[pct-l] Holiday Cheers....

[dsaufley at sprynet.com (dsaufley)]

There was an interesting interpretation of the ancient custom in Jean Auel's
"Clan of the Cave Bear" series following a young woman's life-long odyssey
in prehistoric Europe.  Auel uses a great deal of factual evidence to
document what life was like, although the storyline is entirely fictional.
To keep this related to the PCT, the books are interesting in that there was
a good deal of long-distance foot travel occurring.  

The warmer seasons were spent hunting and gathering, but during the long
winter months, they lived off their stores and spent much time in their
caves which could be very large and accommodating, and worked their crafts.
They made practical items for themselves, but they also made gifts for one
another, based on their particular expertise.  Tuned into the cycles of the
equinoxes, they did indeed celebrate the solstice, knowing that the days
would grow longer (hey, I celebrate that too!).  Essentially, they created a
mid-winter's celebration to brighten up the darkest and longest days of
winter.  

It seems simple and logical for the early believers to equate the greatest
gift of all as being given to us in the winter darkness. 

Traditions are very interesting, and it is amazing how many different types
there are that exist among the world's many cultures today.  Choosing to
follow and perpetuate traditions seems to be a basic characteristic of
mankind. 

And so, no matter what you celebrate, or why you celebrate it, I'm wishing
you, and those you care about, warmth, love, good health, and prosperity now
and in the coming year.  May you be blessed with the time to wander and be
renewed. And may your path bring you to our door.

L-Rod


-----Original Message-----
From: pct-l-bounces@mailman.backcountry.net
[mailto:pct-l-bounces@mailman.backcountry.net] On Behalf Of
Lonetrail@aol.com
Sent: Saturday, December 17, 2005 6:32 PM
To: Tortoise73@charter.net; StoneDancer1@aol.com
Cc: pct-l@backcountry.net
Subject: Re: [pct-l] Holiday Cheers....

 
Years ago I had a course in Ancient Religion when I was in College. The  
Christmas tree supposed to have originated from the Picts or Drews  (Pagans)
in 
the Northern British Isle. When the days got shorter  they were afraid of
the 
nights. They would cut down Pine trees and  build hugh bon-fires to chase
away 
the evils of darkness. Of course this would  be around our Christmas time.
Not 
sure about the spelling of Drews. In San  Francisco you can rent a potted
tree 
for 90 dollars and they will pick it  up and replant the tree for next year.
 
Lonetrail

don't  know much about the history of the "christmas" tree except that it 
was  part of the Germanic pagan celebration of the winter solstice. Like 
many  other such customs, the catholic church  couldn't 
............................................................................
............  it or the 
pagan celebration so the church adopted / adapted them to have a  
christian meaning.

----------
Tortoise


 
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