The Leprechaun Gold St. Vincent-St. Mary High School * Volume XLII * Issue 4 * December 2012 As an Irish tradition, Adopt-a-Family helps Morgan Marando staff reporter Senior Mary Margaret Ondack said, “I really enjoyed meet- traditions abound at STVM, such as the Senior ing the family. The mother was so nice and all she wanted for Breakfast or Ugly Christmas Sweater Day. One Christmas was for her children to be happy. I think that is of the most important traditions STVM what Christmas is all about. I am very proud to students and staff are involved in is be part of this project.” Adopt-A-Family. The school “adopted” a total of Peer Ministry began the 31 families and is also assisting annual Adopt-A-Family Access, a battered women’s project on the Monday shelter. Each homeroom is before Thanksgiving when assigned one or two families student volunteers started or assigned items to bring in to identify the needs of for Access. Irish Athletes for families. Campus Minister Christ, once again, pitched Mr. Ken McDonald and in and are buying for Access. pairs of Peer Ministers were Members of the club, along driven by volunteers from with Mr. Anthony Boarman, St. Hilary Parish to the homes Mrs. Pam Murphy, Mr. Phil of the families. They met with Alvord, and Miss Emily Buehrle, the families and found out the ages and Mrs. Jean Conroy went together to of the children, their wish lists, and the shop and then enjoyed a meal together. needs of all the members of the families. Many The gifts began to pile up and lined the hall- adult family members just asked for gifts for their children rather ways of the top floor. Peer Ministers and other students sat in than anything for themselves. the hallways and wrapped gifts for all of the families. Student Focus Leprechaun Gold Leprechaun Gold Feature Leprechaun Gold St. Vincent-St. Mary High School Model U.N.wins many awards Shamrock Alley Seniors enjoy annual breakfast Morgan Marando Kelly Lauck 15 North Maple Street Jackson Ewing The theme of the conference was “The Unit- staff reporter staff reporter staff reporter seniors listened to festive Christmas tunes while Akron, Ohio 44303 ed Nations--Then and Now Four Freedoms.” they ate. Problem solvers, negotiators, and skilled- The STVM Model U.N. team sent 12 Canned Food Drive sets record There are many perks of being a senior: On the Web: www.stvm.com getting first pick for parking spots, having the After breakfast, the seniors chose their own Advisor delegates are just a few delegates to the conference, The STVM annual Canned Food Drive, individual ornament that they could decorate. words to describe the making a total of six delega- run by the Peer Ministers, collected a grand senior lock-in, going on Kairos, and eating a Mrs. Maureen Harrigal Thanksgiving Feast. Each senior decorated and wrote their name on members of the STVM tions during the conference. total of 2,867 cans. Class totals were as fol- an ornament and then hung it on the Christmas Assistant Model United Nations The team consisted of lows: freshman -- 497 cans; sophomores--329 One of the much anticipated benefits of being a senior is the annual Senior in the Student Center, while some students Mrs. Barbara Wood team. Nicholas Neill, Kayla Ke- cans; juniors -- 493 cans, and seniors 962 cans; decoated it with lights and beads. Model U.N. is a athley, Annie Thrower, Greg special homerooms --586 cans. The drive was Breakfast sponsored by the senior class. The Editor breakfast was held in the Student Center on Jordan Priddy enjoyed the breakfast com- program that simulates Rybka, Brandon Grajzl, Katie kicked off with an end-of-the-day assembly at menting, “It was nice to just relax and have a Amanda Sollenberger a U.N. meeting where Engels, Aaron Kofsky, Kevin which students watched a movie encouraging December 4 during homeroom and 1st period. The breakfast featured bagels, hot cinna- nice breakfast with my class. It [the breakfast] students assume the Oyakawa, Chris Consilio, them to “donate a plate for Kate.” was really laid-back and fun.” role of delegates from Anthony Carr, Rachael Steer, mon rolls, and coffee cake. Beverages included Staff Reporters different countries and and Ryan Donahue. First semester exam schedule orange juice and plain or chocolate milk. The Brianne Mehen take different stances The team won several January 2013 Exam Schedules Morgan Marando on current issues. The awards and received many Tuesday, January 17, 2013 student delegates work recognitions for their efforts. 9:00-10:00: Period 2 Exam Jackson Ewing together to discover Kofsky and Engels received 10:10-11:10: Period 1 Exam Kristen Bratton the best solutions to Excellence in Delegation 11:15-11:45: 11/12 Lunch/Homeroom Kelly Lauck relevant problems while Awards for their representa- 11:50-12:20: 9/10 Lunch/Homeroom supporting the country tion of Canada. Neill and 12:25-1:25 Period 3 Exam Guest Reporters they represent. Keathly received Superior Delegation awards Wednesday, January 18, 2013 Brianna McVicker The Lorain Community College Model for their representation of China. 9:00-10:00: Period 3 Study hall Mrs. Patty Burdon United Nations Conference, hosted by the Also, Neill, Rybka, and Kofsky all received 10:10-11:10: Period 4 Exam Cleveland Council on World Affairs, took place the Gavel, which is given to the top delegate in 11:15-11:45: 11/12 Lunch/Homeroom Photographs on 28 and 29. A total of 350 high each committee and also considered the highest 11:50-12:20: 9/10 Lunch/Homeroom Mrs. Patty Burdon school students from Northeast Ohio competed honor a single delegate can receive. 12:25-1:25 Period 5 Exam Mrs. Beth Dolan in this conference. Thursday, January 19, 2013 9:00-10:00: Period 7 Exam 10:10-11:10: Period 6 Exam 11:15-11:45: 11/12 Lunch/Homeroom AN IRISH PRAYER 11:50-12:20: 9/10 Lunch/Homeroom May the road rise ever 12:25-1:25 Period 8 Exam Sign up for ski trip in January to meet you Students intrested in the overnight ski trip May the wind be to Holiday Valley in January need to see Mr. Brownfield to receive a form. The forms are ever at your back due Friday, December 14. Any sign-ups after Christmas break will not be accepted. May the sun shine (left to right): Nick Neill and Kayla Keathley show their Superior Delegation awards for Marching Band receives award warm upon your face representing China. Neill also displays his Gavel ,an award received for being the top delegate in his committee. Greg Rybka also displays his Gavel. In the last picture, Aaron Kofsky won the Gavel The marching band received 1st Place at the May the rain fall and an Excellence in Delegation award by representing Canada at the conference. Katie Engels Welcome Santa Parade in downtown Akron. also won an Excellence in Delegation award. soft upon your fields Band and Concert choir perform And until we meet again, Babies arrive in Family Studies The annual Christmas Choir Concert Amanda Sollenberger what it needs. These dolls have been known to was held Tuesday, December 4, while the May God hold you in the Editor-in-chief keep students up all night. Band Concert will be held in the gym on Palm of His hand. As the semester is coming to an end, the These students have been enjoying the December 17. Elementary school bands will be Family Studies’ students are doing their final experience but also feel that it is very stressful. performing with the STVM band. exam project. Each student is required to take Senior Veronica VanDevere said, “It helps you Serpentini sponsors Car Raffle The Leprechaun Gold is published throughout care of a baby doll for a week. To make the realize how much work goes into being a par- Serpentini Chevrolet sponsors the an- Christmas Merry the year for the students of St. Vincent-St. Mary experience more real, the babies each have ent.” Senior, Maria Skora, was spotted outside nual Car Raffle again this year. On November High School. There is no charge for the paper a small piece of glass taped to them that has her Trig class taking care of her crying baby. 19, students received their family Car Raffle but donations are accepted and appreciated. been signed by Mrs. Windhorst, the Family Skora said, “It’s really stressful and hard to tickets. They are required to sell 25 tickets for Unsigned editorials represent the consensus Studies’ teacher. The students have to make know what the baby wants. I’m not planning on $5.00 a piece, unless they choose the buyout of the editorial board. Letters to the editor sure the glass does not crack or break to prove getting much sleep tonight.” plan. On February 8, all online ticket sales are are encouraged, provided they do not contain that they took good care of the doll. Skora also said that Mrs. Windhorst calls due. February 15 is the deadline for all student material disruptive to the educational process Along with this, students are taking turns students at night to make sure they are doing raffle tickets; they may be turned in in home- and that they are signed. The Leprechaun Gold taking care of a more real-life doll. This doll the right things and to simulate what it would room. The drawing will be at halftime of the reserves the right to edit submitted material has to be fed, changed, and taken care of, and be like if you had a real baby to wake you up at varsity boys’ basketball home game against for length. the doll will cry until the student determines night. Canton McKinley. 2 December 2012 December 2012 3 News-in-brief Leprechaun Gold Leprechaun Gold Sports Jackson Ewing Around the Globe STAFF REPORTER 1. Bloodshed increases in Syria Athletic Update As violence and bloodshed increases in Syria, some people still believe that a political solution to the chaos is possible. More than 40,000 people have been killed, with half a Boys’ Basketball Girls’ Basketball million seeking refuge in other countries and nearly 3 million internally displaced. Recently, on Kristen Bratton Kristen Bratton December 9, 116 more people were killed. Opposing sides of the uprising still continue to engage in staff reporter staff reporter skirmishes with civilians caught in between. One of the strategies to a diplomatic solution is getting Walsh L 45-47 the international community to help find a peaceful solution. Although Syrian leaders have denied Hoban L 41-47: Junior Jalen Hudson scored 5 baskets and 5 foul shots for a total of 16 points; senior Fransohn Bickley scored 3 baskets for a Beaumont W 79-15 the possibility, the use of deadly chemical weapons by Syrian forces makes the situation more urgent.The U.S. and European allies are now working Junior Shannon Jack had 8 baskets and 3 foul shots for a total of 21 to help train Syrian rebels to deal with the threat. total of 6 points; senior Jordan Hargrove scored 3 baskets for a total of 7 points; freshmen VJ King scored 1 basket and 1 foul shot for a total of 3 points; junior Alexa Nolte had 1 basket and 1 foul shot for a total of 3 points; freshmen Octavia Loll had 2 baskets for a total of 4 points; 2. American doctor rescued in Afghanistan points; senior Joey Weber scored 1 basket for a total of 2 points; senior Nick Wells scored 1 basket and 5 foul shots for a total of 7 points. junior Nicole Paolucci had 3 baskets and 1 foul shot for a total of 7 Dr. Dilip Joseph , an American doctor held captive in Afghanistan, was rescued by a U.S. special forces team. During the operation, one 3-point shots were made by Hargrove and Hudson. 35 rebounds points; junior Jordan Korinek had 5 baskets and 3 foul shots for a of the servicemen was killed who belonged to the Navy’s Special Warfare Development Group, more commonly known as SEAL Team (Wells had 7 rebounds). total of 13 points; freshmen Jane Uecker had 4 baskets for a total of 8 Six. “He gave his life for his fellow Americans, and he and his teammates remind us once more of the selfless service that allows our nation to stay Seton Academy L 44-47: Hudson scored 1 basket and 3 foul shots points; junior Kiley May had 3 baskets and 1 foul shot for a total of 8 strong, safe and free,” President said of the slain U.S. service member, who was not immediately identified. Dr. Joseph and two other for a total of 6 points; Hargrove scored 6 baskets for a total of 13 points; points; freshmen Lexi Handley had 2 baskets and 1 foul shot for a total staff members of Morning Star Development were stopped, captured, and abducted by armed insurgents. Through negotiation, two of the captives King scored 7 baskets and 2 foul shots for a total of 19; junior Newman of 5 points; senior Erica Bratton had 3 baskets for a total of 6 points; were released, but Dr. Joseph needed to be rescued by military personnel. “Today’s mission exemplifies our unwavering commitment to defeating Williams scored 1 basket for a total of 2 points; freshmen Henry Baddley senior Maria Skora had 2 baskets for a total of 4 points. Jack scored 2 the Taliban,” said General John Allen. scored 2 baskets for a total of 4 points and King scored 3 3-pointers. 3-point shots and May scored 1. Hudson and Hargrove scored 1each; 27 rebounds (Hudson 4, Hargrove 4, Solon L 51-59 Brianne Mehen King 4). Ursuline W 56-37 From sea to shining sea STAFF REPORTER Jack had a game high 21 points. The other teammates who rounded out Dali work found at Goodwill Chicago Elite Classic: UNIVERSITY (ILL) W 68-65: 1. Hudson 8-2-23, King 6-6-18, Wells 6-2-14, Woolridge 4-1-11, Robinson the scoring were Korinek with 11 points and 8 rebounds, Uecker also On November 16, an etching done by world renowned surrealist artist Salvatore Dali with 11, May with 7 and Alexis Taylor with 6. was found at a Goodwill store in Tacoma, Washington. The piece was donated by an 0-2-2. Cleveland Central Catholic L 68-69: Central Catholic lake Catholic W 85-78 anonymous donor and was at first mistaken for junk. After it was properly certified as a Dali Shaker Heights W 47 to 32: Jack scored 14 points and had original, it was put up for auction. The most recent bid for the art was $18,525.00. The art is of guard Greg Snyder hit an off-balance desperation 3-pointer at the buzzer to lead #9 Central Catholic to a 69-68 victory over visiting St. Vincent-St. 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 4 steals; orinek scored 12 points and had a hand with a melting watch on the wrist, pointing at another drawing in the right corner of the 4 rebounds, 1 block, and 1 steal; Uecker had 3 rebounds and 1 steal; page, with two other sketches in the other corners. The title of the piece is “Reflections” from Mary, ranked #6 in the area. With five seconds remaining, Weber hit his only basket, making a backdoor cut and laying in a pass from point guard Taylor scored 2 points and had 8 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal; May “The Cycles of Life Suite” and is actually signed by Dali with the number 126/150 written on the scored 15 points and had 1 rebound, 3 assists, and 1 steal; Paolucci back. The work is also labeled as an “etching and photolithography from collage.” The auction junior Jarel Woolridge, giving the Irish a 68-66 lead. Freshman VJ King hit 10 of 19 shots for 25 points and had 10 rebounds. Woolridge added 13 scored 4 points and had 4 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal. ended November 19 at 7:30 p.m. and the etching sold for $21,005 to a man who identified him- Solon L 51-59: Jack scored 14 points and had 1 3-pointer and 6 self only as Derek in North Carolina. points and 6 assists and Hudson had 8 points. Weber also contributed 2 points. “We’re not the team we’re going to be,” Coach Joyce said. “This assists; freshman Amelia Motz scored 3 points and had 2 assists and 2. Two win Powerball jackpot is the time to get us, because in February and March we’re not going to be 4 steals; Korinek scored 11 points and had 2 assists and 7 rebounds; For the first time in history, the Powerball jackpot was $588 million. In the matter of one night, the jackpot amount skyrocketed from a total beat.” Uecker scored 1 point; Taylor scored 3 points and had 5 rebounds and of $425 million to $588 million. Powerball even stated that tickets sales leading up to the drawing averaged 105,000 tickets sold a minute to 1 steal; May scored 11 points and had 3 3-poiters, 4 rebounds, and 2 131,000 a minute by the end. More than 189 million tickets were sold for the half a billion-dollar jackpot. The results of the drawing were assists; Bratton scored 8 points and had 3 rebounds and 1 steal. announced on November 28. The jackpot was actually split between two people-one in Missouri and the other in Arizona, with the winning numbers Boys’ Bowling Brianne Mehen of 5, 23, 16, 22 and 29 and the Powerball was 6. The winners in Missouri have been identified as Mark and Cindy Hill of Dearborn, Missouri, and staff reporter the Arizona winner has still chosen to remain anonymous. Nordonia l 2063 to 2177: Zach Swejk had a game high of 223 and 3. Girl attacked at Sea World a series high of 415. Eight year old Jillian Thomas was visiting Sea World in Orlando, Florida, when she was bitten by one of the dolphins while feeding it. Buchtel W 2089 to 1546: Nick Balaj had a game high of 214 and This event occurred as she moved a plate of food above the dolphin when the dolphin jumped up to get the food on the plate. The girl high series of 373. received three small puncture wounds. Her family was upset because the manager didn’t address the incident, and they had to go ask for Copley L 1979 TO 2972: Swejk game high of 193 and a series high of help to make sure there was no infection. The girl’s father posted the video of the incident on YouTube warning other parents . Sea World representa- 376. tives did express concern for the girl in a later statement as well as concern for the well being of all visitors. The family is not currently taking any Wrestling Amanda Sollenberger legal action, but would prefer that they put up a sign warning others the dolphins do bite, or raising the age limit of children who are allowed to feed Girls’ Bowling Editor-in-chief the dolphins. Brianne Mehen staff reporter Ironman Tournament at Walsh High School Nordonia 1980 to 1890: Celeste Hall had a game high of 191 and a Dre’k Brumley: 3 and 2 The Heart of it All series high of 357, she also won the game for the Irish scoring 60 points Walter Gibson: 1 and 2 Ryan Skonieczny: 6 and 3- 8th place 1. Mother indicted over death of three year old son and in a final roll off, which is when one player from each team is chosen to roll the ninth and tenth frames. JV won 1,361 to 1,131. Garrett Carter: 0 and 2 Camilia Terry was charged with aggravated murder in the death of her three-year-old son, Emilliano Terry. Terry Buchtel W 2089 to 1546, Marissa McAnallen had high game of 207 Sal Ferrise: 0 and 2 reported that her son went missing from a Cleveland park on Sunday, but police soon discovered that the boy was and high series 357, JV also won 1,389 to 956 killed,double-bagged, and thrown into the trash. Terry was seen as a suspect because she changed her story how her son Copley W: 1944 TO 1407: Sarah Brown had a game high score of 209 COMET CLASSIC: 9th Place Team went missing. Additional charges will be likely pressed when the case is brought up with the Cuyahoga County grand Kelly Lauck and high series of 335. 1st place: sophomore Dre’k Brumley jury. STAFF REPORTER 3rd place: junior Walter Gibson 2. Gas and oil jobs open up opportunities for students 3rd place: junior Ryan Skonieczny In the Marlington district in Stark County, students are being offered a chance to work with professionals in the field of oil and gas technol- Amanda Sollenberger Gymnastics Editor-in-chief 5th place: sophomore Garrett Carter ogy as part of a program that could potentially train the students for careers. This is the first year for the Gas and Oil Technology Program, and there 6th place: freshman Ben Knaus are currently 10 seniors and 12 juniors from the area participating. The students spend 90 minutes a day learning skills that could easily earn them Coach: Tracie Fink 6th place: Sal Ferrise an entry level job. Some student hope to receive a job from the oil industry on April 1 when the students are permitted to leave, while others hope to Gymnasts: Marie Hammer, Elle Leonardi, Emily Roberts, 8th place: John Chell earn up to 6 college credits before they even finish high school. Jordan Delegrange 4 December 2012 December 2012 5 Christmas Leprechaun Gold Leprechaun Gold Christmas

However, the spirit of the visit remains the same. In Hong Kong, Santa vary around the world Russia- Russian celebration during the season takes place during is called Lan Khoong or Dun Che Lao Ren. New Year’s. The gift giving and party atmosphere is reserved specifi- Brianne Mehen Traditional Christmas dinners can be found in some restaurants in Jackson Ewing cally for New Year’s. Dinner with family and friends takes place and children leave their shoes out for the Wise Men, the same Wise Men who China. Sometimes, an East meets West dinner will take place. The Eight staff reporters many people enjoy watching celebratory fireworks. This celebration is brought gifts to Baby when He was born. If the children have been Treasures Duck is the equivalent of a stuffed turkey in China. It is a a national holiday, with a prerecorded message from Russia’s president he holidays are celebrated differently from place good throughout the year, whole duck stuffed with Ireland: T who lists the achievements of the Russian people five minutes before to place, but in Ireland there are many different traditions form the presents will appear under diced chicken, smoked midnight. Many people watch the address and toast to the chiming of ones celebrated in the . One of these different traditions their shoes. If they have ham, peeled shrimp, the Kremlin clock. The Russian National Anthem is played at midnight, is that in Ireland Christmas is called Nollaig, which comes from the been bad, a lump of coal fresh chestnuts, bamboo when people exchange presents, light firecrackers, and partake in many Latin term “natalica” meaning birthday. The celebration starts on will appear. However, the shoots, dried scallops and forms of celebration. Grandfather Frost, the Russian equivalent of Santa and goes for twelve days. To the many Irish Catholics, lump of coal is usually just mushrooms stir-fried with Claus, comes and gives presents to the children on this day. Grandfather Christmas Day is a religious festival. Most people will go to midnight a lump of hard sugar candy slightly undercooked rice, Frost often comes with his granddaughter, , or the Snow Mass, where the church is decorated with a manger scene in front of the dyed black. Most Spanish soy sauce, ginger, spring Girl. Many Russians also have a decorated fir tree during the holiday. altar. The day after Christmas is known as St. Stephen’s Day, which is towns also arrange for onions, white sugar, and Russian Christmas is celebrated on December 25 in Russia. How- mainly a day for visiting family, friends, and sharing in one another’s parades and celebrations rice wine. ever, in the Orthodox calendar, it is celebrated two weeks later, and many company. The next eleven days are set aside for parties, fun, and visit- to happen on Three Kings’ While most Chinese people also celebrate the Orthodox Christmas date. The holiday focuses ing loved ones. The celebration concludes on the , January Day representing the ar- opt to overlook Christmas’s religious roots, a sizable minority do head to on maintaining a very religious aspect. Christmas is spent in Church with 6, which is the , otherwise known as the day the Three Wise rival of the Three Kings. church for services in a variety of languages, including Chinese, English, a four hour long ceremony. The day is also spent with family and close Men came and brought their gifts to Jesus. This ends the celebration in Children get to see the Three Kings either riding camels or riding in car- and French. There were some 16 million Chinese Christians in China friends. Before Christmas Day, there is a 40-day long period of Lent Ireland and all of the decorations are taken down. If one does not take riages before they go to bed. Much like cookies and milk for , in 2005, according to the Chinese government. Christmas services are when Christians do not eat any meat. The Lenten period ends with the down the decorations on this day, the person must keep them up for the the Kings are offered sweet wine, nibbles, and fruit and milk. Spain also held at an array of state-run churches in China and at houses of worship first star in the night sky on Janu- next twelve months to avoid having bad luck. has a bread, the Epiphany Bread, that goes along with the holiday which throughout Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan. ary 6, a symbol of Jesus Christ’s Another Irish tradition is a lit candle is known as Roscón. birth. Many Orthodox Christians France- In France there are many different and unique tradi- in the window. On Christmas Eve after Latin America- Latin Americans typically celebrate Christ- go to church to attend a Christ- tions celebrated during the Christmas season. Mistletoe is hung above the evening meal, the table is set with a mas on Christmas Eve. The is eaten on Christmas mas liturgy that evening. the door to bring good luck throughout the year. The children leave out loaf of bread filled with caraway seeds Eve, and they have a variety of foods that define the meal, with turkey Svyatki, an old Slavic holiday, their shoes in front of the fireplace, and in the night, Pere Noel will come and raisins, a pitcher of milk, and then being the main course. In Colombia, the celebration involves a piñata. In takes place between Christmas and fill them with gifts of candy, fruit, nuts, and small toys on the trees. a large candle is lit. Next,the door is left Mexico, a celebration known as Posadas takes place. Nine days before and the Epiphany and is a holiday There was actually a law passed in 1962 that said any child who sent a unlatched, which extends the Irish hos- Christmas, participants will go around to various houses asking for lodg- that some also practice. Svyatki letter to Santa would receive a post card in return. Not as many people pitality to the Holy Family or any trav- ing to represent Mary and Joseph’s search for an inn. Once the residents is marked by the observance of attend la Messe de Minuit () on Christmas Eve anymore, elers who might pass by. It’s also said of a house let the participants in, they will usually engage in prayer special traditions, some which but to the ones who do, it is considered an important tradition. that the candles were “kindled to guide around a . Some people even have specific roles, such as predate Christianity’s appearance After the Mass has concluded, there is a larger feast called le Reveil- the angels who on Christmas night Joseph or Mary. If so, the portrayer of Mary will usually ride a donkey in Russia. Old Slavic traditions lion, which received its name from the verb “reveiller” meaning to wake. direct the newborn from the heavens.” as the biblical Mary would. Many other people representing angels or included lighting fires, the sing- Le Reveillion is symbolic of the awakening of the birth of Christ, and is The flickering symbol in the past would shepherds may also join a group. At the end of each night, Christmas ing of the koliadki where carolers also considered the culinary high point of the season. This takes place at also serve as signal to a priest seeking cards can be exchanged and children will break open star-shaped piñatas of mummers dress in costume, one’s home or at a restaurant. After Reveillion it is customary to leave shelter and protection that he would be for candy or fruit. and fortune telling. Fortune tell- a candle burning in the window in case the Blessed Virgin Mary should welcomed into the house, and that it Another Latin American Christ- ing is still done today, although pass by. Some of the would be safe to say Mass. The tradition mas tradition is a play known as Las it is mostly just for fun. There were many ways Russians told fortunes in foods eaten at the of decorating with holly leaves comes from Ireland as well due to the Pastorelas. Pastorelas are plays that older times. For example, melting wax, then pouring it quickly into cold feast or throughout the large amounts of holly that grows in southern Ireland. recreate the Biblical passage where water or snow, was believed to predict events surrounding the fortune season are la Buche de Traditions aren’t the only thing that hail from Ireland in times of the shepherds follow the Star of Beth- teller or those close to her/him. Noel, or the log, celebration, the well-known Christmas song “The Twelve Days of lehem to find Jesus. On their way, the On the last day of the celebration, the Epiphany, devout practitioners which is a log shaped Christmas” was actually written as a catechism song during the time shepherds encounter many obstacles, will perform an old tradition when they will take a dip in the icy waters cake made of choco- when it was a criminal offense to be Catholic. In the song the gifts are such as difficulties with the journey of rivers and lakes. Epiphany, marking the baptism of Jesus, is said to late and chestnuts. actually teachings of faith, the “true love” is a reference to God, and and confrontations with the devil. infuse the water with special powers that will protect those who bathe in This dessert represents “me” is the every baptized person. A partridge in a pear tree is Jesus When confronting the devil, the shep- it on this day. the actual that Christ, the son of God. Two turtle doves are the Old and New Testa- herds are saved by Archangel Michael was traditionally burnt China The is the equivalent of our Christmas, ment. Three French hens are faith, hope, and charity, the theological who defends them on their journey. from Christmas Eve to New Year’s Day. but many Chinese do get into the holiday spirit. Christmas is not an of- virtues. Four calling birds are the four gospels or the four Evangelists. The tradition of performing this play goes back to the colonization of Also eaten on the day of the Epiphany, January 6, is la Galette des ficial holiday in China, so most offices, schools and shops remain open. Five golden rings are the first five books of the Old Testament (the Latin America and is one of the oldest Christmas traditions celebrated Rois, which is a round cake cut into pieces and is then distributed by a All the trappings of a Western Christmas can be found in China, Hong Pentateuch). Six geese a-laying are the six days of creation. Seven there. A variety of talented and dedicated people would perform the play, child known as le Petit Roi. Inside one of the pieces is la feve, which is a Kong, Macau, and Taiwan. swans a-swimming are the seven sacraments. Eight maids a-milking are such as singers, actors, dancers and buffoons, poets and orators, as well charm, and one who finds it is king/queen since the desserts translates to Department stores can be seen decorated with and the eight beatitudes. Nine ladies dancing are the nine fruits of the Holy as memorization experts. There were also people who produced the cer- King of the Cake. Christmas trees by late November. Store clerks often wear Santa hats and Spirit. Ten lords a-leaping are the Ten Commandments. Eleven pipers emonial vestments, jewels, plumed feathers of exotic birds, and fabrics. Another important tradition is the crèche, or nativity scene, which is green and red accessories. Some families opt to have a small Christmas piping are the eleven faithful apostles. Twelve drummers drumming are Today. Las Pastorelas have a wide variety of circumstances, situations, filled with santon, which translates to little saints. They are often dis- tree during Christmas in China. A few homes have Christmas lights the twelve points of the doctrine in the Apostle’s Creed. and settings that depend on the production. Many have elements of irony played in homes and churches, and sometimes, they are enacted by real strung outside or candles in the windows. Large shopping malls, banks, - The Spanish celebrate a very quiet Christmas. Christmas and political humor to them, but the basic theme of Good triumphing people. The santons are usually made from clay, and some can be bought Spain and restaurants often celebrate by putting up Christmas displays, trees, Day is spent with family and close friends. Mass is also a very impor- over Evil remains the same. unpainted in the event that families would like to paint their own. After and lights. Sometimes, Santa even makes an appearence. While not as tant aspect of their celebration. They celebrate “The Good Night,” or On Christmas Day in Latin America, however, the celebration is a la Messe de Minuit when the family returns home, the youngest child frequent as in America, it is not uncommen for Santa to appear at hotels Noche Buena, on Christmas Eve, with the main celebration of midnight very quiet one. It is a day that is dedicated to celebrating with other fam- will take the santon of baby Jesus and put it in between the two santons or other public locations. Children can often have their picture taken Mass. Christmas Day is not the only form of celebration during the ily members. The sense of unity in a family is strong on Christmas day of his Holy Parents. Finally, on January 6, the santons of the Three Wise with Santa and some department stores coordinate a home visit from a season, however. Another important aspect of Spanish Christmas with everybody taking part in the celebration together. Everyone has a Men are put in the crèche to complete the nativity scene. The crèche is gift-bearing Santa. The children of China do not observe the traditions celebration is a holiday known as “Three Kings Day.” On January 6, glass to toast, everyone opens presents together at midnight, and every- then usually taken apart on February 2. one adds the Baby Jesus to the nativity set together. of leaving cookies and milk for Santa or writing letters asking for gifts. 6 December 2012 December 2012 7 Christmas Leprechaun Gold LRC Christmas trees represent many countries Chinese Club Russian Club Merry Christmas from the Leprechaun Gold Staff

LRC Irish

С Рождеством! S RazhdеstvOm!

Spanish Club French Club

Nollaig Shona Dhuit

¡Feliz Navidad! Joyeux Noel 8 December 2012