46th card for Christmas 2010

NOEL

Contemporary English dictionaries define the word “noel” (also spelled “nowel” or “nowell”) as a cry of joy associated with the celebration of Christmas. In past eras English speakers also used the word to refer to the feast of Christmas itself. This usage never faded in the French language, where the word Noël still means Christmas, or, when spelled without a capital “n,” means “Christmas carol.”  Although the English word “noel” is now considered somewhat obsolete, a number of traditional Christmas carols retain this old expression.

Materials Used:

CEB . Floral Fantasy
Crystal Beads
Sentiment by Slojd-Detaljer
Bow from Thailand
Cartridge : Joys of the Season

44th Card for Christmas 2010

Robin

The robin appears on Christmas cards, ornaments, and other Christmas decorations. No one seems to know, however, just how the bird became a Christmas symbol. British and Irish folklore links the robin with the wren, another Christmas bird.  Past folk beliefs assigned magical qualities and near sacred status to both birds.

According to various legends, one of these sacred birds once performed a heroic feat for humankind. Old tales from various parts of Europe lauded either the wren or the robin as the original fire-fetcher, the creature who delivered the first flames to humankind. In addition, English folklore assigned supernatural abilities to the robin. A
fairly widespread belief credited the robin with a foreknowledge of death and illness. According to these beliefs, a robin tapping on the window or flying in or about the house meant that death, disease, or some other misfortune would visit the family. Along similar lines, English folklore also claimed that both the robin and wren pitied the dead. According to this belief, the two birds often covered the lifeless bodies of whatever dead creatures they encountered in the woods with moss or leaves. These gestures of compassion supported their
reputation as kindly, holy creatures.

Materials used:

CEB : Cardinal Snow
Sentiment unknown
Crystal Beads
Snowflake Sequins
Cartridge : Joys of the Season

42nd Card for Christmas 2010

Christmas Wreaths

Americans recognize the evergreen wreath as a Christmas symbol.  Many people hang them on their front doors at Christmas time or display them in other parts of the house. No one seems to know the exact history of this custom. Some speculate that the front door wreath evolved out of the older, German Advent wreath. Others
suppose it to be an old Irish custom.

The Bible also makes frequent mention of wreaths, usually associating them with joy, triumph, and honor. As Christianity developed its own symbolic code, it turned the laurel wreath into a sign of the attainment of salvation. In more general terms, the wreath represents the same thing as the circle, often interpreted as a symbol of
eternity.

Materials Used:

CEB . Floral Fantasy
Crystal Beads
Sentiment by Slojd-Detaljer
Bow from Thailand
Cartridge : Joys of the Season