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About The nugget. (Sisters, Or.) 1994-current | View Entire Issue (Dec. 2, 2015)
Wednesday, December 2, 2015 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon SANTA: A poem fixed the image of Santa Claus in the popular imagination Continued from page 16 of bishops, priests, and deacons, there was no room for the real criminals—murderers, thieves and robbers. After his release, Nicholas attended the Council of Nicaea in AD 325. He died December 6, AD 343 in Myra and was buried in his cathedral church, where a unique relic, called manna, formed in his grave. This liquid substance, said to have healing powers, fostered the growth of devotion to Nicholas. The anniversary of his death became a day of celebration, St. Nicholas Day, December 6th (December 19 on the Julian Calendar).” The historical St. Nicholas became a fig- ure of folklore as Christianity spread across Western Europe, picking up characteristics of pagan figures like Odin (long white beard, travel across the night sky, etc.) A few hundred years ago, somebody in Holland ran the name St. Nicholas through Google Translator into Dutch and ended up with Sinterklass. Predictably, when any- body used Siri on their iPhone, “she” heard Sinterklass as “Santa Claus” and there you go. That’s the story, anyway. Santa Claus has a close cousin in England called Father Christmas. Flamboyant dresser, that guy. Drinks a bit. Santa Claus as we know him in America dates from 1822, when Clement Clarke Moore, a professor at an Episcopal semi- nary in New York, wrote “A Visit From St. Nicholas,” which we know better as “’Twas the Night Before Christmas.” The poem gave Santa his sleigh and rein- deer and that elfish twinkle in the eye. He was, however a little fellow, with a minia- ture sleigh and eight tiny reindeer. But, hey, this is America — bigger is better. Now he’s, well, let’s just say, “generously proportioned.” Must be all the cookies… Civil War-era cartoonist Thomas Nast put Santa at the North Pole in a workshop, build- ing toys for nice children who were listed in a big book. Santa’s red and white uniform wasn’t a fixed feature till the turn of the 20th century — before that he wore all kinds of different colors. Today, we know a great deal about Santa Claus, yet there are still many unexplained aspects to the phenomenon. The exact loca- tion of his workshop has not been deter- mined, nor are the physics of how he man- ages to deliver all those gifts internationally in one night (even using time zones and the International Date Line to stretch his hours), well understood by scientists. Not to mention how he is able to appear in different places in the Sisters Country at the same time. Some things are best left mysterious. For more information on the origins of the iconic elf, visit www.unmuseum.org/santa. htm and www.stnicholascenter.org/pages/ who-is-st-nicholas. Essentials Eminence Organic Skin Care embodies half-a-century of herbal craftsmanship plus a deep knowledge of biochemistry and cosmetol- ogy to handcraft the most results-oriented products available. Essentials Skin Care/Salon is a conduit of wellness; our spa treat- ments and techniques are as unique as our products. Estheticians Karen and Juanita receive quarterly master training in order to pro- duce the most effective treatments for each client. Professional services are coupled with home-care, formulated with alpha-hydroxy acids, plus natural active ingredients to treat sensitive, aging, blemished, or hyperpigmented skin. All-natural mineral make-up, the finishing touch. Diminish signs of aging with deeply hydrating Monoi night cream, or natural Retinol alter- native in collagen-boosting bamboo age-corrective masque. Eminence Organics, ethically grown, hand harvested, never tested on animals, no harsh chemicals or preservatives. Visit Essentials for free samples, or see us at www.sistersessentials.com. Sisters Rental This year for Christmas, buy a family heirloom. That’s what quality tools from STIHL become — and nobody knows that better than Sisters Rental. STIHL equipment has no part in planned obsolescence — it’s designed and built to stay in service with proper mainte- nance for decades. That’s true for chainsaws and it’s true for hand tools. Sisters Rental now carries STIHL hand tools that are guaranteed for life. And there’s also a full line of safety equipment and main- tenance supplies to keep things going right for years. And for the hard worker on your list, pick up some equally hard-working clothing: Prison Blues jeans and hickory shirts; Loggers Wear romeos. Stick a NEBO flashlight in the stocking. Whether it’s tools or clothing that will stand the rigors of hard work, Sisters Rental is the place to find it — your Sisters Country headquarters for the guys and gals who get things done! 17 Handcrafting remarkable specialty tea drinks Latte ~ Chai ~ Maté Bubble Tea ~ Matcha ~ Gift certifi cates ~ Brewing accessories ~ Mugs & other gifts Open Sun. 11 am-7 pm, Mon.-Sat. 7:30 am-9 pm Crepes! 450 E. Cascade | 541-549-8077 BREWER SAYS... LAST DAY TO SHIP UPS... 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