clothes bags and shoe
boxes to start that long-awaited
Christmas vacation, her mind will
be far from the building she is
leaving behind, and chances are
that she will not give it a thought
again until she returns unless it
is a passign, "Boy, I bet that place
is deserted."
But oh, how wrong she'd be!
As students enjoy themselves
sleeping until noon and stuffing
themselves with Mom's cooking,
crews will be working their regu-
lar 7:30 to 4:00 shifts to get the
dorms in readiness for the stu-
dents' return.
Typical of campus dormitories
is Alice Crocker Lloyd -Hall from
whcih approximately 650 Michi-
gan coeds plus house directors,
counselors, resident advisors and
office workers will absent them-
selves soon. Not so, however, the
30 to 35 employes who will stay
on the job.
In the big Alice Lloyd kitchen.
inventory will take place to deter-
mine how many new dishes,
pieces of silverware and glass-
ware will be needed for the new
year. In a big clean-up campaign
walls, floors, cupboards, tables
and chairs will be thoroughly
scrubbed.
While this is going on. down-
stairs, maids and janitors will be
giving the rooms a top to bot-
tom cleaning and all the floors
will be waxed.
And then, as early as New Year's
Day, people will start returning.
First will come the house direc-
tors and office staff to open the
dormitory and then the dieti-
cian's staff who must begin to
cook meals on a large scale again.
By the time doors open at 8:00
p.m. January 2, Alice Lloyd will
be it's old self again, but coeds
may notice and appreciate, just
a little cleaner and brighter for
the effort.
Gifts that will long be remembered
LONG
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