The AC Phoenix
December 2005
Page 35
CELEBRATE THE SEASON
People Warm To Tradition
During Winter Holidays
Throughout the winter holidays, long-held traditions around
the world often define not only what food Is eaten, but also how
it is eaten. Food and the way it is eaten can embody religious
symbols, portend good or bad luck or simply signal a break from
the usual menu. Here are a few examples.
* During Hanukkah, Jews in Israel eat traditional foods such
as sufganiya, which are like jelly doughnuts cooked in oil, while
in the United States, latkes, or potato pancakes, are a favorite.
Cheese also is eaten to commemorate the ancient victory of
Judith, who is said to have fed wine and cheese to Assyrian
general Holofernes until he fell down drunk. She cut off his head,
the Assyrians fled and the Jews were victorious, according to
tradition.
* Greeks eat a New Year’s cake called vasilopeta, which
contains a coin or florin. Whoever finds the florin in the cake is
proclaimed lucky for the New Year.
* During Ramadan, many Muslim worshipers fast from
sunrise to sunset every day, then break their fast by drinking a
beverage and eating an odd number of dates, they then eat a
small meal, called iftar, which can include special pastries, such
as katayif, or fried pancakes filled with cheese or nuts.
* In Ireland and Britain, a favorite Christmas dish is plum
pudding, which may be aged for several weeks before being
served. The pudding is sometimes topped with a symbolic sprig
of holly.
* In France and Belgium, a favorite Christmas dessert is
buche de Noel, a cake shaped like a yule log. Belgians
sometimes breakfast on a sweet bread called cougnou, which is
traditionally shaped like the baby Jesus.
* At Christmas dinner, Ukrainians set an extra place at the
table for deceased family members, whose souls are said to
come to the table to feast on the 12-course meal. Each course
is dedicated to one of Christ’s 12 apostles. Traditional foods
include kolach, a Christmas bread braided in a ring to represent
the Christian Trinity.
* In Poland, some believe Christmas dinner, or wigilia, must
be enjoyed by an even number of people or someone might die
in the coming year. But an even number of dishes in the meal
portends bad luck. Bits of hay often are placed under the
tablecloth to represent Christ’s birth in a manger.
* In Mexico, children celebrate Christmas by wearing
blindfolds and taking turns breaking open a candy-filled pihata.
* During Kwanzaa, celebrants have a great feast on Dec. 31
called the Kamaru. Food includes West African benne cakes,
which are sprinkled with sesame seeds for good luck.
Chrisrmos
Treats
One of the great
pleasures of
the season is
to express our
warmest thoughts
to those whose
friendship we
value so highly..,
Merry Christmas From
Mia Brydie
Advertising Director
trying Ward of Cod
Apostolic Church
4880 Burnett Drive
Winstcm-Salem, NC
Being Bom Again...
By the Word of God;
Which Liveth...
1 Peter 1:23
Pastor: Bishop Langston
McCarther
Weekly Order of Service
Sundays:
10 am - Sunday School
11:15 am - Morning Worship
Wednesday
7 am - Midweek Service
Van Service Available - Call 336-794-9635
E-mail: holiness@earthlink.net
Visit our Website:, www.vchurches.com/lwga
Santa Prescribes LoveT
To all our dear customers
go our wishes for a
very healthy, happy season.
MEDICAP
PHARMACY®
1345 N. Liberty Street * Winston-Salem
336-631-0093
Beverly Graham, R.Ph.
Open M-F 9-6'Sat 9-1:30