History of Christmas Craftspeople

For many centuries, craftspeople from across Germany have made objects to help people celebrate – and create – family traditions during the holiday season.

From the Erzgebirge region in the Ore Mountains of Germany come Schwibbogen, or light bows – candle holders made in the shape of an arch. The first Schwibbogen, crafted from iron, are believed to have been made in the 1700s to decorate and light churches, later being made from wood and used in the windows of peoples’ homes. It’s also been suggested that the curved shape of Schwibbogen represents the entrance to a mine. An old story tells that at the end of the year, all the miners gather in front of the mines to celebrate Christmas; if there were no fatalities in the mine that year, they hung their lanterns across the mine’s entrance.

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Word of the Day

Schenken

To give presents

The "Christmas Star" in 2020

As we come closer to the end of 2020, there may be a rare light at the end that may bring us a glimpse of hope for all to come in 2021. Jupiter and Saturn will align so closely in the night sky that they will create a radiant point of light, often known as the "Star of Bethlehem" or the "Christmas Star".

"Alignments between these two planets are rather rare, occurring once every 20 years or so, but this conjunction is exceptionally rare because of how close the planets will appear to be to one another," said Patrick Hartigan, an astronomer at Rice University. "You'd have to go all the way back to just before dawn on March 4, 1226, to see a closer alignment between these objects visible in the night sky." Read more here: Jupiter and Saturn Will Align to Create the First "Christmas Star" in Nearly 800 Years

Grab a blanket, head outside and experience the phenomenon for yourself. With a clear view, look to the southwest about 45 minutes after sunset. The two planets will be at their closest on December 21st but the "Christmas Star" can be seen for about one hour after sunset in the northern hemisphere for the entire fourth week of December.

Midtown Radio and Lost & Found Theatre proudly present:

Radio Leacock Caroline's Christmas

Sunday, December 20th, 7:00 pm on midtownradio.ca

Turn the light down low, get comfy and tune in to Midtown Radio this Sunday and get transported back to Christmas Eve, 1943.