The Danville Morning News, 23 December 1929
A Variety Of Very Old Christmas Traditions
As Published in Local Newspapers In Our Area
A Christmas Menu
From the Danville Morning News, December 1900
From the Danville Morning News, December 1900
Bayberry Candles
According to an article in the Danville Morning News December 1950, one who burned a bayberry candle on Christmas eve or Christmas Day would have a long and happy life.
Children were given the task of collecting the berries, which contains a wax like substance.
"To learn your luck for the year they say,
Burn a bayberry dip on Christmas day
If the flame burns bright and the light shines clear,
Good luck will be yours throughout the year."
Fig Pudding
The classic dish had 13 ingredients — representing Christ and the 12 apostles — and was served with a sprig of holly on top, standing in for the crown of thorns
Find dozens of vintage Fig Pudding Recipes from local newspapers here:
Mince Pie
Danville Morning News
December 25 1900
Mistletoe
The white berries on mistletoe were said to be the radiance caught from the guiding star when the Wise Men made their gifts to baby Jesus. They symbolize purity and peace. Scandinavians believed that if enemies met between the mistletoe in a forest, they disarmed and kept a truce until the next day.
Williamsport Sun Gazette
December 24 1949
Poinsettias
Poinsettias are referred to as the Flower Of the Nativity in Mexico, based on the legend of a Mexican waif taking a weed to the cathedral, so as not to enter empty handed, and the weed turned into the beautiful poinsettia.
Williamsport Sun Gazette
December 24 1949
Reindeer
Danville Morning News December 20 1923
Lapland is the northernmost area of Finland
Trees
Danville Morning News December 20 1923
Artificial Trees:
The Danville Morning News
December 1907
Yule Log
Williamsport Sun Gazette
December 24 1949
The Miltonian, December 1924
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This article in a 1910 edition of the Miltonian explores obscure notions such as "If anyone's shadow has no head, that person will die within the year" , if thieves steal anything on Christmas and are not caught, they can safely steal all year, and if you walk in the winter corn on Christmas eve, you can hear all that will happen in the village for the coming year.
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An Index Of Christmas Activities & History in the Susquehanna Valley
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