Berne Library Notes for Wednesday, December 15, 2021

By Sandra L. Kisselback

Full Moon Saturday happens Dec. 18. You know what else happens on that date? Go ahead, give it your best guess.

If you guessed Winter Bedtime Story Time at the library, get those smile muscles working and raise your hands high. Come in to enjoy a story and some cozy hot chocolate. PJs are optional. Geared for kids ages 2 to 6 but all are welcome to join from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

On Dec. 19, the Knit Wits roll in for their monthly knit and visit. Share your projects, discuss your day. Join the Knit Wits at 7 p.m. in the community room.

While there, and anytime the library is open, take the opportunity to view Nettye Lamkay’s scenic art wall display through the end of December. The art lays on the wall yet moves in each scene. A subtle step forward, water circling the wind blown reeds, clouds moving overhead, and shadows following figures on different textured paths. Such calming pleasures for the eye.

Christmas

around the world

Of the nearly 200 recognized countries in the world, 160 are reported to celebrate Christmas. Some traditions are familiar, others contain ingredients you may find interesting. Enjoy this grab bag of Christmas around the world.

New Zealand’s Kiwi Christmas has the pohutukawa tree, which blossoms bright crimson red this time of year in parks, beaches, and forests. You’ll see the Maori people on the beach serving up a hangi — a meal prepared with their traditional cooking method of using steam and hot rocks in underground pits. Picture fresh seafood, kumara (sweet) potatoes and vegetables.

While our area plans for snowy flakes to fall, New Zealanders, Australians, Hawaiians, and many others gather on beaches with red Santa hats and bathing suits celebrating the Christmas season. Being it’s summer in these tropical spots, you’ll likely see Santa catching a few waves and wearing “jandals” (flip-flops).

In Hawaii, Santa arrives on the beach in an outrigger canoe. Think luaus, hula dancing, decorated palm trees, and Shaka Santa. Shaka is the Hawaiian hand sign for “hang loose.” Alongside Shaka Santa you’ll see Tutu Mele. This year’s two-ton statues arrived at Honolulu Hale complete with red floral face coverings.

In New Zealand, Santa may have a beer and pineapple chunks left as a treat with carrots for Santa’s reindeers. Meri Kirihimete from New  Zealand. Mele Kalikimaka from Hawaii.

In Japan, a marketing campaign started back in the mid-1970s has people ordering Kentucky Fried Chicken for a Christmas Eve meal weeks in advance. “Kurisumasu ni wa kentakkii!” (Kentucky for Christmas!).

Other seasonal images include the Yule Goat in Sweden, fried caterpillars in South Africa, and Iceland’s Yule Cat. And don’t forget Germany’s Christmas pickle hiding in the tree. Frohe Weihnachten!

In Mexico, festivities run from Dec. 16 through 24 with Las Posadas. Feliz Navidad. Sretan Bozic (Croatia). Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and to all a good night.