I grew up in Newfoundland. Christmas lasts a LONG time with us. From December 25th to January 6th...that is Old Christmas Day. Well, that is what we always called it. I did google "Old Christmas Day" and got this:
"Before the calendar was reformed, England celebrated Christmas on the equivalent of the 6th of January by our modern, Gregorian reckoning. That is why in some parts of Great Britain people still call the 6th of January, Old Christmas Day." from
http://www.christmas-time.com/cp-old.html However, all definitions aside, Christmas was a lovely time of visiting. It lasted for twelve days though not just one. Richard Steele has a few prints that give us a peek into the way it used to be. Richard grew up on Livingstone Street just below Cabot Street where I grew up.
In his print "Midnight Mass at the Basilica" Richard has captured a bit of the way it used to be. I personally never got to go to Midnight Mass because my grandmother would not let us go out that late. Trust me. We used to go to the morning mass on Christmas Day at 9:00 o'clock. You know I remember getting the slapper once because I did not go to that mass. Poor Sister Perpetua, what a job she had motivating all of us little catholic girls to get ourselves up and go to early mass. There was nothing like an experience with the slapper to get you out of the warm bed and down the road the next Sunday. For those who don't know, the slapper was a small leather belt that she carried tucked in her belt for motivation and character building.
The good Sisters eventually stopped that particular form of motivation. I still remember the service though. It is a beautiful Basilica! For a small place like St. John's to have such a thing as a Basilica is quite an honor. There is a wonderful story behind how the Basilica got built but I will save that for another time. My grandfather loved to tell it! But back to the stories of the season...lol!
This one is called, "Misses can I see your tree?" We used to go up to LeMarchant Road to see other people's Christmas trees. Yes, a few of us youngsters used to go in a small group and ring doorbells. When the door was answered we would then all ask to see their tree. They would invite us in (honest). They would turn on their lights for us. Then, while we stood in the ambient glow of the colorful lights and evergreen magnificence, they would offer us a little bit of fruitcake. There was usually a small drink of Purity syrup. There was nothing like it! You talk about a fun thing to do...lol! We used to go up one side of LeMarchant Road and down the other. I still remember one house just across from St. Clare's hospital. They had the most beautiful tree...and the best fruitcake! Yes, byes, those were the days.
This one is called Yuletide Interlude. It reflects the sense of awe that we felt for the season of Christmas. It was such a time of parties and visiting. Thank goodness it lasted for a whole lot more than a couple of days. What a good thing that we were gifted with twelve days of gladness and fellowship. You know now we did not call it that...we never knew that other people did not enjoy the twelve days of Christmas. Who knew? I mean the candies, nuts, and fruits that we garnered in the old stocking on Christmas morning only lasted so long. We visited all the fine houses to see their Christmas decorations. We all enjoyed the gifts that we were given, mind you.
The friends who got more were not so bold as to bring it to your attention. Well, some of them. There were new sleds and trips to Martin's Meadow to try them out. There were new sleds for some and trips to Martin's Meadow to try them out. I don't remember being disappointed in anything I got for a gift. No matter what we got we all were filled with the sense of excitement and innocence that childhood entails.
Do you remember Figgy Duff or Christmas pudding? How about the smell of allspice in the kitchen...I still love golden currents! My grandmother was the best cook. However, when I close my eyes and remember the many Newfoundland Christmases that I had over the years I remember the love and caring. There was always a cheerful, "Merry Christmas" sent your way when you walked down the sidewalk. I can hear the raffle bells when I think about walking downtown on Water Street. Those raffles actually went on before Christmas but they are a fond memory for me.
Goodness, I am getting homesick just sharing with you. I better get off of here. You know, the sad sight of the Christmas tree sitting on the curb on the day AFTER Christmas has given me something to think about. I did go to my friend's church to see their service; they have those bells that I love so much. On Christmas Eve I attended our afternoon mass, it is called the Children's Mass. The hymns were so beautiful. I just love it.
You know I feel sorry for the family that tossed their tree out before the turkey dinner was cold in the fridge. As for me, I am going to make sure that I greet everyone with Season's Greetings...for the next twelve days...lol! I plan on enjoying every minute of it.
"On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me"...well, here let Corey and Trina do it for me: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OLW51zO6hdM
Sign me, Still living simply the way I was taught even here in small town America, M
And by the way, MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!
To view more artwork by Newfoundland Artists, go here:
http://www.butlerframing-gallery.com/newfoundlandArtists/RichardSteele/default.html
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