The Old Magic of Christmas

The Old Magic of Christmas PDF

Author: Linda Raedisch

Publisher: Llewellyn Worldwide

Published: 2013

Total Pages: 314

ISBN-13: 0738733342

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'Tis the Season for Witches, Elves, and a Legion of Ghosts Not so very long ago, Yuletide was as much a chilling season of ghosts and witches as it was a festival of goodwill. In The Old Magic of Christmas, you'll rub elbows with veiled spirits, learn the true perils of elves, and discover a bestiary of enchanted creatures. Rife with the more frightful characters from folklore and the season's most petulant ghosts, this book takes you on a spooky sleigh ride from the silvered firs of a winter forest to the mirrored halls of the Snow Queen. Along the way, you'll discover how to bring the festivities into your home with cookie recipes and craft instructions, as well as tips for delving more deeply into your relationship with the unseen. Praise: "Steeped in history and adorned with a bit of enchantment, The Old Magic of Christmas is the perfect book to read by a winter's fire with a mug of mulled cider in hand."--Deborah Blake, author of The Witch's Broom "...[A] fascinating journey into the stories behind the tinsel and bows."--Doreen Shababy, author of The Wild & Weedy Apothecary "...[A]n intriguing little tome that explores the darker side of the Yuletide holiday."--Ellen Dugan, author of The Enchanted Cat

The Magic of Christmas

The Magic of Christmas PDF

Author: Trisha Ashley

Publisher: HarperCollins UK

Published: 2011-10-03

Total Pages: 257

ISBN-13: 1847563015

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A deliciously seasonal and heart-warming tale from the No.1 bestselling author of The Christmas Invitation

Pagan Christmas

Pagan Christmas PDF

Author: Christian Rätsch

Publisher: Simon and Schuster

Published: 2006-10-24

Total Pages: 224

ISBN-13: 1594776601

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An examination of the sacred botany and the pagan origins and rituals of Christmas • Analyzes the symbolism of the many plants associated with Christmas • Reveals the shamanic rituals that are at the heart of the Christmas celebration The day on which many commemorate the birth of Christ has its origins in pagan rituals that center on tree worship, agriculture, magic, and social exchange. But Christmas is no ordinary folk observance. It is an evolving feast that over the centuries has absorbed elements from cultures all over the world--practices that give plants and plant spirits pride of place. In fact, the symbolic use of plants at Christmas effectively transforms the modern-day living room into a place of shamanic ritual. Christian Rätsch and Claudia Müller-Ebeling show how the ancient meaning of the botanical elements of Christmas provides a unique view of the religion that existed in Europe before the introduction of Christianity. The fir tree was originally revered as the sacred World Tree in northern Europe. When the church was unable to drive the tree cult out of people’s consciousness, it incorporated the fir tree by dedicating it to the Christ child. Father Christmas in his red-and-white suit, who flies through the sky in a sleigh drawn by reindeer, has his mythological roots in the shamanic reindeer-herding tribes of arctic Europe and Siberia. These northern shamans used the hallucinogenic fly agaric mushroom, which is red and white, to make their soul flights to the other world. Apples, which figure heavily in Christmas baking, are symbols of the sun god Apollo, so they find a natural place at winter solstice celebrations of the return of the sun. In fact, the authors contend that the emphasis of Christmas on green plants and the promise of the return of life in the dead of winter is just an adaptation of the pagan winter solstice celebration.

Christmas Curiosities

Christmas Curiosities PDF

Author: John Grossman

Publisher: Harry N. Abrams

Published: 2008-10-01

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9781584796992

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A colorful assortment of two hundred antique postcards, greeting cards, advertising giveaways, and other ephemera from the Victorian and Edwardian eras offers a unusual study of the darker side of Christmas past, a holiday marked by dissipation, drunkeness, and other rowdy misbehavior.

Old Christmas

Old Christmas PDF

Author: Washington Irving

Publisher:

Published: 2023-11-13

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9781835524848

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"Old Christmas" is a collection of essays and short stories written by Washington Irving, a renowned American author best known for his works like "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" and "Rip Van Winkle." Published in 1820, "Old Christmas" offers a charming and nostalgic glimpse into the traditions and celebrations of the holiday season in England during the early 19th century. The book is a celebration of the old English Christmas customs that were gradually fading away due to the industrialization and modernization of the time. In "Old Christmas," Washington Irving vividly describes the warmth and conviviality of the holiday season, drawing on his own experiences during a visit to England. He paints a picture of cozy gatherings by the hearth, feasting, storytelling, and various festive activities that characterized the traditional Christmas celebrations of the past. One of the most famous stories within "Old Christmas" is "Christmas Day," in which Irving recounts his visit to Bracebridge Hall, a manor in the English countryside. There, he is treated to a series of Christmas traditions that seem to be suspended in time, capturing the essence of a bygone era's holiday spirit. These stories are not just simple descriptions but are infused with Irving's trademark wit and storytelling prowess. "Old Christmas" is often praised for its evocative and romantic portrayal of a traditional English Christmas, and it played a significant role in popularizing many customs associated with the holiday, such as the Yule log and the Christmas tree. It helped to revive interest in and appreciation for the rich cultural heritage of Christmas traditions that had been waning at the time. Overall, "Old Christmas" by Washington Irving is a delightful and heartwarming collection that celebrates the magic and nostalgia of the holiday season, offering readers a captivating journey into the past and the enduring traditions that make Christmas a special time of year.

Old Christmas (Illustrated Edition)

Old Christmas (Illustrated Edition) PDF

Author: Washington Irving

Publisher: DigiCat

Published: 2022-11-13

Total Pages: 133

ISBN-13:

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Old Christmas is a collection of five Christmas stories, portraying an idealized celebration of old-fashioned Christmas customs at a quaint English manor, and depicting harmonious warm-hearted English Christmas festivities, which author experienced while staying in Aston Hall, Birmingham. This book largely contributed to the revival and reinterpretation of the Christmas holiday in the United States. Washington Irving (1783-1859) was an American short story writer, essayist, biographer, historian, and diplomat of the early 19th century. He is best known for his short stories "Rip Van Winkle" and "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow". One of Irving's most lasting contributions to American culture is in the way Americans perceive and celebrate Christmas.

An Old-Fashioned Christmas

An Old-Fashioned Christmas PDF

Author: Jackie Corley

Publisher: Hatherleigh Press

Published: 2019-11-12

Total Pages: 73

ISBN-13: 1578267773

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A collection of inspirational, meaningful and fun quotes celebrating the spirit of Christmas. Deck the halls with boughs of jolly and the An Old-Fashioned Christmas. Chock full of holiday sentiments and joyous words, this Christmas quote book is the perfect stocking stuffer book for the season.

OLD CHRISTMAS (Illustrated)

OLD CHRISTMAS (Illustrated) PDF

Author: Washington Irving

Publisher: DigiCat

Published: 2023-12-27

Total Pages: 132

ISBN-13:

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This carefully crafted ebook: "OLD CHRISTMAS (Illustrated)" is formatted for your eReader with a functional and detailed table of contents. Old Christmas is a collection of five Christmas stories, portraying an idealized celebration of old-fashioned Christmas customs at a quaint English manor, and depicting harmonious warm-hearted English Christmas festivities, which author experienced while staying in Aston Hall, Birmingham. This book largely contributed to the revival and reinterpretation of the Christmas holiday in the United States. Washington Irving (1783-1859) was an American short story writer, essayist, biographer, historian, and diplomat of the early 19th century. He is best known for his short stories "Rip Van Winkle" and "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow". One of Irving's most lasting contributions to American culture is in the way Americans perceive and celebrate Christmas.

An Old Fashioned Christmas Day

An Old Fashioned Christmas Day PDF

Author: Washington Irving

Publisher: Prabhat Prakashan

Published: 2024-05-29

Total Pages: 988

ISBN-13:

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Step into the enchanting world of yesteryears with "An Old Fashioned Christmas Day" by Washington Irving, a heartwarming journey into the traditions and warmth of a bygone era. Experience the magic of Christmas through the eyes of Irving as he paints a nostalgic picture of festive joy and timeless celebrations. As the narrative unfolds, immerse yourself in the charming descriptions of holiday traditions, crackling fires, and the joyous spirit that defined an old-fashioned Christmas day. Washington Irving's evocative prose transports you to a time when the simple pleasures of the season held the greatest significance. But here's a question that resonates through the ages: What can we learn from the simplicity and warmth of an old-fashioned Christmas? Explore the timeless values and traditions that continue to echo in the festive season, inviting you to cherish the true essence of the holidays. Engage with the rich imagery and heartfelt sentiments of "An Old Fashioned Christmas Day." Short, evocative paragraphs guide you through the nostalgic scenes, inviting you to rediscover the magic that lies within the traditions of Christmas past. Are you ready to be transported to a world where the spirit of Christmas is celebrated with simplicity and genuine joy? Join Washington Irving on a festive journey that reminds us of the enduring magic of an old-fashioned Christmas day. Open the pages to a holiday filled with warmth and tradition. Purchase "An Old Fashioned Christmas Day" now, and let the timeless charm of Irving's narrative infuse your own celebrations with the spirit of Christmas past. Seize the opportunity to own a piece of festive nostalgia. Embrace the magic of an old-fashioned Christmas and let this classic work be a cherished part of your holiday traditions for years to come.

Old Christmas: from the Sketch Book of Washington Irving

Old Christmas: from the Sketch Book of Washington Irving PDF

Author: Washington Irving

Publisher: Good Press

Published: 2019-11-21

Total Pages: 84

ISBN-13:

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This is a beautifully illustrated book the aim of which is to recreate the feel of English Christmases of old. The author was a famous American writer who collected together many Christmas traditions and wrote them down.