As part of the Carmine Guica Young Historians (CGYH) program, the Cavendish Historical Society (CHS) provides teachers, students, families and the community with information on town, state and national history for the month ahead. This post is also available at the CHS blog.
GENERAL INFORMATION
• If you have questions, want to arrange for a program or need more information, call 802-226-7807 or e-mail margocaulfield@icloud.com
• To learn more about the various programs that CHS offers for students and community, as well as opportunities close to Cavendish, go to the Resource Page.
• The CHS Cares Closet, located next to the steps of the Museum is free, open 24/7, and offers a wide array of things to do, read etc. for both children and adults.
WINTER SOLSTICE/HOLIDAYS
Dec. 21, is winter solstice and many cultures celebrate the returning light in a variety of different ways. The end of December was a perfect time for celebration in most areas of Europe. At that time of year, cattle was slaughtered so they would not have to be fed during the winter. For many, it was the only time when they had a supply of fresh meat. In addition, most wine and beer made during the year was finally fermented and ready for drinking. Many of our “Christmas” traditions, come from these ancient times including decorating a tree; mistletoe and holly; gift giving and caroling.
Dec.25 in Roman times was the birthday of Mithra, the god of the unconquerable sun. Pope Julius I most likely chose Dec. 25 in an effort to adopt and absorb the tradition of the Saturnalia festival. First called the Feast of the Nativity, the custom spread to Egypt by 432 and to England by the end of the 6th century.
Pagan origins of Christmas & Traditions outlines how the solstice traditions in Europe, along with Mithra, merged to form Christmas traditions celebrated today.
CELEBRATING THE BIRDS: CHS will hold workshops at the school in December. This year’s theme is the celebration of the birds. Dating back to solstice customs, in Scandinavia they believe that if you spread birdseed outside your doorstep on Christmas morning-including the birds in the feasting that takes place inside your home-you will have good luck in the coming year.
Birds are integral to Native American culture—they are connected to the spiritual because of their ability to move throughout the earthly and heavenly (sky) realms, For the Abenaki, the indigenous people of Vermont, eagles are sacred spiritual beings that give Native people a direct connection to the creator.
This year we will be combining both the tradition of food for the bird and decorating a tree. Students will be making a variety of items to feed the birds and placing them on a tree near the entrance of the Library. We hope it brings good luck to the school in 2022.
These are the projects being planned by grade level:
K-1: Stringing Cheerios (Gluten free) on wire shaped like a candy cane
2-3: Peanut butter/bird seed pinecones
4: Bird seed cookies
5-6: Garland (wire) of strung popcorn and cranberries
If you would like your home schooler to participate in this project, please be in touch with the teachers at CTES. We can also arrange to do a special workshop for home learners if there is interest.
PROCTORSVILLE CHRISTMAS GHOST WALK: In 2020, the Cavendish Historical Society (CHS) had to cancel their planned ghost walk. In its place, was "A Christmas Eve Ghost Story" featuring both the Golden Stage Inn, its various ghosts as well as some of the local spirits. The story is available on-line at the CHS blog.
On Dec. 12 (Sunday), the 2021 Proctorsville Christmas Ghost Walk begins in front of the Proctorsville War Memorial on route 131 at 7 pm (close to the intersection of 131 and Depot St). The tour proceeds down Depot St., with information about what places are thought to be haunted. It ends at the Golden Stage Inn, where there will be a bonfire. What better place, and way, to learn about one of the most haunted inns in New England.
The tour is free and open to the public, but donations are appreciated. This is an easy walk. Please dress according to the weather and bring a flashlight.
HISTORICAL DATES FOR DECEMBER
Nov. 28-Dec. 6: Happy Hanukkah. Hanukkah is a Jewish festival commemorating the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem at the time of the Maccabean Revolt against the Seleucid Empire. Also known as the Festival of Lights.
The Story of Hanukkah for Kids
If you would like a dreidel for your student/class, please contact us as we have plenty. They come with directions.
Dec. 1 1955: The birth of the modern American civil rights movement occurred as Rosa Parks was arrested in Montgomery, Alabama, for refusing to give up her seat to a white man and move to the back section of a municipal bus.
Dec. 2, 1859: Abolitionist John Brown was executed for treason following his raid on the US Arsenal at Harper’s Ferry.
Dec. 6, 1865: The 13th Amendment to the US Constitution was ratified abolishing slavery.
- St. Nicholas Day
Dec. 7, 1941: The US Naval base at Pearl Harbor, HI was bombed, killing nearly 3,000 Americans. The US declared war on Japan the next day.
Dec. 11, 1918: Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn was born in Russia. The 1970 Noble Prize winner in literature and the Templeton Prize winner in 1983, Solzhenitsyn lived in Cavendish for 18 of the 20 years he was exiled from Russia. While here he wrote the Red Wheel. CHS has a book for 4th-7th graders The Writer Who Changed History: Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn. If there is interest in having a group of students read the book and discuss it, we can arrange for a Zoom discussion.
Dec. 13:Saint Lucia’s Day
- 1773: The Boston Tea Party
Dec. 21: Winter Solstice (the shortest day of
the year) National Geographic video
Dec. 25: Merry Christmas
- Washington crossed the Delaware
December 26-January 1 - Kwanzaa, an African American family observance established in 1966 celebrating traditional African harvest festivals, focusing on family unity, with a community harvest feast on the seventh day. Kwanzaa means "first fruit" in Swahili. Learn more about Kwanzaa by watching What is Kwanzaa and How is it Celebrated
Dec. 31st: New Year’s Eve
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