Nova Highlands Latin School
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December 2020
Roma |
Volume 4, Issue 3
Origins of Popular Christmas Traditions By: Marissa Mudd and Abi Bitner Christmas is undoubtedly one of the most celebrated holidays in America. From baking Christmas cookies to caroling at neighbor’s doorsteps, the Christmas season is filled with numerous traditions that bring joy to many. One of the most commonly practiced traditions is the Christmas tree. Every year millions of families go to a tree farm to pick out the special tree that they will bring back to their home to decorate. However, many do not know the origin of Christmas trees and why it is such an accepted tradition. The true Christmas tree tradition can be traced back to 16th century Germany where Christians began to bring evergreen trees into their home to decorate. When times were rough, people erected simple pyramid shaped stacks of wood in place of large trees. The tradition of adding candles to the tree branches is most commonly
attributed to the leader of the Protestant reformation, Martin Luther. Legends suggest that he was inspired by the stars in the night sky and wanted to recreate the scene in his own home using candlelight. Another Christmas activity is caroling. During the holiday season, many people bundle up to brave the cold weather and joyfully go door to door singing Christmas carols. This practice dates all the way back to pre-Christian celebrations of the festival of Yule in Northern Europe, where revelers would join together to honor the winter solstice with song and dance. A less popular tradition is the burning of the yule-log. The first reference to this tradition can be found in Norse Mythology. A giant log was hoisted onto the hearth to celebrate the return of the sun each year. Many have beliefs that as the yule log burns,
and by counting the sparks and such, they seek to foretell their fortunes for the new year. As it gained popularity, a yulelog cake (Buche de Noel) was created in order to heighten the celebration of the yule-log. The legend of Saint Nicholas is one of the most controversial topics around the holiday season. Over centuries, stories of Saint Nicholas, Santa Claus, and Father Christmas have been combined and added to till there is much overlap and confusion. However the story can be traced back hundreds of years ago to a monk named Saint Nicholas. It is believed that Nicholas was born sometime around 280 A.D. in Patara near Myra in modernday Turkey. Much admired for his piety and kindness, St. Nicholas became the subject of many legends. It is said that he gave away all of his
By: Lilly Pottlitzer, Carly Wheat, Justin Gilbert, Caleb Kang this situation. Each team had a couple weeks of practice before everything was shut down. Our athletes shared their perspective on how their teams are handling these obstacles. New to HLS is the Freshman/ Sophomore Boys Basketball team. This is the first year that the freshman and sophomores have had a highschool team together, and they are coached by Clayton Amshoff. Sophomore, Grant McGill, said “during quarantine my coaches sent out skill videos for us to practice, and
By: Steve and Gus S: Welcome back everyone! Hope everybody had a great thanksgiving break! G: I had a great break, thanks for mentioning it, Steve. S: Today we’re gonna talk to Bo Hamilton, a newbie in high school. G: What’s up Bo? B: Hey guys. G: Bo, tell us a little about yourself. B: I’m in 9th grade and...that’s kinda it. G: Well then, that’s all folks. Thanks for tuning in with us.
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COVID Adjustments: Basketball Many HLS students look forward to the basketball season all year. Players are excited to reunite with their team and practice once again, and those not on the team anticipate Highlander madness and cheering at those exciting Friday night games. Since the KHSAA told the school to put a halt to practices, the teams have adapted in many different ways. All three of our highschool teams have endured many challenges this school year, but they are still managing to find the best in
What’ s Up!? Your HLS Student Spotlight
almost every day I have gone on a run and have been practicing outside.” The team is hoping to return to regular practice before Christmas. The Girls JV/Varsity team is coached by Tim Amshoff, Pam Amshoff, and Leah Bryan, all new coaches to the Varsity team this year. Sophomore, Maria Ingram, said “As with anything, it takes a while to transition to new ways of doing things, but I am enjoying learning about the Continued on Page 5
S: Oh be quiet Gus, give him a minute. So Bo, how’s high school been treating you? What’s been the best part so far? B: Getting interviewed. This is my highlight. S: Well, Gus and I feel honored to be your favorite part of high school so far don’t we Gus? G: You bet. Everyone aspires to be in my presence. S: Well, I wouldn’t go that far. Back to the questions, what house are you in? B: House of George, the best one. S: Well, that’s debatable, but we’ll let you have it. G: Do you have any hobbies, Bo? Continued on Page 3