Mr.

President
I AM Building an Ark
By Gary L. Vest II, HM2 (sw) USN ret

Scrubgear llc
This is a cutout of a cement statue representing the
Christ Hospitals tower. It looks like the stern and
forecastle of an ark to me.

From left to Right Chapel stain glass, Humanity, healing.

What is an ark? An Ark is the housing that has kept gods
covenanted people's symbols of faith and salvation from
Noah's, mosses', Ark of the Covenant, & Jesus. The Bible
is the covenant that we are under today.
Nov 7, 2008
We are family, all my sisters and brothers and me. How big is my family? Well I guess
that depends on how you define family? Biological I am a Vest through my paternal line. I am an
Alsept through my maternal line. My sister has been trying to have a baby for many years now. I
prayed for her to have a baby because if she didn't she was going to go nuts. I even sent my
guardian angel to give her the news. That was a daring move because she said as much as a
daredevil as I am I need my angel more than she does. Congratulations on a beautiful baby girl.

I prayed for John McCain to become President. That prayer was not realized. Mostly I
was counting on McCain because as a veteran I wanted a veteran in office as our Commander
in Chief. I can't use experience as a legitimate reason to back Obama over McCain. Noah
didn't have any experience at building the Ark before the flood. David didn't have any experience
as a soldier before fighting Goliath. So it must be God's will that you are President of the United
States. As a veteran you are my Commander in chief.

We are at war with hate. That is the real war on Terrorism. Some Whites hate you
because you are black. Some Blacks hate me because I am White. Some Christians hate Jews. If
you hate someone you are dividing your own house because we are all descendents of the same
linage. Biologically we are all descendents of Adam. Through Jesus Christ we have the
opportunity to be adopted into God's family. So I am a Jew through Christ. I loved my
Grandfather. He reminded me of Archie Bunker. His generation hated blacks, Jews, and
Communist. I cannot separate my love for the man who is deeply flawed. Many of that
Generation overcame their prejudice to elect you president. I had another Archie in my life. He
was Archie Christian. He was my martial arts instructor. He taught me Tae Kwon Do He was
someone I deeply admired and he was a black man. I would count Archie Christian as my family
and would be welcome aboard my Ark. Mr. Obama you and your families are welcome aboard
my Ark. If you come right down to it we are all brothers by different mothers. Biologically we
can trace our ancestry back to the same mother, Eve. If you use the shortcut I use it goes like this

Adam - Jesus - me. I was adopted. I am the oldest. My sister Cheryl was
born on Dec 7th. Her birthday is also the day that my Grandchildren who are also adopted TJ and
Noah's birthdays. Dec 7th is also the anniversary of Military Sea lift Hospital Corps birthday.
Dec 7th is not a day that will live in infamy. It will be a day that I celebrate as the promise of
prosperity. TJ and Noah are my two Pirates. They are the children of my adopted daughter
Ashley. Tyler is my Spiderman. He is the son of my adopted daughter Randi. The baby is Jada
and is Tyler's little sister. The twins have a sister in Virginia Anna that we miss very much. She
is with the boys biological father Thomas.
I was all set to be a Ranger until they told me that Chuck Norris wasn't going to be Vise
President.
 I was all set to put Country First after The Chuck Norris ticket fell through. McCain
being a Navy man like me.

Nov, 8 2008
I have already given up fasting. I started fasting on the morning of Nov 7th and ended the
afternoon today. A Muslim doctor that I know is a strong supporter of you. I like him anyway. I
enjoy helping him with the excellent and advanced spinal surgery that he performs. He has
teased me continuously about my political views. He claims to have great respect for Christian
Nuns. He talks about how they care for patients that no one else would. I have respect for the
observance of a month long fast. My fast ended after a day. I gave into McDonalds. This is the
place where my son Kevin works. McDonalds was where I meet his mother Pamela. I won her in
a ring toss. I stole a kiss from her under the Golden Arches and she stole my heart. It is my desire
to own a McDonalds. McDonalds is a special place for me. My son and his cousin came up with
the joke. If I had a million dollars I'd by a million double cheeseburgers just to watch them go
crazy making them. I've thought that if I had a million dollars I would fast rope down from a
helicopter with a briefcase full of cash a buy my million double cheeseburgers. I'd be sure to use
the slogan I'm loving it. I would donate the Arch card to the Cincinnati food bank. My
company that is still in the vision dream phase would be sure to benefit from the goodwill. My
logo is two gear emblems Cincinnati and medical logos that I would place on the briefcase. I
hope that I am able to avoid taxes while I get the million doubles out.

In this fantasy, Congress donates the USS Saipan LHA2 that is in retirement be activated
as a Hospital Ship. The motto of the Saipan is "we do it all" I would continue my service to
this country. I would utilize the partnerships that I have throughout the many hospitals and naval
facilities to develop a tuition free school of health sciences that would be available for all. I do
believe that we could have a successful national health program. The only way a program like
that could work is as a supplement to civilian free market. It would have to be based on the
Hospital Corpsman as the primary caregiver of patients. My experience in the Navy as a Hospital
Corpsman and a strong vision of the possibilities of my fellow Corpsman has lead me to
conceive a civilian hospital corps. This would be a mobile healing warrior type crew that would
meet any challenge to our nation's health they would have the full support of our nations assets. I
would train them in all areas of technology and logistics. They would care for patients on land,
sea, and air. I would have them take their pledge in Cincinnati Ohio. I am developing a game
called Go Scrub. This game will help to teach the many roles in the OR and how all the
participants and equipment work together. I would like to participate in the conception of a
National Healthcare Training Team. I have a few pictures bellow related to that idea.
Nov 9 2008
Sunday I'm going to rest. You are welcome at North view

community church.
Pastor Mike Denigan would be my Chaplin aboard my ark.
Nov 10, 2008
Happy B-day USMC from "doc" Vest

Marine Corps Birthday: (excerpt from Warrior Culture of the

U.S. Marines, copyright 2001 Marion F. Sturkey)
All U.S. Marines are gung-ho. But, few can match the
vision and total commitment of the famous 13th
Commandant, Gen. John A. Lejeune. In 1921 he issued
Marine Corps Order No. 47, Series 1921.
Gen. Lejeune's order summarized the history, mission, and
tradition of the Corps. It further directed that the order be
read to all Marines on 10 November of each year to honor
the founding of the Marine Corps. Thereafter, 10 November
became a unique day for U.S. Marines throughout the world.
Soon, some Marine commands began to not only honor the
birthday, but celebrate it. In 1923 the Marine Barracks at Ft.
Mifflin, Pennsylvania, staged a formal dance. The Marines at
the Washington Navy Yard arranged a mock battle on the
parade ground. At Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, the Marine
baseball team played a Cuban team and won, 9 to 8.
The first "formal" Birthday Ball took place on Philadelphia in
1925. First class Marine Corps style, all the way! Guests
included the Commandant, the Secretary of War (in 1925 the
term "politically correct" didn't exist; it was Secretary of
War, not Secretary of Defense), and a host of statesmen and
elected officials. Prior to the Ball, Gen. Lejeune unveiled a
memorial plaque at Tun Tavern. Then the entourage headed
for the Benjamin Franklin Hotel and an evening of festivities
and frolicking.
Over the years the annual Birthday Ball grew and grew,
taking on a life of its own. In 1952 the Commandant, Gen.
Lemuel C. Shepherd Jr., formalized the cake-cutting
ceremony and other traditional observances. For example,
Marine Corps policy now mandates that the first piece of
cake must be presented to the oldest U.S. Marine present.
The second piece goes to the youngest Marine. Among the
many such mandates is a solemn reading of the
Commandant's birthday message to the Corps.
Like the U.S. Marine Corps itself, the annual Birthday Ball
has evolved from simple origins to the polished and
professional functions of today. Nonetheless, one thing
remains constant, the tenth day of November! This unique
holiday for warriors is a day of camaraderie, a day to honor
Corps and Country. Throughout the world on 10 November,
U.S. Marines celebrate the birth of their Corps -- the most
loyal, most feared, most revered, and most professional
fighting force the world has ever known.
I would like to give special thanks to the Marines that I
served with aboard the USS Saipan and the Marines that I
work with at The Christ Hospital. On board my Ark all
Marines are welcome. As the Presidents own.
Geronimo
Is the nickname that this Doctor friend gave me? I'm not sure where He came up with the Idea of
calling me Geronimo. I was not insulted. Geronimo was a medicine man and warrior like me.

I'll refer to this Doctor as Doctor "Goofball". Doctor Goofball told me a story that was told to
him by a Naval Seal doctor friend of his.

He said that a Marine was attending his first day of school at a University on his GI bill when
this Atheist Professor got up on a chair and proclaimed. There is no God and if there were a God
I challenge him to knock me off my chair. That’s when the Marine leveled the Professor to the
ground and knocked him out cold. When the Professor woke up he asked the Marine why he did
it. The Marine replied God is busy watching over Marines that are providing the liberty that
permits you to say the things you say. So he sent me. Goof ball knew that I would enjoy the story
because it sounds like something I would do. I want to thank Goofball and the Marine of the
story. I have an Autographed copy of Journey to Justice by Johnnie L Cochran, Jr. It tells the
story of Geronimo Pratt, a black panther who was framed for murders. I also have just completed

Nov 11, 2008

Veterans Day

Thank you, dad

Thank you all my fellow veterans. You have permission to come aboard.

My father told me when I was young that the only heroes are dead
heroes. There is no greater love than that to lay down your life for
another.
Nov 12, 2008

DHL plan could cost 7,400 Wilmington jobs

Monday, November 10, 2008
Dayton, Ohio — DHL Express said Monday it intends to reduce U.S. operations and proceed
with plans to strike a deal with fellow package-delivery company UPS, all but dashing hopes
of saving thousands of jobs at DHL's operation in Wilmington.

Wilmington Mayor David Raizk said the move is disappointing but not unexpected.

"While we hope for the best, we have been preparing for the worst," Raizk said.

DHL wants a deal to hire UPS and replace ABX Air and ASTAR Air Cargo in transporting
packages by year's end. That would move work away from DHL's hub in Wilmington, about
30 miles southeast of Dayton, and result in the loss of about 7,400 jobs there.

DHL Express CEO John Mullen said that if the company reaches a deal with UPS, the work
at Wilmington could be moved in early 2009.

Mullen said the only possibility that DHL will maintain a presence in Wilmington is if the
deal with UPS falls through. In that case, he said, DHL would likely continue to use ABX Air
and ASTAR, but those companies would be transporting far fewer packages.

"This is heartbreaking news for the city of Wilmington and southwest Ohio," Gov. Ted
Strickland and Lt. Gov. Lee Fisher said in a statement. "We will now focus on doing
everything we can to help the affected workers, their families and their communities."

DHL spokeswoman Michele Nadeem said the Wilmington hub will continue to operate for
now and will be affected only by an expected decrease in the volume of package shipping
from the repositioning of the business. DHL's domestic volume is expected to fall from 1.2
million shipments a day to 100,000 on Jan. 30.

DHL parent Deutsche Post AG said Monday that heavy losses and fierce competition is
forcing it to significantly reduce its air and ground operations in the United States and cut
9,500 jobs within the country.

Wilmington officials had hoped that DHL would at least maintain its facility that sorts
packages for ground transport, an operation that employs hundreds of workers. However,
DHL said it plans to close all of its ground hubs.

ABX Air manages the ground freight for DHL at the Wilmington hub and at 15 hubs across
the nation.

"This will impact about 2,000 more ABX Air people," said ABX President John Graber. "We
are working as quickly as we can to get them the details they need."

Raizk said he is holding out hope that DHL will continue to make and process international
shipments at Wilmington even if a deal with UPS is reached. That would result in some jobs
being saved.
"Whatever jobs there are, that's better than zero," he said.

Mullen said DHL is willing to turn over ownership of the Wilmington air park and is in
discussions about that possibility. Raizk said that will be the first step in redeveloping the
site.

"We're not going to have a ghost town," Raizk said. "We're all going to pull together to make
something work."
Ok Here is the Plan.
Our enemies have the capability to kill with weapons of mass destructions whole cities. Our
current economic situation appears bleak. All I know is that we are not prepared for mass
casualties that could be caused by Nature or our enemies. The fears of the cold war that my
father Gary Vest served under in the Air Force have not gone away. Gung Ho is a Chinese word
meaning to work together. The Marine Corps use the term as a description of the enthusiastic
way of doing business. In World War II Rosie the Riveter was the symbol of our industrial might
as our men were off fighting the war. Our greatest export is our liberty. President Roosevelt
declared that four liberties were required by all people.

The speech delivered by President Roosevelt incorporated the following section:

“
In the future days, which we seek to make secure, we look forward to a
world founded upon four essential human freedoms.
The first is freedom of speech and expression--everywhere in the world.
The second is freedom of every person to worship God in his own way--everywhere
in the world.
The third is freedom from want--which, translated into universal terms, means
economic understandings which will secure to every nation a healthy peacetime life
for its inhabitants-everywhere in the world.
The fourth is freedom from fear--which, translated into world terms, means a world-
wide reduction of armaments to such a point and in such a thorough fashion that no
nation will be in a position to commit an act of physical aggression against any
neighbor--anywhere in the world.
That is no vision of a distant millennium. It is a definite basis for a kind of world

”
attainable in our own time and generation. That kind of world is the very antithesis of
the so-called new order of tyranny which the dictators seek to create with the crash of
a bomb.

— Franklin D. Roosevelt, excerpted from the Annual Message to the

Congress, January 6, 1941
I believe that it is our mission to bring these four freedoms to every corner of the world. We need
to win this battle at home. Turn the Wilmington Air Park into a Homeland Security medical
emergency training facility. Build the infrastructure of skilled Hospital Corpsman that is able to
provide the resources to meet these four basic liberties. I think that we should use the JHL-40 to
deliver mobile hospitals. All agencies should collaborate on a curriculum that includes military
science, medicine, nursing, logistics, security, and transportation. I think that we should deploy
the Seabees to Wilmington Air Park, because they can build anything. I am a plank owner of
Fleet Hospital 5 a Hospital that we built from scratch in a desert parking lot. I'd like to have the
Marines to train in force protection. Also think it is the Marines that are needed to provide the
Gung Ho. Every Rep. of Congress should take an active role in recommending students for this
new Academy for Homeland Security.

That those who are troubled should turn to Jesus, and is quoted as saying "true
patriots" do not stay clear of discussing religion and politics. Chuck, I would be glad
to hear what you think about saving Wilmington. Dayton Ohio is like the birth place
for the Air Force. I am a black belt veteran Christian who wants your help. We Can

Do it.

Chuck, I would like to participate in the Kickstart program. I am a surgical

technologist and will soon be a surgical assistant. I still see that I could teach on
weekends and that I would feel that sharing the martial arts would be an honor for
me. The motto of Ohio is With God all things are possible. The motto of Kentucky is
United we Stand. I am inspired by your program and desire to make it happen in
my home neighborhood. God bless you Chuck.
 KICKSTART
427 West 20th Street
Suite 203
Houston, TX 77008
tel: (713) 868-6003
fax: (713) 880-1279

Nov 18, 2008journey to justice

Ok, I have had a life of blessings. I have had my share of setbacks also. I have had family that
has also had their share of setbacks. This is how I received this book. This book was given to me
from my friend that stole from me. It is autographed by Johnnie Cochran and it reads. Always
follow your dreams. God bless you. You may have the book back although it is very difficult
because the book has special meaning to me as I relate to the Geronimo Pratt. The need for
people to band together against their own government says volumes about the whole story of
America. Forgiveness is needed to start to heal the wounds of past. Martin Luther King had a
dream and along with sharing Tae Kwon Do I will make it my dream also. God bless the
USA.

Nov 30, 2008 Ark Kwan Do

My cousin Billy wrote to me while I was during desert storm as a source of comfort and
compassion. Billy was strong and tough. He played football and wrestled. When he died of a
head injury from a car crash I took it very hard. I never knew what to say or do that would
comfort my Aunt Dora. Many years later after my medical separation from the navy I have made
contact with my aunt Dora. I still don't have words to express our loss. I was thinking up ideas
for a tournament and I kept thinking of the name "Billy Bad Ass". I thought that I would
combine a triathlon with a mixed martial art tournament. The winner would be proclaimed the
Ultimate Bad Ass like the Iron Man title.

Jack was someone I meet a few months ago whom I shared some of my ideas with. He pated my
ego a little when he said he would like to learn Taekwondo from me. I told him that it has been a
dream of mine to teach. He died a few days ago. He died in a dumpster in Covington. He shared
with me a love for Jesus. Jesus said that he has gone to prepare a place for my new friend. I weep
for those that have been left behind. I weep for myself and my aunt Dora. I weep for my
daughter Niki, Rick, TJ and Noah. In Korean Kwan means house. The style followed by the
students of a style. The Ark is a place of refuge, the strength of the Lord, the Glory. Do is the
way. Ark Kwan Do is the way to Gods house. I have a box to place my treasures. My real
treasure will come from sharing the message of Jesus.

Major Wenstrop shared with the OR at the Christ Hospital a message of service. He shared with
us many of the acts of heroism that go unsung. He explained about a child that was saved and the
bond between a father and the healthcare workers in IRAQ He was a wonderful speaker and I am
proud of his service.
Dec 7, 2008
Top of Form

RE: Dad rough Christmas for Cincinnati Deputies

Gary Vest Dad
Fro
m:

Sent
Wed 12/03/08 2:07 PM
:

'Gary Vest'
To:
(garyvest@hotmail.com)

We just test for police officer last week. I only had 19 people show up for the test. I may retest after the
first of the year.

I miss you. When can we get together?

Love Dad

From: Gary Vest [mailto:garyvest@hotmail.com]

Sent: Wednesday, December 03, 2008 1:34 PM
To: Gary Vest
Subject: Dad rough Christmas for Cincinnati Deputies

87 deputies get layoff notices

Jobs to be gone by Christmas
By Jessica Brown • jlbrown@enquirer.com • December 2, 2008

Read Comments(8) • Recommend (1) • Print • Email • Type: A A • Click-2-Listen

Budget cuts proposed for Hamilton County's government will not be final for a few more
weeks, but the impact is already hitting the work force.

Eighty-seven Hamilton County deputies are being notified that they will be laid off on
Christmas Eve as the sheriff looks to close one of the four jails to balance his 2009 budget.
"They're all bright young people who only did what we asked," a solemn Chief Deputy Sean
Donovan said after informing commissioners Monday.
The department is discussing how to cope with the closing of the Queens gate jail. It houses
more than 400 inmates accused of felonies.
That might mean releasing certain misdemeanor offenders or putting sentences on hold -
with offenders reporting to jail as space becomes available - to make room to keep in the
most serious offenders. Donovan noted, though, "There are no Boy Scouts" in the jail.
Meanwhile, parallel cuts in state funding have already resulted in 123 layoffs since Nov. 12
at the county's Job and Family Services department. That number will grow to 180 by the
end of the year and to 350 by the end of 2009, spokesman Brian Gregg said. That's about
24 percent of the department's work force.
The workers, primarily support and management personnel, are being laid off weekly,
typically with little or no notice, he said. Mandated public services such as food stamp
distribution will remain, but "customer service will be diminished," Gregg said.
These layoffs are the first consequences of a proposed 2009 budget that is the bleakest in
memory. Because of economic conditions and revenue shortfalls, the county administrator
has proposed a $241 million general fund, or discretionary budget, $31 million less than this
year. The county's total budget, including federal and state money, is $1.2 billion.
In all, 901 county positions are recommended for elimination.
The three-member county commission plan public hearings Wednesday and Dec. 10 and will
revise the budget before approving it by the end of the year.
They have said repeatedly that they are worried about the impact the cuts will have, not
only on the employees, but on safety in Hamilton County. Recommendations also include
eliminating or transferring the costs of deputy patrols in Green, Colerain and Anderson
townships.
"Layoffs are damaging to our organization and potentially destructive to our community,"
Commission President Todd Portune said. He's suggested voluntary furloughs - or unpaid
leaves - could reduce the number of layoffs.
Even though the budget isn't final, Donovan said closing the Queens gate jail is inevitable.
The department just doesn't have the money to keep it open, he said.
The deputies were called in one by one Monday and given letters informing them that their
positions will be eliminated effective Dec. 25.
Mindy Townsend's husband was one of them.
"Merry Christmas, Simon Leis," Townsend said in a phone interview after learning of her
husband's layoff. She declined to give her husband's name.
The couple has a young child and has had a rough few years financially, she said. Her
husband joined the sheriff's office after their child was born because he thought the job
would be more secure.
Deputies will be laid off based on seniority. They'll be paid for unused vacation, personal
days and compensatory time. If their positions reopen within three years, they will be
rehired, said David Stanley, staff representative for Fraternal Order of Police Ohio Labor
Council.
Most of those being laid off are younger men and women. Many have recently gotten
married, started families or bought houses, Stanley said.
The Job and Family Services workers' separation package includes two weeks of pay for
non-union workers, and 30 days pay for union workers. They also get two to eight weeks of
severance pay.
I'll be praying for the families of the deputies that are losing there jobs. We need more
nurses and surgical techs. Maybe something can be worked out. I Love You. Are you in a
position to recruit for the police department? Maybe private security. I'm sure that deputies
get good training.

Christmas Party breakfast with Santa at The Christ Hospital

On Saturday we got up and I took my four grand kids to play. We had a blast. These are my
future black belts. They are already able to kick my butt.

Dec 12, 2008

We didn't attend church this morning. We drove out to see Earl, Pam's Dad. We had a good time.
It was cold. He is great. I painted my box silver- metallic. I am going to label it later. Pam and I
decided to move back Christmas until after the first because my account is over drawn.
I was moved to tears this week when I was thinking about how my cousin Billy died in an Auto
accident. His mother Dora has had a hard time of it. It was 15 years ago. Two months ago Jack
who was like an uncle to my grandchildren TJ and Noah was crushed in a compacter. A few days
ago this Xavier graduate and member of crossroads church died in a Christmas play. What I was
thinking is that they are all three member of the real meaning of Christmas. Of these three wise
men, I knew one well, I knew one very little, and one not at all. All three were young and
wonderful people to know. Heaven and earth are better places because they were here. I can only
consul myself because I believe that they were loved by Jesus and it is a celebration in his house
for them as a part of me morns on this joyous holiday. This is what I shared with my pastor
Mike.

From: garyvest@hotmail.com
To: gary.vestii@thechristhospital.com
Subject: Three wise men
Date: Fri, 19 Dec 2008 10:53:03 -0500

A 'heart-wrenching' fall
XU grad student fatally injured in church Christmas
pageant; Prayers, tears followed
By Jessica Brown and Quan Truong • jlbrown@enquirer.com and qtruong@enquirer.com •
December 19, 2008

• • Print • • Type: A A • Click-2-Listen

OAKLEY - Those who knew her described Keri Shryock as one of those truly nice people who
was always smiling, always happy, and always eager to help out at the church she loved.

Today, they are trying to cope with her death after the Xavier University graduate student
fell as far as 30 feet during an elaborate Christmas presentation Wednesday night at
Crossroads church in front of a large audience, including many children. She died Thursday
morning at University Hospital.

Crossroads announced four special services this weekend — 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Saturday,
and 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. on Sunday.

"Ms. Shryock’s parents have encouraged us to continue with a Christmas experience, so that
people would be able to hear the message of Jesus, as they believe would have been Keri’s
desire,'' the church said.
Shryock, 23, of Sylvania, Ohio, joined the nondenominational megachurch in August. She
was performing an aerial acrobatics routine with two other actors on the opening night of
the production "Awaited," a contemporary retelling of the Christmas story, when she
suddenly plummeted from the rope into an aisle.
Shryock moved to Cincinnati earlier this year after graduating from Bowling Green
University. She didn't know many people in town, but quickly found a church home at
Crossroads, according to those who knew her.
"If you didn't know Keri, you were missing out," said Brian Girton, 27, a graduate student at
Cincinnati Christian University and close friend of Shryock's from Pursuit, a community group
and ministry at Crossroads for people in their 20s. "She was always accepting, always
loving, always open and never cynical. She loved people and loved God, and loved putting
the two together."
Shryock joined Pursuit in September. She attended all the events, became a greeter at
church, and volunteered with a kids club and to teach children's Sunday School. In just four
months, she had made many friends, Pursuit leader Brandon Snow, 30, of Mount
Washington, said.
"She was really one of the sweetest people," he said. "She was one of those people if I
needed something last minute, she'd help. One of those people you can always count on to
reach out to new people. Just always happy. Always smiling."
Snow and other friends from Crossroads and Xavier held vigil for hours at the hospital. They
learned Thursday morning that she had died.
"It's a tragedy. I really haven't processed it yet," Snow said. "I've never had anything like
that happen to someone I knew."
Shryock, who told Snow that she was a gymnast in high school, talked often about how
excited she was for the upcoming play, he said. Her part included ascending a rope over the
audience and moving toward a prism-like star near the ceiling. It was a stylized depiction of
the Three Wise Men's journey to Bethlehem.
"She was telling me after her first practice how sore her muscles were 'cause she hadn't
done anything like that in a long time. She was so looking forward to it," Snow said.
About 20 minutes into the performance, Shryock and two other actors walked into the
audience carrying their symbolic gifts for baby Jesus. Then they ascended, harnessed to
ropes or cables, and moved slowly up toward a star using an apparatus described as looking
like rock climbing gear. Three others stood on the ground below them holding the ropes.
The three actors began performing acrobatic-type moves similar to those of Cirque du Soleil
productions. Those at the performance said it was beautiful.
"She was spinning and flying and seemed completely comfortable and free," said Joy Deer,
of Oakley.
Then something went horribly wrong.
It is unclear how, but Shryock came loose from her rope and plummeted headfirst about 30
feet into an aisle in the audience portion of the theater. One audience member said Shryock
was trying to move farther up the rope to be positioned as high as the other actors when
she fell.
Audience member Daniel Doepke, 55, of Middletown, said the performers were high up on a
cable and pointed toward a star in the ceiling as music played. They wore Middle Eastern
costumes including head wraps and pants.
"Toward the ending of the song, she came loose," Doepke said. "I can't describe how heart-
wrenching it was, her fall to a hard concrete surface."
An immediate hush fell over the audience, then the lights came up. People raced to Shryock.
Pastor Brian Tome urged everyone to remain in their seats so that EMS workers had room to
help Shryock. Prayers and tears filled the theater for about 20 minutes as Shryock was taken
away in an ambulance to University Hospital. She was not conscious, according to those who
were there.
The theater seats about 3,500 and was about 60 percent full, they said.
Counselors were available Thursday at the church's chapel, 3500 Madison Road. A
performance of the show that was scheduled for 7 p.m. was replaced by a prayer session. All
other performances are canceled.
Tome spent part of the day Thursday with Shryock's family, which had arrived at the
hospital around 12:30 a.m.
"This is an insane tragedy; I'm not really thinking much about Crossroads right now. I'm
thinking about this mom and dad ... ," he said in a statement from the church. "I could give
you a nice religious quote, but that's not worth much. We're just being there however we
can for Keri's family."
The type of aerial acrobatics likely being performed during the play is often referred to as
"Spanish Web," said Beverly Sobelman, owner/director of Versatile Arts, an aerial-instruction
school in Seattle, although she couldn't speak to the specifics without seeing a photo or
video.
It can require months to years of training, depending on the performer's background.
"Fundamentally, aerials is dangerous," she said. "Everyone going into it has to understand
it's a dangerous pursuit."
Accidents can happen even among the most seasoned professionals, she said. When
accidents occur, it's usually because the rigging wasn't properly checked or the person
wasn't prepared.
Crossroads spokesman Matt Chandler said the performers all received "extensive training"
to do the in-air moves for the production.
"I do know people here did undergo professional training to do this," he said. He said he
didn't know whether Shryock had done these types of performances before, but had heard
from others that the acrobatics "were nothing new for her."
Exact details on the training, preparation and equipment were not immediately available.
Chandler said the show was months in the making. It was the same performance as last
year, but the ropes portion was new.
It is unclear whether an investigation is under way or what agency would lead it. Thursday,
thoughts were turned toward coping - and to God.
"Everyone's really rallying around each other and lifting each other up," said Chris Bergman,
26, of North College Hill. He is a church member and was planning to go to the play later this
week.
Hundreds of people were posting messages on the church's Facebook page offering
encouragement and prayer and asking what they could do to help, he said.
"Our prayers and heartfelt sympathies go out to her family during this incredibly difficult
time," church officials said in a statement. "We are shocked and deeply grieved by this
tragic accident, the cause of which is currently unknown."
Shryock graduated from Bowling Green University in 2008. She was studying for her
master's degree in education and community counseling at Xavier, university spokeswoman
Deborah Del Valle said. Del Valle said Shryock became a Xavier student this fall and lived
off-campus. She was a graduate assistant in the commuter-services office.
Those who worked with Shryock in that office were grieving Thursday morning.
"They're all still in shock," Del Valle said. "We're all saddened by this and will keep everyone
in our prayers."
The university's campus ministry is working on a possible prayer service, but definite plans
have not been made.
Crossroads, at 3500 Madison Road, draws about 10,000 people each weekend to its four

services.

Hi Mike. This is what is on my heart. Three wise men. One I knew very well. He was young
good looking athletic. He died in a car crash. His name was Billy. The second wise man I
knew very little. He was the adopted uncle of TJ and Noah. He was a loyal friend. He shared
interest in the martial arts and a story I have been working on called the ark. His name was
Jack. The story above is about Keri. I never meet Keri. They say she was a beautiful person.
She died in a play to celebrate Jesus birth. Tears should not be coming down my face. This is
Christmas a time for great joy. I believe that these three know Jesus better than any living
person. I should be able to celebrate because they are in the Lords House. He has gone to
prepare a place for them. Mike Merry Christmas. I am not giving up anything to be closer to
God. Being closer to God right now is to painful.

I do have something to share about a fellow surgical tech success. My friend put on a play at
Xavier University that was a complete success. She wrote it and produced it. Her actors
were great. Thank You. It is true the along with my friends the three wise men, they all have
so much to give. I Love You
Not an empty seat. Good Job Teresa.

The year of the Toilet

I have a friend whose husband passed away. My son and I roofed her garage. She has been
giving me clothes, shoes, food, a blanket, and a toilet seat. I looked real funny walking through
the hospital with my scrubs on caring a toilet seat. After I had my episode it was in the bathroom
at my lowest point the Lord spoke to me. He turned off the power in the house. He answered my
prayer that day. My sanity was restored. He healed me to the point that the Air Force took my
retired ID card. Sitting on the toilet was my burning bush. My friend giving me a toilet seat only
reminded me of the place where I talked with God. It is in the Ark of the Covenant that the Lord
spoke between the angels that adorned the Ark. I am just going to place the seat in my Ark. The
Ark of Ark Kwan Do. Year of the Toilet. The Bank is in crisis, GM is in crisis. They have been
sticking it me. I should have been able to see it coming. I am not able to get a home loan because
of poor credit. My credit should be better with Uncle Sam as a veteran. I will look back at this
year and remember when the economy went to shit. In the year of the Toilet.

Merry Christmas

Santa Claus
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

1881 illustration by Thomas Nast who, with Clement Clarke Moore, helped to create
the modern image of Santa Claus
The modern portrayal of Santa Claus frequently depicts him listening to the
Christmas wishes of young children.

Santa Claus, also known as Saint Nicholas, Father Christmas, Kris Kringle, or simply
"Santa", is the legendary and mythical figure who, in many Western cultures, brings gifts to
good children on Christmas Eve, December 24[1] or on his Feast Day, December 6 (Saint
Nicholas Day).[2] The legend may have part of its basis in hagiographical tales concerning the
historical figure of Saint Nicholas.
While Saint Nicholas was originally portrayed wearing bishop's robes, in modern times, Santa
Claus is generally depicted as a plump, jolly, white-bearded man wearing a red coat with white
collar and cuffs, white-cuffed red trousers, and black leather belt and boots. This image became
popular in the United States in the 19th century due to the significant influence of caricaturist
and political cartoonist Thomas Nast.[3] This image has been maintained and reinforced through
song, radio, television, and films. In the United Kingdom and Europe, his depiction is often
identical to the American Santa, but he is commonly called Father Christmas.
One legend associated with Santa says that he lives in the far north, in a land of perpetual snow.
The American version of Santa Claus lives at the North Pole, while Father Christmas is said to
reside in Lapland, Finland. Other details include: that he is married and lives with Mrs. Claus;
that he makes a list of children throughout the world, categorizing them according to their
behavior ("naughty" or "nice"); that he delivers presents, including toys, candy, and other
presents to all of the good boys and girls in the world, and sometimes coal or sticks to the
naughty children, in one night; and that he accomplishes this feat with the aid of magical elves
who make the toys, and eight or nine flying reindeer who pull his sleigh.[4][5]
There has long been opposition to teaching children to believe in Santa Claus. Some Christians
say the Santa tradition detracts from the religious origins and purpose of Christmas. Other critics
feel that Santa Claus is an elaborate lie, and that it is unethical for parents to teach their children
to believe in his existence.[6] Still others oppose Santa Claus as a symbol of the
commercialization of the Christmas holiday, or as an intrusion upon their own national
traditions.[7]
Early Christian origins

A medieval fresco depicting St Nicholas from the Boyana Church, near Sofia,
Bulgaria

Saint Nicholas of Myra is the primary inspiration for the Christian figure of Santa Claus. He was
a 4th-century Greek Christian bishop of Myra in Lycia, a province of the Byzantine Anatolia,
now in Turkey. Nicholas was famous for his generous gifts to the poor, in particular presenting
the three impoverished daughters of a pious Christian with dowries so that they would not have
to become prostitutes. He was very religious from an early age and devoted his life entirely to
Christianity. In Europe (more precisely the Netherlands, Belgium, Austria and Germany) he is
still portrayed as a bearded bishop in canonical robes. In 1087, the Italian city of Bari, wanting to
enter the profitable pilgrimage industry of the times, mounted an expedition to locate the tomb of
the Christian Saint and procure the remains. The reliquary of St. Nicholas was desecrated by
Italian sailors and the spoils, including his relics, taken to Bari[8][9] where they are kept to this
day. A basilica was constructed the same year to store the loot and the area became a pilgrimage
site for the devout, thus justifying the economic cost of the expedition. Saint Nicholas became
claimed as a patron saint of many diverse groups, from archers and children to pawnbrokers.[10]
He is also the patron saint of both Amsterdam and Moscow.[11]
Influence of Germanic paganism and folklore

An 1886 depiction of the indigenous Germanic god Odin by Georg von Rosen

Numerous parallels have been drawn between Santa Claus and the figure of Odin, a major god
amongst the Germanic peoples prior to their Christianization. Since many of these elements are
unrelated to Christianity, there are theories regarding the pagan origins of various customs of the
holiday stemming from areas where the Germanic peoples were Christianized and retained
elements of their indigenous traditions, surviving in various forms into modern depictions of
Santa Claus.[12]
Odin was sometimes recorded, at the native Germanic holiday of Yule, as leading a great hunting
party through the sky.[13] Two books from Iceland, the Poetic Edda, compiled in the 13th century
from earlier sources, and the Prose Edda, written in the 13th century by Snorri Sturluson,
describe Odin as riding an eight-legged horse named Sleipnir that could leap great distances,
giving rise to comparisons to Santa Claus's reindeer.[14] Further, Odin was referred to by many
names in Skaldic poetry, some of which describe his appearance or functions; these include
Síðgrani,[15] Síðskeggr,[16] Langbarðr,[17] (all meaning "long beard") and Jólnir[18] ("Yule figure").
According to Phyllis Siefker, children would place their boots, filled with carrots, straw, or
sugar, near the chimney for Odin's flying horse, Sleipnir, to eat. Odin would then reward those
children for their kindness by replacing Sleipnir's food with gifts or candy.[19] This practice
survived in Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands after the adoption of Christianity and became
associated with Saint Nicholas as a result of the process of Christianization and can be still seen
in the modern practice of the hanging of stockings at the chimney in some homes.
This practice in turn came to the United States through the Dutch colony of New Amsterdam
prior to the British seizure in the 17th century, and evolved into the hanging of socks or
stockings at the fireplace. In many regions of Austria and former Austro-Hungarian Italy (Friuli,
city of Trieste) children are given sweets and gifts on Saint Nicholas's Day (San Niccolò in
Italian), in accordance with the Catholic calendar, December 6.
Numerous other influences from the pre-Christian Germanic winter celebrations have continued
into modern Christmas celebrations such as the Christmas ham, Yule Goat, Yule logs and the
Christmas tree.
Pre-Christian Alpine traditions
Main article: Pre-Christian Alpine traditions

Originating from pre-Christian Alpine traditions and influenced by later Christianization, the
Krampus is represented as a Companion of Saint Nicholas. Traditionally, some young men dress
up as the Krampus in the first two weeks of December and particularly on the evening of
December 5 and roam the streets frightening children (and adults) with rusty chains and bells.
Dutch folklore
Further information: Sinterklaas and Saint Nicholas

Sinterklaas in 2007

In The Netherlands and Belgium, Saint Nicolas (often called "De Goede Sint" — "The Friendly
Saint") is aided by helpers commonly known as Zwarte Piet ("Black Peter").
The folklore of Saint Nicolas has many parallels with Germanic mythology, in particular with
the god Odin. These include the beard, hat and spear (nowadays a staff) and the cloth bag held by
the servants to capture naughty children. Both Saint Nicolas and Odin ride white horses that can
fly through the air; the white eight-legged steed of Odin is named Sleipnir (although Sleipnir is
more commonly depicted as gray). The letters made of candy given by the Zwarte Pieten to the
children evokes the fact that Odin ‘invented’ the rune letters. The poems made during the
celebration and the songs the children sing relate to Odin as the god of the arts of poetry.
There are various explanations of the origins of the helpers. The oldest explanation is that the
helpers symbolize the two ravens Hugin and Munin who informed Odin on what was going on.
In later stories the helper depicts the defeated devil. The devil is defeated by either Odin or his
helper Nörwi, the black father of the night. Nörwi is usually depicted with the same staff of birch
(Dutch: "roe") as Zwarte Piet.
Another, more modern, story is that Saint Nicolas liberated an Ethiopian slave boy called 'Piter'
(from Saint Peter) from a Myra market, and the boy was so gracious he decided to stay with
Saint Nicolas as a helper. With the influx of immigrants to the Netherlands starting in the late
1950s, this story is felt by some to be racist[20]. Today, Zwarte Piet have become modern
servants, who have black faces because they climb through chimneys, causing their skin to
become blackened by soot. They hold chimney cleaning tools (cloth bag and staff of birch).[21]
Until the Second World War, Saint Nicolas was only helped by one servant. When the Canadians
liberated the Netherlands in 1945, they reinstated the celebrations of Sinterklaas for the children.
Unaware of the traditions, the Canadians thought that if one Zwarte Piet was fun, several Zwarte
Pieten is even more fun. Ever since Saint Nicolas is helped by a group of Zwarte Pieten.[citation
needed]

Presents given during this feast are often accompanied by poems, some basic, some quite
elaborate pieces of art that mock events in the past year relating to the recipient. The gifts
themselves may be just an excuse for the wrapping, which can also be quite elaborate. The more
serious gifts may be reserved for the next morning. Since the giving of presents is Sinterklaas's
job, presents are traditionally not given at Christmas in the Netherlands, although the latter is
gaining popularity.
The Zwarte Pieten have roughly the same role for the Dutch Saint Nicolas that the elves have to
America's Santa Claus. According to tradition, the saint has a Piet for every function: there are
navigation Pieten to navigate the steamboat from Spain to Holland, or acrobatic Pieten for
climbing up the roofs to stuff presents through the chimney, or to climb through themselves.
Throughout the years many stories have been added, mostly made up by parents to keep
children's belief in Saint Nicolas intact and to discourage misbehaviour. In most cases the Pieten
are quite lousy at their job, such as the navigation Piet (Dutch "wegwijs piet") pointing in the
wrong direction. This is often used to provide some simple comedy in the annual parade of Saint
Nicolas coming to the Netherlands, and can also be used to laud the progress of children at
school by having the Piet give the wrong answer to, for example, a simple mathematical question
like 2+2, so that the child in question is (or can be) persuaded to give the right answer.
In the Netherlands the character of Santa Claus, as known in the United States (with his white
beard, red and white outfit, etc.), is entirely distinct from Sinterklaas, known instead as de
Kerstman (trans. the Christmasman). Although Sinterklaas is the predominant gift-giver in the
Netherlands in December (36% of the population only give presents on Sinterklaas day),
Christmas is used by another fifth of the Dutch population to give presents (21% give presents on
Christmas only). Some 26% of the Dutch population give presents on both days.[22]
Modern origins

"Scrooge's second Visitor", a colorized version of the original illustration by John

Leech made for Charles Dickens's novel A Christmas Carol (1843)

Pre-modern representations of the gift-giver from church history and folklore merged with the
British character Father Christmas to create the character known to Britons and Americans as
Santa Claus. Father Christmas dates back at least as far as the 17th century in Britain, and
pictures of him survive from that era, portraying him as a well-nourished bearded man dressed in
a long, green, fur-lined robe. He typified the spirit of good cheer at Christmas, and was reflected
in the "Ghost of Christmas Present" in Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol.[citation needed]

Folk tale depiction of Father Christmas riding on a goat

In other countries, the figure of Saint Nicholas was also blended with local folklore. As an
example of the still surviving pagan imagery, in Nordic countries the original bringer of gifts at
Christmas time was the Yule Goat, a somewhat startling figure with horns.
In the 1840s however, an elf in Nordic folklore called "Tomte" or "Nisse" started to deliver the
Christmas presents in Denmark. The Tomte was portrayed as a short, bearded man dressed in
gray clothes and a red hat. This new version of the age-old folkloric creature was obviously
inspired by the Santa Claus traditions that were now spreading to Scandinavia. By the end of the
19th century this tradition had also spread to Norway and Sweden, replacing the Yule Goat. The
same thing happened in Finland, but there the more human figure retained the Yule Goat name.
But even though the tradition of the Yule Goat as a bringer of presents is now all but extinct, a
straw goat is still a common Christmas decoration in all of Scandinavia.
American origins
Main article: Santa Claus in Northern American culture

In the British colonies of North America and later the United States, British and Dutch versions
of the gift-giver merged further. For example, in Washington Irving's History of New York,
(1809), Sinterklaas was Americanized into "Santa Claus" but lost his bishop's apparel, and was at
first pictured as a thick-bellied Dutch sailor with a pipe in a green winter coat. Irving's book was
a lampoon of the Dutch culture of New York, and much of this portrait is his joking invention.
Modern ideas of Santa Claus seemingly became canon after the publication of the poem "A Visit
From St. Nicholas" (better known today as "The Night Before Christmas") in the Troy, New
York, Sentinel on December 23, 1823 anonymously; the poem was later attributed to Clement
Clarke Moore. In this poem Santa is established as a heavyset man with eight reindeer (who are
named for the first time). One of the first artists to define Santa Claus's modern image was
Thomas Nast, an American cartoonist of the 19th century. In 1863, a picture of Santa illustrated
by Nast appeared in Harper's Weekly.
Thomas Nast immortalized Santa Claus with an illustration for the January 3, 1863
issue of Harper's Weekly.

In the late 19th century, a group of Sami people moved from Finnmark in Norway to Alaska,
together with 500 reindeer to teach the Inuit to herd reindeer. The Lomen Company then used
several of the Sami together with reindeer in a commercial campaign. Reindeer pulled sleds with
a Santa, and one Sami leading each reindeer. The American commercial Santa Claus, coming
from the North Pole with reindeer was born.[23]
L. Frank Baum's The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus, a 1902 children's book, further
popularized Santa Claus. Much of Santa Claus's mythos was not set in stone at the time, leaving
Baum to give his "Neclaus" (Necile's Little One) a wide variety of immortal support, a home in
the Laughing Valley of Hohaho, and ten reindeer which could not fly, but leapt in enormous,
flight-like bounds. Claus's immortality was earned, much like his title ("Santa"), decided by a
vote of those naturally immortal. This work also established Claus's motives: a happy childhood
among immortals. When Ak, Master Woodsman of the World, exposes him to the misery and
poverty of children in the outside world, Santa strives to find a way to bring joy into the lives of
all children, and eventually invents toys as a principal means.
Images of Santa Claus were further popularized through Haddon Sundblom's depiction of him
for The Coca-Cola Company's Christmas advertising in the 1930s. The popularity of the image
spawned urban legends that Santa Claus was in fact invented by Coca-Cola or that Santa wears
red and white because they are the Coca-Cola colors.[24] In reality, Coca-Cola was not the first
soft drink company to utilize the modern image of Santa Claus in its advertising – White Rock
Beverages used Santa to sell mineral water in 1915 and then in advertisements for its ginger ale
in 1923. Furthermore, the massive campaign by Coca-Cola simply popularized the depiction of
Santa as wearing red and white, in contrast to the variety of colours he wore prior to that
campaign; red and white was originally given by Nast.[25][26]

A man dressed up as Santa Claus fundraising for Volunteers of America on the

sidewalk of street in Chicago, Illinois, in 1902. He is wearing a mask with a beard
attached.

The image of Santa Claus as a benevolent character became reinforced with its association with
charity and philanthropy, particularly organizations such as the Salvation Army. Volunteers
dressed as Santa Claus typically became part of fundraising drives to aid needy families at
Christmas time.
In 1889, the poet Katherine Lee Bates created a wife for Santa, Mrs. Claus, in the poem "Goody
Santa Claus on a Sleigh Ride." The 1956 popular song by George Melachrino, "Mrs. Santa
Claus," helped standardize and establish the character and role in the popular imagination.
In some images of the early 20th century, Santa was depicted as personally making his toys by
hand in a small workshop like a craftsman. Eventually, the idea emerged that he had numerous
elves responsible for making the toys, but the toys were still handmade by each individual elf
working in the traditional manner.
The concept of Santa Claus continues to inspire writers and artists, as in author Seabury Quinn's
1948 novel Roads, which draws from historical legends to tell the story of Santa and the origins
of Christmas. Other modern additions to the "mythology" of Santa include Rudolph the Red-
Nosed Reindeer, the ninth and lead reindeer immortalized in a Gene Autry song, written by a
Montgomery Ward copywriter.
Santa Claus in popular culture
See also: SantaCon

Santa, otherwise known as Father Christmas, pays a visit to some children in the
1950s.

A depiction of the story of Santa Claus' origin and early life can be seen in the animated
television special "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" produced by Rankin/Bass Productions, Inc.
in 1970. That story set Santa against the bitter Burgermeister Meisterburger who had banned all
toys until Santa, anxious to deliver toys made by his adopted family, the Kringles, entered the
town. This "outlaw" beginning was said to explain why Santa travels at night. Many other
elements of the popular myths of Santa are given explanatory treatment in this stop action film.
By the end of the 20th century, the reality of mass mechanized production became more fully
accepted by the Western public. That shift was reflected in the modern depiction of Santa's
residence—now often humorously portrayed as a fully mechanized production and distribution
facility, equipped with the latest manufacturing technology, and overseen by the elves with Santa
and Mrs. Claus as executives and/or managers.[27] An excerpt from a 2004 article, from a supply
chain managers' trade magazine, aptly illustrates this depiction:
Santa's main distribution center is a sight to behold. At 4,000,000 square feet (370,000 m2), it's one of the
world's largest facilities. A real-time warehouse management system is of course required to run such a
complex. The facility makes extensive use of task interleaving, literally combining dozens of DC
activities (putaway, replenishing, order picking, sleigh loading, cycle counting) in a dynamic queue...the
DC elves have been on engineered standards and incentives for three years, leading to a 12% gain in
productivity...The WMS and transportation system are fully integrated, allowing (the elves) to make
optimal decisions that balance transportation and order picking and other DC costs. Unbeknownst to
many, Santa actually has to use many sleighs and fake Santa drivers to get the job done Christmas Eve,
and the TMS optimally builds thousands of consolidated sacks that maximize cube utilization and
minimize total air miles.[28]
Many television commercials, comic strips and other media depict this as a sort of humorous
business, with Santa's elves acting as a sometimes mischievously disgruntled workforce,
cracking jokes and pulling pranks on their boss. For instance, an early Bloom County story has
Santa telling the story of how his elves went on strike, only to be fired by Ronald Reagan and
replaced by unemployed aircraft control personnel.[citation needed]
Another recent depiction can be found in the 2007 film Fred Claus, a comedy starring Vince
Vaughan in the title role as the sarcastic older brother to Santa (played by Paul Giamatti.) Fred
visits his brother at the North Pole and, under the guidance of Santa and the elves (some who act
as Santa's bodyguards), helps deliver the Christmas toys.
NORAD, the joint Canadian-American military organization responsible for air defense,
regularly reports tracking Santa Claus every year.[29]
In Kyrgyzstan, a mountain peak was named after Santa Claus, after a Swedish company had
suggested the location be a more efficient starting place for present-delivering journeys all over
the world, than Lapland. In the Kyrgyz capital, Bishkek, a Santa Claus Festival was held on
December 30, 2007, with government officials attending. 2008 was officially declared the Year
of Santa Claus in the country. The events are seen as moves to boost tourism in Kyrgyzstan[30],
which is predominately Muslim.
Criticism
See also: Christmas controversy

Christian opposition
Excerpt from Josiah King's The Examination and Tryal of Father Christmas (1686),
published shortly after Christmas was reinstated as a holy day in England. Folger
Shakespeare Library, Washington, D.C.

Such condemnation of Santa Claus is a phenomenon not limited to the 20th century, but rather
originated among some Protestant groups of the 16th century and was prevalent among the
Puritans of 17th-century England and America who banned the holiday as either pagan or Roman
Catholic. Following the English Civil War, under Oliver Cromwell's government Christmas was
banned. Following the Restoration of the monarchy and with Puritans out of power in England,
[31]
the ban on Christmas was satirized in works such as Josiah King's The Examination and Tryal
of Old Father Christmas; Together with his Clearing by the Jury (1686) [Nissenbaum, chap. 1].
Rev. Paul Nedergaard, a clergyman in Copenhagen, Denmark, attracted controversy in 1958
when he declared Santa to be a "pagan goblin" after Santa's image was used on fund-raising
materials for a Danish welfare organization Clar, 337. One prominent religious group that
refuses to celebrate Santa Claus, or Christmas itself, for similar reasons is the Jehovah's
Witnesses [32]. A number of denominations of Christians have varying concerns about Santa
Claus, which range from acceptance to denouncement.[33][34]
Santa as a symbol of commercialism
In his book Nicholas: The Epic Journey from Saint to Santa Claus, writer Jeremy Seal describes
how the commercialization of the Santa Claus legend began in the 1800s. "In the 1820s he began
to acquire the recognizable trappings: reindeer, sleigh, bells," said Seal in an interview.[35] "They
are simply the actual bearings in the world from which he emerged. At that time, sleighs were
how you got about Manhattan."
Writing in Mothering, writer Carol Jean-Swanson makes similar points, noting that the original
figure of St. Nicholas gave only to those who were needy and that today Santa Claus seems to be
more about conspicuous consumption:

Our jolly old Saint Nicholas reflects our culture to a T, for he is fanciful,
“ exuberant, bountiful, over-weight, and highly commercial. He also mirrors
some of our highest ideals: childhood purity and innocence, selfless
giving, unfaltering love, justice, and mercy. (What child has ever received
a coal for Christmas?) The problem is that, in the process, he has become
burdened with some of society's greatest challenges: materialism,
corporate greed, and domination by the media. Here, Santa carries more
in his baggage than toys alone![36] ”
In the Czech Republic, a group of advertising professionals started a website against Santa Claus,
a relatively recent phenomenon in that country.[7] "Czech Christmases are intimate and magical.
All that Santa stuff seems to me like cheap show business," said David König of the Creative
Copywriters Club, pointing out that it is primarily an American and British tradition. "I'm not
against Santa himself. I'm against Santa in my country only." In the Czech tradition, presents are
delivered by Ježíšek, which translates as Baby Jesus.
In the United Kingdom, Santa -- or Father Christmas -- was historically depicted wearing a green
cloak. More recently, that has been changed to the more commonly known red suit.[37] One
school in the seaside town of Brighton banned the use of a red suit for erroneously believing it
was only indicative of the Coca-Cola advertising campaign. School spokesman Sarah James
said: "The red-suited Santa was created as a marketing tool by Coca-Cola, it is a symbol of
commercialism."[38] In reality, the red-suited Santa was created by Thomas Nast.
Deception controversy
The belief in Santa Claus by children is widespread. In an AP-AOL News poll, 86% of American
adults believed in Santa as children, with the age of 8 being the average for stopping to believe
he is real, although 15% still believed after the age of 10.[39] In New Zealand, 85 percent of 4-
year-old children and 65 percent of 6-year-olds believe in Santa Claus.[40]
Parental and societal encouragement of this belief is not without controversy. The editors of
Netscape framed one complaint about the Santa Claus myth: "Parents who encourage a belief in
Santa are foisting a grand deception on their children, who inevitably will be disappointed and
disillusioned."[41] University of Texas at Austin psychology professor Jacqueline Woolley
contradicts the notion that a belief in Santa is evidence of the gullibility of children, but evidence
that they believe what their parents tell them and society reinforces. According to Woolley:

The adults they count on to provide reliable information about the world
“ introduce them to Santa. Then his existence is affirmed by friends, books,
TV and movies. It is also validated by hard evidence: the half-eaten
cookies and empty milk glasses by the tree on Christmas morning. In
other words, children do a great job of scientifically evaluating Santa. And
adults do a great job of duping them.[42] ”
Woolley posits that it is perhaps "kinship with the adult world" that causes children not to be
angry that they were lied to for so long. The criticism about this deception is not that it is a
simple lie, but a complicated series of very large lies.[6] The objections to the lie are that it is
unethical for parents to lie to children without good cause, and that it discourages healthy
skepticism in children.[6] With no greater good at the heart of the lie, it is charged that it is more
about the parents than it is about the children. Writer Austin Cline posed the question: "Is it not
possible that kids would find at least as much pleasure in knowing that parents are responsible
for Christmas, not a supernatural stranger?"[6]
Others, however, see no harm in the belief in Santa Claus. Psychologist Tamar Murachver said in
that it was a cultural, not parental, lie; thus, it does not undermine parental trust.[43] The New
Zealand Skeptics also see no harm in parents telling their children that Santa is real.
Spokesperson Vicki Hyde said, "It would be a hard-hearted parent indeed who frowned upon the
innocent joys of our children's cultural heritage. We save our bah humbugs for the things that
exploit the vulnerable."[43]
Dr. John Condry of Cornell University interviewed more than 500 children for a study of the
issue and found that not a single child was angry at his or her parents for telling them Santa
Claus was real. According to Dr. Condry, "The most common response to finding out the truth
was that they felt older and more mature. They now knew something that the younger kids
didn't."[44]
Islamic opposition in Bosnia
Santa Claus has been banned by the director of pre-school education in predominantly Muslim
Sarajevo on 21 December 2008 on the grounds that he plays no part in Bosniak tradition.[45]
The controversial attack is the culmination of a long history of unsuccessful efforts by
nationalists with Islamic leanings to ban him out the country.[45] The struggle first emerged in the
aftermath of the Bosnian war when the wartime president, Alija Izetbegović, attempted to
declare Santa Claus a communist-era 'fabrication'.[45] Although at the time Izetbegović's efforts
were blocked after a public outcry, this time it was done by Arzija Mahmutović, director of the
Children of Sarajevo group of public nurseries, apparently successfully.
Home of Santa Claus
Santa Claus's home traditionally includes a residence and a workshop where he creates - often
with the aid of elves or other supernatural beings - the gifts he delivers to good children at
Christmas. Some stories and legends include a village, inhabited by his helpers, surrounding his
home and shop.
In North American tradition (in the United States and Canada), Santa lives on the North Pole,
which according to Canada Post lies within Canadian jurisdiction in postal code H0H 0H0,
although postal codes starting with H are usually reserved for the island of Montreal in Québec.
However, each Nordic country claims Santa's residence to be within their territory. In Denmark,
he is said to live in Greenland (near Uummannaq). In Sweden, the town of Mora has a themepark
named Tomteland. The national postal terminal in Tomteboda in Stockholm receives childrens'
letters for Santa. The Finnish town Rovaniemi has long been known in Finland as Santa's home,
and has today a themepark called Santa Claus Village.

An old-fashioned Santa suit

Saint Nicholas
He was a Vested bishop who loved sailors, poor, worked wonders and gave gifts. He
had golden balls. Do you see the family resemblance?

Saint Nicholas

Bishop of Myra, Defender of Orthodoxy,

Wonderworker, Holy Hierarch

c. February 15, december(december-

Born 02-15) (the Ides of March)[1], Patara,
Lycia, Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey)

December 6, 346 (aged 76), Myra,

Died
Lycia

Venerat
All Christianity
ed in

Canonize
Pre-Congregation
d

Major
Basilica di San Nicola, Bari, Italy.
shrine

Feast December 6 (main feast day)

 May 9 (translation of relics)

Vested as a Bishop. In Eastern

Christianity, wearing an omophorion
and holding a Gospel Book. Sometimes
Attribut
shown with Jesus Christ over one
es
shoulder, holding a Gospel Book, and
with the Theotokos over the other
shoulder, holding balls.

Children, sailors, fishermen, merchants,

Patrona the falsely accused, pawnbrokers,
ge prostitutes, repentant thieves, many
cities.

Saint Nicholas (Greek: Άγιος Νικόλαος , Agios Nikolaos, "victory of the people") (270 -
December 6, 346) is the common name for Nicholas of Myra, a saint and Bishop of Myra (in
Lycia, part of modern-day Turkey). Because of the many miracles attributed to his intercession,
he is also known as Nicholas the Wonderworker. He had a reputation for secret gift-giving,
such as putting coins in the shoes of those who left them out for him, and thus became the model
for Santa Claus, whose English name comes from the Dutch Sinterklaas. His reputation evolved
among the faithful, as is common for early Christian saints.[2] In 1087, his relics were furtively
translated to Bari, in southern Italy; for this reason, he is also known as Nicholas of Bari.
The historical Saint Nicholas is remembered and revered among Catholic and Orthodox
Christians. He is also honoured by various Anglican and Lutheran churches. Saint Nicholas is the
patron saint of sailors, merchants, archers, and children, and students in Greece, Belgium,
Romania, Bulgaria, Georgia, Russia, the Republic of Macedonia, Slovakia, Serbia and
Montenegro. He is also the patron saint of Barranquilla, Bari, Amsterdam, Beit Jala, and
Liverpool. In 1809, the New-York Historical Society convened and retroactively named Sancte
Claus the patron saint of Nieuw Amsterdam, the Dutch name for New York City.[3] He was also
a patron of the Varangian Guard of the Byzantine emperors, who protected his relics in Bari.
•

Deeds and miracles attributed to Saint Nicholas

Saint Nicholas is the patron saint of sailors and is often called upon by mariners who are in
danger of drowning or being shipwrecked. In Germany survivors of shipwrecks traditionally
brought patches of sailcloth to Saint Nicholas as votive offerings. According to one legend, as a
young man Nicholas went to study in Alexandria and on one of his sea voyages from Myra to
Alexandria he is said to have saved the life of a sailor who fell from the ship's rigging during a
storm. In a colourful version of this legend, Nicholas saved the man on his voyage back from
Alexandria to Myra and upon his arrival took the sailor to the church. At that time the previous
bishop of the city had just died and the church fathers were instructed in a dream to choose for
their next bishop a "man who conquers" (Greek: nikei). While the saint was praying, the loose-
lipped sailor went around telling how courageously he was saved by the man Nikei-Laos, upon
which the church elders had no choice but to elect Nicholas as their new bishop.

Saint Nicholas with the Three Boys in the Pickling Tub. oak, South Netherlandish, ca.
1500. (Metropolitan Museum of Art)

Another legend[citation needed] tells how a terrible famine struck the island and a malicious butcher
lured three little children into his house, where he slaughtered and butchered them, placing their
remains in a barrel to cure, planning to sell them off as ham. Saint Nicholas, visiting the region
to care for the hungry, not only saw through the butcher's horrific crime but also resurrected the
three boys from the barrel by his prayers. Another version of this story, possibly formed around
the eleventh century, claims that the butcher's victims were instead three clerks who wished to
stay the night. The man murdered them, and was advised by his wife to dispose of them by
turning them into meat pies. The Saint saw through this and brought the men back to life.

The dowry for the three virgins (Gentile da Fabriano, c. 1425, Pinacoteca Vaticana,
Rome).

In his most famous exploit however, a poor man had three daughters but could not afford a
proper dowry for them. This meant that they would remain unmarried and probably, in absence
of any other possible employment would have to become prostitutes. Hearing of the poor man's
plight, Nicholas decided to help him but being too modest to help the man in public, (or to save
the man the humiliation of accepting charity), he went to his house under the cover of night and
threw three purses (one for each daughter) filled with gold coins through the window opening
into the man's house. One version has him throwing one purse for three consecutive nights.
Another has him throw the purses over a period of three years, each time the night before one of
the daughters comes "of age". Invariably, the third time the father lies in wait, trying to discover
the identity of their benefactor. In one version the father confronts the saint, only to have Saint
Nicholas say it is not him he should thank, but God alone. In another version, Nicholas learns of
the poor man's plan and drops the third bag down the chimney instead; a variant holds that the
daughter had washed her stockings that evening and hung them over the embers to dry, and that
the bag of gold fell into the stocking. For his help to the poor, Nicholas is the patron saint of
pawnbrokers; the three gold balls traditionally hung outside a pawnshop symbolize the three
sacks of gold. People then began to suspect that he was behind a large number of other
anonymous gifts to the poor, using the inheritance from his wealthy parents. After he died,
people in the region continued to give to the poor anonymously, and such gifts were still often
attributed to St. Nicholas.
A nearly identical story is attributed by Greek folklore to Basil of Caesarea. Basil's feast day on
January 1 is considered the time of exchanging gifts in Greece.

In late medieval England, on Saint Nicholas' Day parishes held Yuletide "boy bishop"
celebrations. As part of this celebration, youths performed the functions of priests and bishops,
and exercised rule over their elders. Today, Saint Nicholas is still celebrated as a great gift-giver
in several Western European countries. According to one source, medieval nuns used the night of
December 6th to anonymously deposit baskets of food and clothes at the doorsteps of the needy.
According to another source, on December 6th every sailor or ex-sailor of the Low Countries
(which at that time was virtually all of the male population) would descend to the harbour towns
to participate in a church celebration for their patron saint. On the way back they would stop at
one of the various Nicholas fairs to buy some hard-to-come-by goods, gifts for their loved ones
and invariably some little presents for their children. While the real gifts would only be presented
at Christmas, the little presents for the children were given right away, courtesy of Saint
Nicholas. This and his miracle of him resurrecting the three butchered children, made Saint
Nicholas a patron saint of children and later students as well.
Among Albanians, Saint Nicholas is known as Shen'Kollë and is venerated by most Catholic
families, even those from villages that are devoted to other saints. The Feast of Saint Nicholas is
celebrated on the eve of December 5th, known as Shen'Kolli i Dimnit (Saint Nicholas of Winter),
as well as on the commemoration of the interring of his bones in Bari, the eve of May 8th,
known as Shen'Kolli i Majit (Saint Nicholas of May). Albanian Catholics often swear by Saint
Nicholas, saying "Pasha Shejnti Shen'Kollin!" ("May I see Holy Saint Nicholas!"), indicting the
importance of this saint in Albanian culture, especially among the Albanians of Malësia. On the
eve of his feast day, Albanians will light a candle and abstain from meat, preparing a feast of
roasted lamb and pork, to be served to guests after midnight. Guests will greet each other, saying,
"Nata e Shen'Kollit ju nihmoftë!" ("May the Night of Saint Nicholas help you!") and other such
blessings. The bones of Albania's greatest hero, Gjergj Kastrioti, were also interred in the Church
of Saint Nicholas in Lezha, Albania, upon his death. So strong and powerful was the mystery
surrounding this figure and this holy church, that the invading Turks stole the bones and used
them as amulets, so they are no longer there.
In iconography
A modern metal icon of St. Nicholas by the Bulgarian artist Georgi 'Chapa'
Chapkanov. Gilbert House, Stanley, Falkland Islands.

Saint Nicholas is a popular subject portrayed on countless Eastern Orthodox icons, particularly
Russian ones. He is depicted as an Orthodox bishop, wearing the omophorion and holding a
Gospel Book, sometimes he is depicted wearing the Eastern Orthodox mitre, sometimes he is
bareheaded. Iconographically, Nicholas is depicted as an elderly man with a short, full white
beard and balding head. In commemoration of the miracle attributed to him by tradition at the
Ecumenical Council of Nicea, he is sometimes depicted with Christ over his left sholder holding
out a Gospel Book to him and the Theotokos over his right sholder holding the omophorion.
Because of his patronage of mariners, occasionally Saint Nicholas will be shown standing in a
boat or rescuing a drowning sailor.
In Roman Catholic iconography, Saint Nicholas is depicted as a bishop, wearing the insignia of
this dignity: a red bishop's cloak, a red miter and a bishop's crozier. The episode with the three
dowries is commemorated by showing him holding in his hand either three purses, three coins or
three balls of gold. Depending on whether he is depicted as patron saint of children or sailors, his
images will be completed by a background showing ships, children or three figures climbing out
of a wooden barrel (the three slaughtered children he resurrected).
In a strange twist, the three gold balls referring to the dowry affair are sometimes misinterpreted
as being oranges or other fruits. As in the Low Countries oranges are generally believed to come
from Spain, this led to the belief that the Saint lives in Spain and comes to visit every winter
bringing oranges and other 'wintry' fruits.
Saint Nicholas Day

2006 Christmas stamp, Ukraine, showing St. Nicholas and children.

The tradition of Saint Nicholas Day, usually on 6 December, is a festival for children in many
countries in Europe related to surviving legends of the saint, and particularly his reputation as a
bringer of gifts. The American Santa Claus, as well as the Anglo-Canadian and British Father
Christmas, derive from these legends. "Santa Claus" is itself derived from the Dutch Sinterklaas.
Celebration in Italy
St. Nicholas (San Nicola) is the patron of the city of Bari, where he is buried. Its deeply felt
celebration is called the Festa di San Nicola, held on the 7-8-9 of May. In particular on May 8
the relics of the saint are carried on a boat on the sea in front of the city with many boats
following (Festa a mare). On December 6 there is a ritual called the Rito delle nubili. The same
tradition is currently observed in Sassari, where during the day of Saint Nicholas, patron of the
city, gifts are given to young brides who need help before getting married.
In Trieste St. Nicholas (San Nicolò) is celebrated with gifts given to children on the morning of
the 6th of December and with a fair called Fiera di San Nicolò during the first weeks of
December. Depending on the cultural background, in some families this celebration is more
important than Christmas. Trieste is a city on the sea, being one of the main ports of the Austro-
Hungarian Empire and is influenced mainly by Italian, Slovenian and German cultures, but also
Greek and Serbian.
The city of Gesualdo celebrates on December, 6th the Festa di San Nicola.
Celebration in Lebanon
Saint Nicholas is celebrated by all the Christian communities in Lebanon: Catholic, Greek
Orthodox, and Armenian. Many places, churches, convents, and schools are named in honor of
Saint Nicholas, such as Escalier Saint-Nicolas des Arts, Saint Nicolas Garden, and Saint Nicolas
Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Achrafieh.
Celebration in West Bank
Saint Nicholas is the patron saint of the town of Beit Jala. This little town, which is located only
two kilometers to the west of Bethlehem, boasts of being the place where St. Nicholas spent four
years of his life during his pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Every year on the 19th of December
according to the Julian Calendar—that is the 6th of December according to the Gregorian
Calendar—a solemn Divine Liturgy is held in the Orthodox Church of St. Nicholas, and is
usually followed by parades, exhibitions, and many activities. Arab Palestinian Christians of all
denominations and churches come to Beit Jala and participate in prayers and celebrations.
Celebration in Central Europe
In Germany, Nikolaus is usually celebrated on a small scale. Many children put a boot called
Nikolaus-Stiefel outside the front door on the night of December 5 to December 6. St. Nicholas
fills the boot with gifts and sweets, and at the same time checks up on the children to see if they
were good, polite and helpful the last year. If they were not, they will have a tree branch (rute) in
their boots instead. Sometimes a disguised Nikolaus also visits the children at school or in their
homes and asks them if they have been good (sometimes ostensibly checking his golden book for
their record), handing out presents on a per-behaviour basis. This has become more lenient in
recent decades.
But for many children, Nikolaus also elicited fear, as he was often accompanied by Knecht
Ruprecht (Servant Ruprecht), who would threaten to beat, or sometimes actually beat the
children for misbehaviour as using this myth to 'bring up cheek children' for a better, good
behaviour. Any kind of punishment isn't really following and just an antic legend. Knecht
Ruprecht furthermore was equipped with goatlegs. In Switzerland, where he is called Schmutzli,
he would threaten to put bad children in a sack and take them back to the dark forest. In other
accounts he would throw the sack into the river, drowning the naughty children. These traditions
were implemented more rigidly in Catholic countries and regions such as Austria or Bavaria.
In highly Catholic regions, the local priest was informed by the parents about their children's
behaviour and would then personally visit the homes in the traditional Christian garment and
threaten to beat them with a rod. In parts of Austria, Krampusse, who local tradition says are
Nikolaus's helpers (in reality, typically children of poor families), roamed the streets during the
festival. They wore masks and dragged chains behind them. These Krampusläufe (Krampus
runs) still exist.
In the Czech Republic, Slovakia Mikuláš and in Poland Mikołaj is often also accompanied by an
angel (anděl/anioł) who acts as a counterweight to the ominous devil or Knecht Ruprecht
(čert/czart). Additionally, in Poland childern find the candy and small gifts under the pillow the
morning of 6th December.
In Slovenia Saint Nikolaus (Miklavž) is accompanied by an angel and a devil (parkelj)
corresponding to the Austrian Krampus.
In Luxembourg Kleeschen is accompanied by the Houseker a frightening helper wearing a brown
monk's habit.
In Croatia Nikolaus (Sveti Nikola) who visits on Saint Nicholas day (Nikolinje) brings gifts to
children commending them for their good behaviour over the past year and exhorting them to
continue in the same manner in the year to come. If they fail to do so they will receive a visit
from Krampus who traditionally leaves a rod, an instrument their parents will use to discipline
them.
In Hungary and Romania children typically leave their boots on the windowsill on the evening of
December 5. By next morning Nikolaus (Szent Miklós traditionally but more commonly known
as Mikulás in Hungary or Moş Nicolae (Sfântul Nicolae) in Romania) leaves candy and gifts if
they have been good, or a rod (Hungarian: virgács, Romanian: nuieluşǎ) if they have been bad
(most kids end up getting small gifts but also a small rod). In Hungary he is often accompanied
by the Krampusz, the frightening helper who is out to take away the bad ones.
Celebration in Greece
In Greece, Saint Nicholas does not carry an especial association with gift-giving, as this tradition
is carried over to St. Basil of Cesarea, celebrated on New Year's Day. St. Nicholas being the
protector of sailors, he is considered the patron saint of the Greek navy, war and merchant alike
and his day is marked by festivities aboard all ships and boats, at sea and in port. It is also
associated with the preceding feasts of St. Barbara (December 4th), St. Savvas (December 5th),
and the following feast of St. Ann (December 9th); all these are often collectively called the
"Nikolobárbara", and are considered a succession of days that heralds the onset of truly wintry
cold weather in the country. Therefore by tradition, homes should have already been laid with
carpets, removed for the warm season, by St. Andrew's Day (November 30th), a week ahead of
the Nikolobárbara.
Celebration in Serbia
In Serbia, Saint Nicholas is celebrated as patron saint of many families, through the feast
preserved amongst the Serbs only, widely known as Serbian Slava. Since the feast of Saint
Nicholas always falls in the fasting period preceding the Christmas, feast is celebrated according
to the Eastern Orthodox Church fasting rules.
Celebration in Canada and the United States
While feasts of Saint Nicholas are not observed nationally, cities with strong German influences
like Milwaukee, Cincinnati, and St. Louis celebrate St. Nick's Day on a scale similar to the
German custom.[4] On the previous night, children put one empty shoe (or sock) outside, and, on
the following morning of December 6, the children awake to find that St. Nick has filled their
previously empty footwear with candy and small presents (if the children have been "good") or
coal (if not). For these children, the relationship between St. Nick and Santa Claus is not clearly
defined, although St. Nick is usually explained to be a helper of Santa. The tradition of St. Nick's
Day is firmly established in the Milwaukee, Cincinnati and St. Louis communities, with parents
often continuing to observe the day with even their adult children. Widespread adoption of
observing the tradition has spread throughout the German, Polish and Belgian communities
throughout Wisconsin, and is carried out through modern times.
Celebration in Belgium and the Netherlands
Main article: Sinterklaas

Sinterklaas in the Netherlands in 2007.

In the Netherlands, Saint Nicholas' Eve (December 5) is the primary occasion for gift-giving,
when his reputed birthday is celebrated. In this case, roles are reversed, though, in that
Sinterklaas is the one who gives the presents.
In the days leading up to December 5 (starting when Saint Nicholas has arrived in the
Netherlands by steamboat), young children put their shoes in front of the chimneys and sing
special 'Sinterklaas-songs'. Often the shoe is filled with a carrot or some hay for the horse of St.
Nicholas (called Amerigo). On the next morning they will find a small present in their shoe,
ranging from a bag of chocolate coins to a bag of marbles or some other small toy. On the
evening of December 5th, Sinterklaas brings presents to every child that has been good in the
past year (in practice to all children). This is often done by placing a sack with presents outside
the house or living room, after which a neighbour or parent bangs the door or window,
pretending to be Sinterklaas' assistant. Another option is to hire or ask someone to dress up as
Sinterklaas and deliver the presents personally. Sinterklaas wears a bishop's robes including a
red cape and mitre, rides a white horse over the rooftops and is assisted by many mischievous
helpers with black faces and colourful Moorish dress, dating back two centuries. These helpers
are called 'Zwarte Pieten' (Black Petes).
Until the 1950s, if a child had been naughty, the Black Petes would stuff the child in a sack and
threaten to beat it with a broom or a stick. Then all the naughty children, in sacks, were said to be
taken back with Sinterklaas to Spain (it is believed that Sinterklaas comes from Spain, where he
returns at the end of the night).
In the past number of years, there has been a recurrent discussion about the politically incorrect
nature of the Moorish helper. In particular Dutch citizens with backgrounds from Suriname and
the Netherlands Antilles feel offended by the Dutch slavery history connected to this emblem
and regard the Zwarte Pieten to be racist. Others state that the black skin color of Zwarte Piet
originates in his profession as a chimneysweep, hence the delivery of packages though the
chimney.
In recent years, Christmas (along with Santa Claus) has been pushed by shopkeepers as another
gift-giving festival, with some success; although, especially for young children, Saint Nicholas'
Eve is still much more important than Christmas.
Celebration in France
Saint Nicolas is celebrated in the eastern part of the country (Alsace, Lorraine regions) and less
strongly in the northern part of the country (Nord département). He is accompanied by "Père
Fouettard", carrying a bunch of sticks with which naughty children are beaten. The most famous
story about Saint Nicolas is where he rescues three children from a butcher.
Celebration in Portugal
In Portugal, St. Nicholas (São Nicolau) has been celebrated since the Middle Ages in Guimarães
as the patron saint of high-school students, in the so called Nicolinas, a group of festivities that
occur from November 29th to December 7th each year.
Benjamin Britten cantata
Benjamin Britten wrote a Christmas cantata entitled St. Nicolas commissioned by three public
schools.
Metamorphosis in Demre

Russian Orthodox statue of Saint Nicolas, now in a corner near the church in Demre.
Noel Baba at the square in front of the church in Demre.

The metamorphosis of Saint Nicholas into the more commercially lucrative Santa Claus, which
took several centuries in Europe and America, has recently been re-enacted in the saint's home
town: the city of Demre. This modern Turkish town is built near the ruins of ancient Myra. As
St. Nicholas is a very popular Orthodox saint, the city attracts many Russian tourists. A solemn
bronze statue of the Saint by the Russian sculptor Gregory Pototsky, donated by the Russian
government in 2000, was given a prominent place on the square in front of the medieval church
of St. Nicholas. In 2005, mayor Suleyman Topcu had the statue replaced by a red-suited plastic
Santa Claus statue, because he wanted the central statue to be more recognizable to visitors from
all over the world. Protests from the Russian government against this action were successful only
to the extent that the Russian statue was returned, without its original high pedestal, to a corner
near the church.
Restoration on Saint Nicholas' original church in Demre is currently under way. In 2007, the
Turkish Ministry of Culture finally gave permission for the Divine Liturgy to be celebrated at the
site, and has even contributed the sum of forty-thousand Turkish Lira to the project.
Rosedale Baptist Church- Wise men still seeking Jesus.

Biblical Magi
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
(Redirected from Three Magi)

Jump to: navigation, search

"Three Kings", or "Three Wise Men", redirects here. For other uses, see Three
Kings (disambiguation) and Wise men.
Adoration of the Magi by Bartolomé Esteban Murillo.

In Christian tradition the Magi (Greek: μάγοι, magoi), Three Wise Men, Three Kings or Kings
from the East are said to have visited Jesus after his birth, bearing gifts. They are mentioned
only in the Gospel of Matthew (Mt 2) , which says that they came "from the east to Jerusalem" to
worship the Christ, "born King of the Jews". Because three gifts were recorded, there are
traditionally said to have been three Magi, though Matthew does not specify their number.[1]

Contents
[hide]
• 1 Kings, Wise Men or Magi
• 2 Names
• 3 Journey
• 4 Gifts of the Magi
• 5 Herod
• 6 Birthplace
○ 6.1 Star of Bethlehem
 ○ 6.2 The Bethlehem prophecy
• 7 Tombs
• 8 Religious significance
○ 8.1 Traditions of the Epiphany
• 9 Adoration of the Magi in art
• 10 Representation in other art forms
• 11 See also
• 12 References and notes
• 13 External links

[edit] Kings, Wise Men or Magi

The word Magi is a Latinization of the plural of the Greek word magos (μαγος pl. μαγοι), itself
from Old Persian maguŝ from the Avestan moγu. The term is a specific occupational title
referring to the priestly caste of Zoroastrianism. As part of their religion, these priests paid
particular attention to the stars, and gained an international reputation for astrology, which was at
that time a highly regarded science. Their religious practices and use of astrological sciences
caused derivatives of the term Magi to be applied to the occult in general and led to the English
term magic. Translated in the King James Version as wise men, the same word is given as
sorcerer and sorcery when describing "Elymas the sorcerer" in Acts 13:6-11, and Simon Magus,
considered a heretic by the early Church, in Acts 8:9-13.
[edit] Names
In the Eastern church a variety of different names are given for the three, but in the West the
names have been settled since the 8th century as Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar. These derive
from an early 6th century Greek manuscript in Alexandria.[2] The Latin text Collectanea et
Flores[3] continues the tradition of three kings and their names and gives additional details. This
text is said to be from the 8th century, of Irish origin.
In the Eastern churches, Ethiopian Christianity, for instance, has Hor, Karsudan, and Basanater,
while the Armenians have Kagpha, Badadakharida and Badadilma.[4][5] One of these names is
obviously Persian, although Caspar is also sometimes given as Gaspar or Jasper. One candidate
for the origin of the name Caspar appears in the Acts of Thomas as Gondophares (AD 21 – c.AD
47), i.e., Gudapharasa (from which 'Caspar' might derive as corruption of 'Gaspar'). This
Gondophares declared independence from the Arsacids to become the first Indo-Parthian king
and who was allegedly visited by Thomas the Apostle. Christian legend may have chosen
Gondofarr simply because he was an eastern king living in the right time period.
In contrast, the Syrian Christians name the Magi Larvandad, Gushnasaph, and Hormisdas. These
names have a far greater likelihood of being originally Persian, though that does not, of course,
guarantee their authenticity.
Many Chinese Christians believe that one of the magi came from China.[6]
[edit] Journey
According to the Gospel of Matthew, the magi found Jesus by following a star. The Biblical text
indicates that they found Jesus around two years after his birth, rather than on the exact day
(Matt. 2:7–8, 16). On finding him, they gave him three symbolic gifts: gold, frankincense and
myrrh. Warned in a dream that Herod intended to kill the child, they decided to return home by a
different route. This prompted Herod to resort to killing all the young children in Bethlehem, an
act called the Massacre of the Innocents, in an attempt to eliminate a rival heir to his throne.
Jesus and his family had, however, escaped to Egypt beforehand. After these events they passed
into obscurity.[7] The story of the nativity in Matthew glorifies Jesus, likens him to Moses, and
shows his life as fulfilling prophecy. Some critics consider this nativity story to be an invention
of the author of Matthew.[8]
Unlike Luke, the author of Matthew makes no mention of the actual birth of Jesus, focusing
instead on what occurred later. Matthew introduces the Magi, who have come to worship Jesus,
while accidentally informing Herod of Jesus' existence.
The phrase from the east is the only information Matthew provides on where they came from.
Traditionally the view developed that they were Persian or Parthian, a view held for example by
John Chrysostom, and Byzantine art generally depicted them in Persian dress. The main support
for this is that the first Magi were from Persia and that land still had the largest number of them.
Some believe they were from Babylon, which was the centre of Zurvanism, and hence astrology,
at the time. Raymond Brown comments that the author of Matthew probably did not have a
specific location in mind and the phrase from the east is for literary effect and added exoticism.
After the visit the Magi leave the narrative by returning another way so as to avoid Herod, and
do not reappear. Gregory the Great waxed lyrical on this theme, commenting that having come to
know Jesus we are forbidden to return by the way we came. There are many traditional stories
about what happened to the Magi after this, with one having them baptised by St. Thomas on his
way to India. Another has their remains found by Saint Helena and brought to Constantinople,
and eventually making their way to Germany and the Shrine of the Three Kings at Cologne
Cathedral.
[edit] Gifts of the Magi
Byzantine art usually shows the Magi in Persian dress (breeches, capes, and
Phrygian caps). Mosaic, ca. 600.
Basilica of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo, Ravenna, Italy - restored.

Upon meeting Jesus, the Magi are described as handing over gifts and "falling down" in joyous
praise. The use of the term "falling down" more properly means lying prostrate on the ground,
which, together with the use of kneeling in Luke's birth narrative, had an important effect on
Christian religious practice. Previously both Jewish and Roman tradition had viewed kneeling
and prostration as undignified, reserved in Jewish tradition for epiphanies; although for Persians
it was a sign of great respect, often showed to the king. But inspired by these verses, kneeling
and prostration were adopted in the early Church; while prostration is now very rarely practiced
in the West (still being relatively common in the Eastern Churches, especially during Lent),
kneeling has remained an important element of Christian worship to this day.
Three of the gifts are explicitly identified in Matthew — gold, frankincense and myrrh; It has
been suggested by scholars that the "gifts" were in fact medicinal rather than precious material
for tribute.[9][10][11])
This episode can be linked to Isaiah 60 and to Psalm 72 which report gifts being given by kings,
and this has played a central role in the perception of the Magi as kings, rather than as
astronomer-priests. In a hymn of the late 4th-century hispanic poet Prudentius, the three gifts
have already gained their medieval interpretation as prophetic emblems of Jesus' identity,
familiar in the carol "We Three Kings" by John Henry Hopkins, Jr., 1857.
Many different theories of the meaning and symbolism of the gifts have been advanced; while
gold is fairly obviously explained, frankincense, and particularly myrrh, are much more obscure.
They generally break down into two groups:
• That they are all ordinary gifts for a king — myrrh being commonly used as
an anointing oil, frankincense as a perfume, and gold as a valuable.
• That they are prophetic — gold as a symbol of kingship on earth,
frankincense (an incense) as a symbol of priestship, and myrrh (an
embalming oil) as a symbol of death. Sometimes this is described more
generally as gold symbolizing virtue, frankincense symbolizing prayer, and
myrrh symbolizing suffering.

One of the earliest known depictions from a third century sarcophagus.

Vatican Museums, Rome, Italy.

John Chrysostom suggested that the gifts were fit to be given not just to a king but to God, and
contrasted them with the Jews' traditional offerings of sheep and calves, and accordingly
Chrysostom asserts that the Magi worshiped Jesus as God. This is believed to be unlikely by
some, if the theory that they were members of a Zoroastrian priesthood is correct. However this
possibility remains, since zoroastianism prophesied of a messiah type figure Saoshyant who
would be born of a virgin — although Saoshyant's virgin birth was not entirely developed until
the 9-12th century in the Denkard compendium of beliefs, and prior to that is only hinted at in
the older source text, Zam Yasht 19.92[12]. C. S. Mann has advanced the theory that the items
were not actually brought as gifts, but were rather the tools of the Magi, who typically would be
astrologer-priests. Mann thus sees the giving of these items to Jesus as showing that the Magi
were abandoning their practices by relinquishing the necessary tools of their trade, though Brown
disagrees with this theory since the portrayal of the Magi had been wholly positive up to this
point, with no hint of condemnation.
The gifts themselves have also been criticized as mostly useless to a poor carpenter and his
family, and this is often the target of comic satire in television and other comedy. Clarke states
that the deist Thomas Woolston once quipped that if they had brought sugar, soap, and candles
they would have acted like wise men.[13] What subsequently happened to these gifts is never
mentioned in the scripture, but several traditions have developed.[14] One story has the gold being
stolen by the two thieves who were later crucified alongside Jesus. Another tale has it being
entrusted to and then misappropriated by Judas.
In the Monastery of St. Paul of Mount Athos there is a 15th century golden case containing
purportedly the Gift of the Magi. It was donated to the monastery in the 15th century by Mara
Branković, daughter of the King of Serbia Đurađ Branković, wife to the Ottoman Sultan Murat II
and godmother to Mehmet II the Conqueror (of Constantinople). Apparently they were part of
the relics of the Holy Palace of Constantinople and it is claimed they were displayed there since
the 4th century AD. After the Athens earthquake of September 9, 1999 they were temporarily
displayed in Athens in order to strengthen faith and raise money for earthquake victims.
[edit] Herod

A smiling Herod, played by Amerigo Bevilacqua, dispatches the Magi in a scene

from Pier Paolo Pasolini's The Gospel According to St. Matthew.
When the Magi first enquire about Jesus, Matthew says that they are overheard by "Herod the
King", which is accepted as referring to Herod the Great who died in 4 BC. This is in
contradiction with Luke's mention of the census of Quirinius, which took place in AD 6. The
Magi want to pay homage to the King of the Jews, a clear challenge to Herod's authority. Herod
was renowned for killing several of his own sons who he felt threatened him. As an Edomite,
Herod would be especially threatened by a Davidic heir, who would automatically have a better
claim to the throne.
Why all Jerusalem should be troubled by an opponent to Herod is a more important question.
Throughout this chapter Matthew shows the leaders of Jerusalem allied with Herod against Jesus,
and so these passages have often been quoted in support of Christian anti-Semitism.[citation needed]
That all Jerusalem is agitated also seems to conflict with later passages in the same Gospel,
where the people are quite oblivious to Jesus' existence. Gundry sees this passage as influenced
by the politics of the time it was written, as a foreshadowing of the rejection of Jesus and his
church by the leaders of Jerusalem. Brown notes that another option, supported even in ancient
times by John Chrysostom, is that Matthew is trying to portray Jesus as a new Moses; in Exodus
all Egypt is troubled by Moses, not just the Pharaoh. Levin believes in a third option which sees
Matthew as presenting a class war throughout his Gospel, with Jesus on the side of the poor and
nomadic, against powerful city dwellers.
Most scholars take the reference to all the chief priests and scribes as referring to the Sanhedrin,
however, there is a difficulty in taking this literally as there was only one chief priest at the time,
so all the chief priests can only literally refer to a single individual. Taking it less literally,
Brown notes that this phrase occurs in other contemporary documents, and refers to the leading
priests and former chief priests, not only the current head of the priesthood. A more important
difficulty with this passage is its historical implausibility, since records from the period show
that Herod and the Sanhedrin were sharply divided, and their relations acrimonious. At the time
the priests were largely Sadducees while the scribes were mostly Pharisees, thus both groups
being present might be a deliberate attempt to tar both leading Jewish factions as being involved
with Herod. Schweizer states that Herod consulting with the Sanhedrin is historically almost
inconceivable, and he views their presence in the passage merely as a literary device to have
someone able to subsequently quote an Old Testament prophecy.
After having consulted with these religious individuals, Herod is described as secretly meeting
with the Magi, and subsequently sending the Magi to Bethlehem to discover where Jesus was so
that he could worship him. Many scholars, such as Brown and Schweizer, find this improbable;
Bethlehem is only five miles from Jerusalem and it is thus odd that Herod would need to use
foreign priests that he had only just met for such an important task, trusting them implicitly
despite his usual paranoia, even though he could easily give the task to his soldiers or others he
trusted more. R. T. France defends the historicity of this story, theorising that soldiers might
alarm the villagers, making it difficult to find the infant, though searching a village only five
miles away, even with deeply distrusting villagers, is not so difficult a task when you have an
entire army at your disposal. France has also proposed that Herod chose the Magi to carry the
task out since they were more likely to be gullible, as foreigners, or at least have less qualms than
Jewish soldiers would about killing someone supposedly fitting a Jewish prophecy.
[edit] Birthplace
This narrative of the visit of the Magi is the first point in Matthew that Bethlehem, the place of
Jesus' birth, is mentioned. That it is specified as being in Judea is ascribed by Albright and Mann
to emphasise that it isn't the northern town also named Bethlehem (probably the modern town of
Beit Lahna), though other scholars feel the main purpose of its mention is to assert that Jesus was
born in the heart of Judaism and not in the unrespected backwater that was Galilee. According to
the chronology in Luke, the family left Bethlehem soon after arriving, when Jesus was forty days
old.[15]
[edit] Star of Bethlehem

The Journey of the Magi by James Tissot.

Main article: Star of Bethlehem

The Magi are described as having followed a star to Bethlehem, which thus traditionally became
known as the Star of Bethlehem. Since at least Kepler's time there have been many attempts to
link it to an astronomical event, with the most commonly cited being a conjunction of Jupiter and
Saturn in 7 BC, fitting in with Matthew's chronology pointing to Jesus being born before 4 BC,
and unlike Luke's which points to AD 6.[16] Although traditionally the Magi, coming from the
east (apo anatolón, απο ανατολων), are described as having seen a star in the east (ton astera en
te anatole, τον αστερα εν τη ανατολη), the Greek word in question is anatole, which many
scholars feel more accurately translates as a star rising in the morning, meaning a heliacal rising.
[17]
The star was just above the horizon but hidden by the brightness of the sun. In the opinion of
Konradin Ferrari d'Occhieppo[18] it was more than just a triple conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn
in 7 BC. The star Jupiter (royal star in Babylon) had met Saturn in the sign of Pisces (which lays
in the western sky) for the first time in 854 years.[19]
Astronomer Michael R. Molnar and others have taken the view that Matthew's statements that
the star "went before" and "stood over" are terms that refer respectively to the retrogradation and
stationing of the royal "wandering star" Jupiter.
John Chrysostom rejected the idea that the Star of Bethlehem was a normal star or similar
heavenly body, arguing that it was a more miraculous occurrence, comparable to the pillar of
cloud mentioned in Exodus as leading the Israelites out of Egypt. In the Byzantine tradition,
influenced by Chrysostom's writing and by palace etiquette, the star was interpreted as a palace
official that led the foreign dignitaries to the king, and as such is depicted in Byzantine art.
At the time the notion of new stars as beacons of major events were common, being reported for
such figures as Alexander the Great, Mithridates, Abraham, and Augustus. Pliny even takes time
to rebut a theory that every person has a star that rises when they are born and fades when they
die, evidence that this was believed by some. According to Brown, to many at the time it would
have been unthinkable that a Messiah could have been born without some stellar portents
beforehand.
Some Christians have had difficulty with reference to the star, since elsewhere in the Bible
astrology is condemned. Consequently, R. T. France has argued that the passage is not an
endorsement of astrology, but rather an illustration of how God takes care in meeting individuals
where they are. Other Christians interpret the star as a fulfilment of the "Star Prophecy" in the
Book of Numbers, 24:17:
There shall come a star out of Jacob, and a sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of
Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth.

[edit] The Bethlehem prophecy

The text describes the Magi explaining to Herod about the purpose of their visit by use of a quote
from the prophet:
But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are little among the thousands of Judah, out of you will come
for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times. ― Micah 5:1-
3 (according to the Masoretic text)
The quotation given in Matthew differs substantially from both the Septuagint and Masoretic
texts of the same passage. The Septuagint and Masoretic refer to Bethlehem as Bethlehem
Ephratah, which Matthew alters to Bethlehem, land of Judah, apparently to further emphasise
that Jesus was born in Judea not Galilee, where he spent much of his ministry, an area that was
viewed by most religious Jews as being unclean and lower than the half-caste people in the
intermediate region. An even more important change is the almost total inversion of the meaning
— Micah has you are little among the thousands of Judah whereas Matthew's quote of it has you
are not least among the princes of Judah.
Matthew also replaces the word ruler with shepherd, apparently to present the argument that a
Messiah would be a religious figure rather than a political one. The portion of Micah where this
quote is found is clearly discussing a Messiah and states that like King David, the Messiah would
originate from Bethlehem. At the time it was not widely accepted that the Messiah would
necessarily be born in Bethlehem, just that his ancestors would have been, and thus it was not
considered essential for a Messiah to be someone born in that town, although it was considered a
reasonable area for one to happen to originate from: certainly far more reasonable than the
peripheral area of Galilee where Jesus grew up.
[edit] Tombs
Marco Polo claimed that he was shown the three tombs of the Magi at Saveh south of Tehran in
the 1270s:
In Persia is the city of Saba, from which the Three Magi set out and in this city they are buried, in three
very large and beautiful monuments, side by side. And above them there is a square building, beautifully
kept. The bodies are still entire, with hair and beard remaining.[20]
A Shrine of the Three Kings at Cologne Cathedral, according to tradition, contains the bones of
the Three Wise Men. Reputedly they were first discovered by Saint Helena on her famous
pilgrimage to Palestine and the Holy Lands. She took the remains to the church of Hagia Sophia
in Constantinople; they were later moved to Milan (some sources say by the city's bishop,
Eustorgius I[21]), before being sent to their current resting place by the Holy Roman Emperor
Frederick I in AD 1164. The Milanese celebrate their part in the tradition by holding a medieval
costume parade every 6 January.
A version of the detailed elaboration familiar to us is laid out by the 14th century cleric John of
Hildesheim's Historia Trium Regum ("History of the Three Kings"). In accounting for the
presence in Cologne of their mummified relics, he begins with the journey of Helena, mother of
Constantine I to Jerusalem, where she recovered the True Cross and other relics:
Queen Helen… began to think greatly of the bodies of these three kings, and she arrayed herself, and
accompanied by many attendants, went into the Land of Ind… after she had found the bodies of Melchior,
Balthazar, and Gaspar, Queen Helen put them into one chest and ornamented it with great riches, and she
brought them into Constantinople… and laid them in a church that is called Saint Sophia.

[edit] Religious significance

According to most forms of Christianity, the Magi were the first religious figures to worship
Christ, and for this reason the story of the Magi is particularly respected and popular among
many Christians. The visit of the Magi is commemorated by Catholics and other Christian
churches (but not the Eastern Orthodox) on the observance of Epiphany, January 6. The Eastern
Orthodox celebrate it on December 25. This visit is frequently treated in Christian art and
literature as The Adoration of the Magi.
Upon this kernel of information Christians embroidered many circumstantial details about the
Magi. One of the most important changes was their rising from astrologers to kings. The general
view is that this is linked to Old Testament prophesies that have the Messiah being worshipped
by kings in Isaiah 60:3, Psalm 72:10, and Psalm 68:29. Early readers reinterpreted Matthew in
light of these prophecies and elevated the Magi to kings. Mark Allan Powell rejects this view. He
argues that the idea of the Magi as kings arose considerably later in the time after Constantine
and the change was made to endorse the role of Christian monarchs. By AD 500 all
commentators adopted the prevalent tradition of the three were kings, and this continued until the
Protestant Reformation.
Though the Qur'an omits Matthew's episode of the Magi, it was well known in Arabia. The
Muslim encyclopaedist al-Tabari, writing in the 9th century, gives the familiar symbolism of the
gifts of the Magi. Al-Tabari gave his source for the information to be the later 7th century writer
Wahb ibn Munabbih.[22]
This positive interpretation of the Magi is not unopposed. The Jehovah's Witnesses[23] do not see
the arrival of the Magi as something to be celebrated, but instead stress the Biblical
condemnation of sorcery and astrology in such texts as Deuteronomy 18:10–11, Leviticus 19:26,
and Isaiah 47:13–14. They also point to the fact that the star seen by the Magi led them first to a
hostile enemy of Jesus, Herod, and only then to the child's location — the argument being that if
this was an event from God, it makes no sense for them to be led to a ruler with intentions to kill
the child before taking them to Jesus.
[edit] Traditions of the Epiphany
• Holidays celebrating the arrival of the Magi traditionally recognise a sharp
distinction between the date of their arrival and the date of Jesus' birth.
Matthew's introduction of the Magi gives the reader no reason to believe that
they were present on the night of the birth, instead stating that they arrived
 at some point after Jesus had been born, and the Magi are described as
leading Herod to assume that Jesus is up to one year old.
• Christianity celebrates the Magi on the day of Epiphany, January 6, the last of
the twelve days of Christmas, particularly in the Spanish-speaking parts of
the world. In these Spanish-speaking areas, the three kings (Sp. "los Reyes
Magos de Oriente", also "Los Tres Reyes Magos") receive wish letters from
children and magically bring them gifts on the night before Epiphany. In
Spain, each one of the Magi is supposed to represent one different continent,
Europe (Caspar), Asia (Melchior) and Africa (Balthasar). According to the
tradition, the Magi come from the Orient on their camels to visit the houses of
all the children; much like Santa Claus with his reindeer, they visit everyone
in one night. In some areas, children prepare a drink for each of the Magi, it is
also traditional to prepare food and drink for the camels, because this is the
only night of the year when they eat.
• Spanish cities organize cabalgatas in the evening, in which the kings and
their servants parade and throw sweets to the children (and parents) in
attendance. The cavalcade of the three kings in Alcoi claims to be the oldest
in the world; the participants who portray the kings and pages walk through
the crowd, giving presents to the children directly.

Sternsinger in Vienna, Austria.

• A tradition in most of Central Europe involves writing the initials of the three
kings' names above the main door of the home to confer blessings on the
occupants for the New Year. For example, 20 + C + M + B + 08. The initials
may also represent "Christus mansionem benedicat" (Christ bless this house).
In Catholic parts of Germany and in Austria, this is done by so called
Sternsinger (star singers), children, dressed up as the Magi, carrying the star.
In "exchange" for writing the initials, they collect money for charity projects
in the third world.
 • In France and Belgium, the holiday is celebrated with a special tradition:
within a family, a cake is baked which contains one single bean. Whoever
gets the bean is "crowned" king for the remainder of the holiday.
• This tradition also exists in Spain, but with one small variant; the cake, in this
case actually a ring-shaped pastry or Roscón de Reyes, is most commonly
bought, not baked, and it contains a small figurine of a Baby Jesus and a dry
broad bean. The one who gets the figurine is crowned, but whoever gets the
bean has to pay the value of the cake to the person that originally bought it.
• In Mexico they have the same ring-shaped cake Rosca de Reyes, it contains
figurines of the Baby Jesus. Whoever gets a figurine is supposed to buy
tamales for the Candelaria feast on February the second.
• In New Orleans, Louisiana and surrounding regions, a similar ring-shaped
cake known as a "king cake" traditionally becomes available in bakeries from
the Epiphany through Mardi Gras. The Baby Jesus is represented by a small,
plastic doll in the cake. The different varieties of pastry involved is large.
However, due to recent encroachment of commercialism and liability
concerns, king cakes may be available year round and the plastic doll is not
hidden in the cake, but just included in the packaging.

[edit] Adoration of the Magi in art

Main article: Adoration of the Magi in Art

Adoration of the Magi by Fra Angelico and Filippo Lippi.

The Magi most frequently appear in European art in the Adoration of the Magi; less often The
Journey of the Magi has been a popular topos, and other scenes such as the Magi before Herod
and the Dream of the Magi also appear in the Middle Ages. In Byzantine art they are depicted as
Persians, wearing trousers and phrygian caps. Crown appear from the 10th century. Medieval
artists also allegorised the theme to represent the three ages of man. Beginning in the 12th
century, and very often by the 15th, the Kings also represent the three parts of the known (pre-
Columbian) world in Western art, especially in Northern Europe. Balthasar is thus represented as
a young African or Moor and Caspar may be depicted with distinctive Oriental features.
An early Anglo-Saxon picture survives on the Franks Casket, probably a non-Christian king’s
hoard-box (early 7th century, whalebone carving); or rather the hoard-box survived Christian
attacks on non-Christian art and sculpture because of that picture.[24] In its composition it follows
the oriental style, which renders a courtly scene, with the Virgin and Christ facing the spectator,
while the Magi devoutly approach from the (left) side. Even amongst non-Christians who had
heard of the Christian story of the Magi, the motif was quite popular, since the Magi had endured
a long journey and were generous. Instead of an angel, the picture places a swan, interpretable as
the hero's fylgja (a protecting spirit, and shapeshifter).
More generally they appear in popular Nativity scenes and other Christmas decorations that have
their origins in the Neapolitan variety of the Italian presepio or Nativity crèche.
I am the Grandson of Wise Alsept. That makes me a wise man. I pray to be a good gift giver.
The present is a gift and it is what connects us to the past and future. I had a vision of a dot and
two rays going off into infinity in both directions. This was time that I had my Episode that
resulted in my discharge. I was cared for by family and friends and clung to images of the past,
present and future to comfort me. I walked with the Holy Ghost on that psyche ward. I imagined
a powerful bow that I could fire to send a message to climb out of Hell. The weight of the bow
was too much for me to draw so I turned it over to the Ghost. I am here today of a sound mind
because the Lord sends angles to rescue his own. This is the love story that belongs to us all.
This is the story of the past, present and future. What was, is, and will be again.

A Christmas Carol
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to: navigation, search

For other uses, see A Christmas Carol (disambiguation).

A Christmas
Carol
 Frontispiece, first
edition of 1843

Author Charles
Dickens

A Christmas Carol in Prose, Being a Ghost Story of Christmas (commonly known as A

Christmas Carol) is a book by Charles Dickens that was first published on December 19, 1843[1]
with illustrations by John Leech. Dickens called it his "little Christmas Book".[2] The first of the
author's five "Christmas books," the story was instantly successful, selling over six thousand
copies in one week. Although originally written in six weeks under financial duress to help
Dickens to pay off a debt, the tale has become one of the most popular and enduring Christmas
stories of all time.[3]
Contemporaries noted that the story's popularity played a critical role in redefining the
importance of Christmas and the major sentiments associated with the holiday. A Christmas
Carol was written during a time of decline in the old Christmas traditions.[4] "If Christmas, with
its ancient and hospitable customs, its social and charitable observances, were in danger of
decay, this is the book that would give them a new lease," said English poet Thomas Hood.[5]
•

Plot
A Christmas Carol is a Victorian morality tale of an old and bitter miser, Ebenezer Scrooge, who
undergoes a profound experience of redemption over the course of three nights (in most films,
the visits are compressed to one night). If the experience doesn't change Scrooge's ways, he will
end up walking the Earth forever being nothing but invisible and lonely, like his friend Jacob
Marley. Mr. Scrooge is a financier/moneychanger who has devoted his life to the accumulation
of wealth. He holds anything other than money in contempt, including friendship, love, and the
Christmas season.
Stave I: Marley's Ghost

The Ghost of Jacob Marley visits Scrooge.

Christmas Eve, seven years to the day after the death of his business partner Jacob Marley,
Ebenezer Scrooge and his downtrodden clerk Bob Cratchit are at work in Scrooge’s counting-
house. Scrooge's nephew, Fred, arrives with seasonal greetings and an invitation to Christmas
dinner, but Scrooge dismisses him with "Bah! Humbug!", declaring that Christmas is a fraud.
Two gentlemen collecting charitable donations for the poor are likewise rebuffed by Scrooge,
who insists that the poor laws and workhouses are sufficient to care for the poor, and that "If they
would rather die [than go there], they had better do it, and decrease the surplus population." As
he and his clerk prepare to leave, he grudgingly permits Cratchit one day's paid holiday the
following day, but the morning after Christmas he must be there on time, otherwise there will be
a deduction from his wages.
Scrooge returns home to his cheerless rooms in an otherwise deserted building, and a series of
supernatural experiences begins. His doorknocker appears to transform into Marley's face; a
"locomotive hearse" seems to mount the dark stairs ahead of him; the pictures on the tiles in his
fireplace transform into images of Marley's face. Finally, all the bells in the house ring loudly,
there is a clanking of chains in the bed and on the floor, and the ghost of Marley passes through
the closed door into the room.
The ghost warns Scrooge that if he does not change his ways, he will suffer Marley's fate, but
Scrooge's fate would be even worse. He will walk the earth eternally after death, invisible among
his fellow men, burdened with chains, seeing the misery and suffering he could have alleviated
in his life but now powerless to intervene. Marley has arranged Scrooge's only chance of
redemption: three spirits will visit him on successive hours that night, and they may help change
him and save him from his fate. As Marley leaves, Scrooge gets a nightmare glimpse of the
tormented spectres who drift unseen among the living, and now shattered, he falls into bed.
[edit] Stave II: The First of the Three Spirits

Scrooge attempts to extinguish the Ghost of Christmas Past.

The Ghost of Christmas Past, a strange mixture of young and old, male and female, with a light
shining from the crown of its head, appears at the stroke of one. It leads Scrooge on a journey to
some of his past Christmases, where events shaped his life and character. He sees his late sister
Fan, who intervened to rescue him from lonely exile at boarding school, and, recalling his recent
treatment of Fan's son Fred, Scrooge feels the first stirrings of regret. They revisit a merry
Christmas party given by Fezziwig, Scrooge's kind apprentice-master, and Scrooge thinks
guiltily of his own behaviour toward Bob Cratchit. Finally, he is reminded how his love of
money lost him the love of his life, Belle, and the happiness this cost him. Furious, Scrooge turns
on the spirit, tries to snuff it like a candle with its cap, and finds himself crumpling up in his bed
sheets and wakes up feeling remorseful.
Stave III: The Second of the Three Spirits

The Ghost of Christmas Present with Ebenezer Scrooge

Scrooge wakes at the stroke of one, confused to find it is still night. After a time he rises and
finds the second spirit, the Ghost of Christmas Present, in an adjoining room, on a throne made
of Christmas food and drink. This spirit, a great genial man in a green coat lined with fur, takes
him through the bustling streets of London on the current Christmas morning, sprinkling the
essence of Christmas onto the happy populace. They observe the meagre but happy Christmas
celebrations of the Cratchit family and the sweet nature of their "forgotten" son Tiny Tim, and
when the Spirit foretells an early death for the child if things remain unchanged, Scrooge is
distraught. He is shown what others think of him: the Cratchits toast him, but reluctantly, and "a
shadow was cast over the party for a full five minutes". Scrooge's nephew and his friends gently
mock his miserly behaviour at their Christmas party, but Fred maintains his uncle's potential for
change, and Scrooge demonstrates a childlike enjoyment of the celebrations.
They travel far and wide, and see how even the most wretched of people mark Christmas in some
way, whatever their circumstances. The Ghost, however, grows visibly older, and explains he
must die that night. He shows Scrooge two pitiful children huddled under his robes who
personify the major causes of suffering in the world, "Ignorance" and "Want", with a grim
warning that the former is especially harmful. At the end of the visitation, the bell strikes twelve.
The Ghost of Christmas Present vanishes and the third spirit appears to Scrooge.
Stave IV: The Last of the Three Spirits

Scrooge and the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come

The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come takes the form of a grim spectre, robed in black, who does
not speak and whose body is entirely hidden except for one pointing hand. This spirit frightens
Scrooge more than the others, and harrows him with a vision of a future Christmas with the
Cratchit family bereft of Tiny Tim. A rich miser, whose death saddens nobody and whose home
and corpse have been robbed by ghoulish attendants, is revealed to be Scrooge himself: this is
the fate that awaits him. Without it explicitly being said, Scrooge learns that he can avoid the
future he has been shown and alter the fate of Tiny Tim, but only if he changes. Weeping, he
swears to do so, and awakes to find that all three spirits have visited in just one night, and that it
is the Christmas morning.
[edit] Stave V: The End of It

Scrooge and Bob Cratchit reconciled in Stave V

Scrooge changes his life and reverts to the generous, kind-hearted soul he was in his youth
before the death of Fan. He anonymously sends the Cratchits the biggest turkey in the butcher
shop, meets the charity workers to pledge an unspecified but impressive amount of money, and
spends Christmas Day with Fred and his wife.
The next day Scrooge catches his clerk arriving late and pretends to be his old miserly self,
before revealing his new person to an astonished Cratchit. He assists Bob and his family,
becomes an adopted uncle to Tiny Tim, and gains a reputation as a kind and generous man who
embodies the spirit of Christmas in his life.
Explanation of the book's title
Naturally, the term 'Christmas' refers to the annual celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, a carol was originally a medieval round dance, a
ring-type movement, and later was a word for a particular type of ballad.[6] By Dickens's time the
word carol had come closer to its modern meaning, being a joyful hymn specific to Christmas.
Musical notation is written on five "staves". Dickens takes this musical analogy further, dividing
the novella into five 'Staves', instead of chapters. However, 'stave' or 'staff' can also mean 'letter'.
A Christmas Carol, therefore, can be said to consist not only of five musical staves, but also of
five letters, namely C A R O L.[7]
Major themes

Ebenezer Scrooge encounters "Ignorance" and "Want" in A Christmas Carol.

The novel deals extensively with two of Dickens' recurrent themes, social injustice and poverty,
the relationship between the two, and their causes and effects. It was written to be abrupt and
forceful with its message, with a working title of "The Sledgehammer." The first edition of A
Christmas Carol was illustrated by John Leech, a politically radical artist who in the cartoon
"Substance and Shadow" printed earlier in 1843 had explicitly criticised artists who failed to
address social issues. Dickens wrote in the wake of British government changes to the welfare
system known as the Poor Laws, changes which required among other things, welfare applicants
to "work" on treadmills, as Scrooge points out. Dickens asks, in effect, for people to recognise
the plight of those whom the Industrial Revolution has displaced and driven into poverty, and the
obligation of society to provide for them humanely. Failure to do so, the writer implies through
the personification of Ignorance and Want as ghastly children, will result in an unnamed "Doom"
for those who, like Scrooge, believe their wealth and status qualifies them to sit in judgment on
the poor rather than to assist them.
Scrooge “embodies all the selfishness and indifference of the prosperous classes who parrot
phrases about the ‘surplus population’ and think their social responsibilities fully discharged
when they have paid their taxes.” [8]
Allusions to history, geography and science
Scrooge offends the Ghost of Christmas Present by suggesting that the Spirit's name is linked to
a recent attempt to close bakers' shops on Sundays and Christmas Day. (Poor people like the
Cratchits, who had no oven at home, took their Sunday and Christmas meals to the bakers' to be
roasted just as Dickens describes in the book, because the law forbade bread to be baked on that
day. Closing the shops would deprive them of what might be their only hot meat meal of the
week.) The Spirit angrily retorts:
“There are some upon this earth of yours...who lay claim to know us, and who do their deed of passion,
pride, ill-will, hatred, envy, bigotry and selfishness in our name, who are as strange to us and to all our
kith and kin, as if they had never lived. Remember that, and charge their doings on themselves, not us."
(The Ghost of Christmas Present, A Christmas Carol, Stave Three)
This is a reference to the repeated attempts during the 1830s of Sir Andrew Agnew, MP for
Wigtownshire, to introduce a Sunday Observance Bill in Parliament which would have closed
the bakeries and restricted many other Sunday pleasures of the poorer classes.[9] Dickens was
vociferously opposed to Agnew's plans and had attacked them in a pamphlet published under a
pseudonym.[10]
Today is Christmas day. Tyler has decorated the three
that I have borrowed from my daughter. I have a book
that I bought at the Christ Hospital Book sale. We are
going to wait until the first to give him our gifts. We are
over drawn. We don't have the heart to take away any of
the magic of Christmas.
God bless us everyone, not "Bah! Humbug!",

Rod of Asclepius
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Rod of Asclepius

The rod of Asclepius (also known as the rod of Asklepios, rod of Aesculapius or asklepian[1])
is an ancient Greek symbol associated with astrology[2] and with healing the sick through
medicine. It consists of a serpent entwined around a staff. Asclepius, the son of Apollo, was a
practitioner of medicine in ancient Greek mythology. The Rod of Asclepius also represents the
constellation Ophiuchus, also known as Ophiuchus Serpentarius, the thirteenth sign of the
sidereal zodiac.

Symbolism
The rod of Asclepius symbolizes the healing arts by combining the serpent, which in shedding its
skin is a symbol of rebirth and fertility, with the staff, a symbol of authority befitting the god of
Medicine. The snake wrapped around the staff is widely claimed to be a species of rat snake,
Elaphe longissima, also known as the Aesculapian or Asclepian snake. It is native to
southeastern Europe, Asia Minor, and some central European spa regions, apparently brought
there by Romans for their healing properties.[citation needed]
Origin
There are several different theories as to the origin and development of the rod of Asclepius, any
or all of which may have contributed to its development. The symbol is named for an ancient
Greek legend, although the legend could be older.
Greek mythology
According to Greek mythology, Asclepius was said to have learned the art of healing from the
centaur Chiron. He is customarily represented as a surgeon on the ship Argo. Asclepius was so
skilled in the medical arts that he was reputed to have brought patients back from the dead. For
this, he was punished and placed in the heavens as the constellation Ophiuchus (meaning
"serpent-bearer"). This constellation lies between Sagittarius and Libra.[3] In early Christianity,
the constellation Ophiuchus was associated with Saint Paul holding the Maltese Viper.
According to some, Asclepius fought alongside the Achaeans in the Trojan War, and cured
Philoctetes of his famous snake bite.
"Worm" theory
Some scholars have suggested that the symbol once represented a worm wrapped around a rod;
parasitic worms such as the "guinea worm" (Dracunculus medinensis) were common in ancient
times, and were extracted from beneath the skin by winding them slowly around a stick.
Physicians may have advertised this common service by posting a sign depicting a worm on a
rod. The worm was mistaken for a snake in the Middle Ages and has since been known as a
snake entwined round a staff and not a worm.[4]
Biblical
A similar symbol, Nehushtan, is mentioned in the Bible. In Numbers 21:4-9 the Bible tells of the
Israelites complaining to Moses and to God about their desperate situation.[5]
"Why have you brought us...to die in the wilderness? For there is no food and no water...." Numbers 21:5
(NKJV) [6]
This angered God, and He sent fiery serpents that attacked the Israelites, and many died. The
Israelites came to Moses with an appeal to God, repenting for their sin and asking forgiveness.
God then spoke to Moses, telling him to make a bronze serpent set on a pole. Anyone who was
bitten by one of the fiery serpents was to look at the bronze serpent and he or she immediately
was healed. It is possible that this incident and the Nehushtan influenced the symbol of the Rod
of Asclepius, and possibly explains why it is used today as a symbol of medicine and the medical
field.
Professional usage

The EMS Star of Life features a rod of Asclepius.

A number of organisations and services use the rod of Asclepius as their logo, or part of their
logo. These include the:
• American Medical Association
• American Osteopathic Association
• American Veterinary Medical Association
• Australian Medical Association
• British Royal Army Medical Corps
 • Canadian Medical Association
• Star of Life, symbol of emergency medical services
• World Health Organization
• Australian Veterinary Association
• Malaysian Medical Council
• MedicAlert

Confusion with the Caduceus

Main article: Caduceus

The caduceus is sometimes used as a symbol for medicine or doctors (instead of the rod of
Asclepius) even though the symbol has no connection with Hippocrates and any association with
healing arts is something of a stretch;[7] as the symbol of the god Hermes, its singularly
inappropriate connotations of theft, deception, and death, as well as the confusion of commerce
and medicine in a single symbol, have provided fodder for academic humor.[8]
As god of the high-road and the market-place Hermes was perhaps above all else the patron of commerce
and the fat purse: as a corollary, he was the special protector of the traveling salesman. As spokesman for
the gods, he not only brought peace on earth (occasionally even the peace of death), but his silver-tongued
eloquence could always make the worse appear the better cause. From this latter point of view, would not
his symbol be suitable for certain Congressmen, all medical quacks, book agents and purveyors of
vacuum cleaners, rather than for the straight-thinking, straight-speaking therapist? As conductor of the
dead to their subterranean abode, his emblem would seem more appropriate on a hearse than on a
physician's car.[9]
Attempts have been made, however, to argue that the caduceus is appropriate as a symbol of
medicine or of medical practitioners. Apologists have suggested that the sign is appropriate for
military medical personnel because of the connotations of neutrality. Others have gathered and
presented attested associations between Hermes (or Mercury) and acts or circumstances
suggestive of the role of a healer.[10]
Widespread confusion regarding the supposed medical significance of the caduceus appears to
have arisen as a result of events in the United States in the 19th century.[1] It had appeared on the
chevrons of Army hospital stewards as early as 1856.[11] In 1902 it was added to the uniforms of
Army medical officers. The inconsistency was noticed several years later by the librarian to the
Surgeon General, but the symbol was not changed.[1] In 1901 the French periodical of military
medicine was named La Caducée. The caduceus was formally adopted by the Medical
Department of the United States Army in 1902.[1] After World War I the caduceus was employed
as an emblem by both the Army Medical Department and the Navy Hospital Corps. The
American Medical Association even used the symbol for a time but it was abandoned in 1912
after considerable discussion, and the rod of Asclepius was adopted instead.
Further confusion was caused by the use of the caduceus as a printer's mark (as Hermes was the
god of eloquence and messengers); it appeared in many medical textbooks as a printing mark and
was subsequently mistaken for a medical symbol.[1]
A 1992 survey of American health organisations found that 62% of professional associations
used the rod of Asclepius, whereas in commercial organisations, 76% used the caduceus.[12]
Ophiuchus
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to: navigation, search

Not to be confused with Ophiuchus Shaina.

Ophiuchus

Click for larger image

List of stars in Ophiuchus

Abbreviation: Oph

Genitive: Ophiuchi

Symbolism: the snake-holder / the

healer

Right 17 h
ascension:

Declination: 0°
Area: 948 sq. deg. (11th)

Main stars: 10

Bayer/Flamstee 62
d
stars:

Stars with 4
known planets:

Bright stars: 5

Nearby stars: 8

Brightest star: α Oph (Ras

Alhague) (2.1m)

Nearest star: Barnard's Star (5.96 ly)

Messier 7
objects:

Meteor Ophiuchids
showers: Northern May
Ophiuchids
Southern May
Ophiuchids
Theta Ophiuchids

Bordering Hercules
constellations: Serpens Caput
Libra
Scorpius
Sagittarius
Serpens Cauda
Aquila

Visible at latitudes between +80° and −80°

Best visible at 21:00 (9 p.m.) during the month
of July
Ophiuchus (Ὀφιοῦχος IPA: /ˌɒfiːˈjuːkəs/) is a large constellation located around the celestial
equator. Its name is Greek for 'snake-holder', and it is commonly represented as a man grasping
the snake that is represented by the constellation Serpens. Ophiuchus was one of the 48
constellations listed by the 1st century astronomer Ptolemy, and it remains one of the 88 modern
constellations. It was formerly referred to as Serpentarius (/ˌsɚpənˈtɛəriəs/), a Latin word
meaning the same is its current name.
Ophiuchus is a zodiacal constellation (meaning that the Sun passes through it during the course
of the year), but unlike the other twelve, it is not counted as an astrological sign by astrologers.
As of 2008, the sun passes through Ophiuchus between November 30th and December 17th.[1]

Location
It is located between Aquila, Serpens and Hercules, northwest of the center of the Milky Way.
The southern part lies between Scorpius to the west and Sagittarius to the east. It is best visible in
the northern summer and located opposite Orion in the sky. Ophiuchus is depicted as a man
grasping a serpent; the interposition of his body divides the snake constellation Serpens into two
parts, Serpens Caput and Serpens Cauda, which are nonetheless counted as one constellation.

Johannes Kepler's drawing depicting the location of the stella nova in the foot of
Ophiuchus.

The brightest stars in Ophiuchus include α Ophiuchi, called Rasalhague (at the figure's head),
and η Ophiuchi.
RS Ophiuchi is part of a class called recurrent novae, whose brightness increase at irregular
intervals by hundreds of times in a period of just a few days. It is thought to be at the brink of
becoming a type-1a supernova.[2]
Barnard's Star, one of the nearest stars to the Solar System (the only stars closer are the Alpha
Centauri binary star system and Proxima Centauri), lies in Ophiuchus. (It is located to the left of
β and just north of the V-shaped group of stars in an area that was once occupied by the now-
obsolete constellation of Taurus Poniatovii, Poniatowski's Bull.)
In 2005, astronomers using data from the Green Bank Telescope discovered a superbubble so
large that it extends beyond the plane of the galaxy.[3] It is called the Ophiuchus Superbubble.
In April 2007, astronomers announced that the Swedish-built Odin satellite had made the first
detection of clouds of molecular oxygen in space, following observations in the constellation
Ophiuchus.[4]
The supernova of 1604 was first observed on October 9, 1604, near θ Ophiuchi. Johannes Kepler
saw it first on October 16 and studied it so extensively that the supernova was subsequently
called Kepler's Supernova. He published his findings in a book titled De stella nova in pede
Serpentarii (On the New Star in Ophiuchus's Foot). Galileo used its brief appearance to counter
the Aristotelian dogma that the heavens are changeless.
In approximately 40,000 years Voyager 1 probe will pass within 1.6 light years of the star
AC+79 3888, which is located in Ophiuchus.[5]
The most recent interpretation is that the figure represents the healer Asclepius, who learned the
secrets of keeping death at bay after observing one serpent bringing another healing herbs. To
prevent the entire human race from becoming immortal under Asclepius' care, Zeus killed him
with a bolt of lightning, but later placed his image in the heavens to honor his good works. It has
also been noted that the constellation Ophiuchus is in close proximity in the sky to that of
Sagittarius, which has at times been believed to represent Chiron (the mentor of Asclepius and
many other Greek demigods), though Chiron was originally associated with the constellation
Centaurus.
Another possibility is that the figure represents the Trojan priest Laocoön, who was killed by a
pair of sea serpents sent by the gods after he warned the Trojans not to accept the Trojan Horse.
This event was also memorialized by the sculptors Agesander, Athenodoros, and Polydorus in
the famous marble sculpture Laocoön and his Sons, which stands in the Vatican Museums.
A third possibility is Apollo wrestling with the Python to take control of the oracle at Delphi.
A fourth is the story of Phorbas, a Thessalonikan who rescued the people of the island of Rhodes
from a plague of serpents and was granted a place in the sky in honor of this deed.
Astrology
Although Ophiuchus intersects the ecliptic, it is not a zodiacal sign in most versions of astrology.
The signs are defined as more-or-less 30-degree segments of the ecliptic, of which there are
twelve, and they are named after nearby constellations at the time the system was developed,
rather than being defined by the modern constellations. However, a few sidereal astrologers
consider the sun to be in the sign Ophiuchus when it is in the constellation Ophiuchus, which as
of 2008[update] is November 30 to December 17.
Ark Kwan Do
It is a clock. Do you know where
your children are tonight?