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Tree Lighting Ceremony 12/13/90 [OA 8320] [3]
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323153177
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Tree Lighting Ceremony 12/13/90 [OA 8320] [3]
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Records of the White House Office of Speechwriting (George H. W. Bush Administration)
Speech Backup Chronological Files
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FOIA Number:
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MARKER
This is not a textual record. This is used as an
administrative marker by the George Bush Presidential
Library Staff.
Record Group/Collection:
George H.W. Bush Presidential Records
Collection/Office of Origin:
Speechwriting, White House Office of
Series:
Speech File Backup Files
Subseries:
Chron File, 1989-1993
OA/ID Number:
13743
Folder ID Number:
13743-009
Folder Title:
Tree Lighting Ceremony 12/13/90 [OA 8320] [3]
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Section:
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26
21
2
3
Date: 11/26/90
NATIONAL CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY
December 13, 1990
5 p.m.
Preliminary Treatment
4:30:00 (15:00)
Music by U.S. Army Band
4:45:00 (05:00)
Performances by cartoon characters
4:50:00 (09:30)
Band music continues
5:59:30 (00:10)
(APPLAUSE)
4:59:40 (00:20)
Fanfare by Army Band trumpeters.
5:00:00 (00:20)
Voice-over introduction of Miss Jane Powell
5:00:20 (00:10)
(APPLAUSE)
5:00:30 (03:00)
Jane Powell greets audience and sings "Silver
Bells"and "Have Yourself A Merry Little
Christmas", accompanied by U. S. Army Band.
5:03:30 (00:10)
(APPLAUSE)
5:03:40 (00:30)
Jane introduces Joseph H. Riley
(Jane remains on stage)
5:04:10 (00:10)
(APPLAUSE)
5:04:20 (01:20)
Riley greets Jane Powell and greets audience
5:05:40 (00:05)
(PAUSE)
5:05:45 (00:10)
Riley presents clergyman.
5:05:55 (00:05)
(APPLAUSE)
Romand affice
5:06:00 (01:00)
The Christmas Prayer - The Rev. John
Tavlarides
5:07:00 (00:10)
(PAUSE) Riley and J. Powell thank clergyman.
He exits.
5:07:10 (00:40)
Riley and Jane Powell announce arrival of
Santa Claus (Willard Scott) from audience.
(Band plays "Here Comes Santa Claus")
Santa is escorted by Girl Scout & Boy Scout
5:07:50 (00:10)
(APPLAUSE)
(Girl & Boy Scouts to stage right)
5:08:00 (00:20)
Santa greets Riley and Jane Powell, then
audience. Riley and Ms. Powell exit.
5:08:20 (00:30)
Santa introduces Girl Scout and Boy Scout
5:08:50 (00:05)
(APPLAUSE)
5:08:55 (00:30)
Girl Scout greets audience-(Lori Watkins)
5:09:25 (00:05)
(APPLAUSE)
5:09:30 (00:30)
Boy Scout greets audience-(Brett Roberts)
5:10:00 (00:05)
(APPLAUSE) Santa thanks scouts, they exit stage
right.
5:10:05 (00:10)
(APPLAUSE)
5:10:15 (00:40)
Santa presents The California Raisins
5:10:55 (00:10)
(APPLAUSE)
5:11:05 (03:00)
California Raisins perform "Frosty the
Snowman"
(Santa joins Raisins for part of dance)
5:14:05 (00:20)
(APPLAUSE) Santa exits.Jane Powell returns.
5:14:25 (00:30)
Jane Powell presents University of
Wyoming Collegiate Chorale. (Choir enters
singing)
5:14:55 (00:20)
(APPLAUSE) Jane Powell exits.
5:15:15 (05:30)
Choir performs with band "Arise, Thy Light Has
Come" (Presidential party could enter after this
number)
5:20:45 (00:20)
(APPLAUSE)(Choir remains on stage)
5:21:05 (00:25)
(PAUSE) Band plays Hail to the Chief & Ruffles
and Flourishes.
5:21:30 (00:40)
President Bush and party enter. Greeted by Joe
Riley and proceed to special booth. (stage
right)
5:22:10 (00:30)
Santa re-enters,introduces Ricky Van Shelton.
5:22:40 (00:20)
(APPLAUSE) Santa exits.
5:23:00 (06:00)
Ricky Van Shelton performs "Please Come Home For
Christmas" & "White Christmas" with his band
members.accompanied by U.S.Army Band.
5:29:00 (00:20)
(APPLAUSE)
5:29:20 (00:30)
Jane returns to introduce Ruth Brown
5:29:50 (00:20)
(APPLAUSE)
5:30:10 (09:00)
Ruth Brown performs "The Christmas Song",
"O Holy Night", "I'll Be Home for Christmas"
5:39:10 (00:20)
(APPLAUSE)
5:39:30 (00:40)
Santa returns to introduce the University of
Wyoming in rest of their program.
5:40:10 (04:00)
Choir performs. "Fume, Fume, Fume" & "Oh Green and
Shimmering Tree"
5:44:10 (00:10)
(APPLAUSE) Jane Powell returns.
5:44:20 (02:00)
Jane sings a final number or reprise of "Silver
Bells"
5:46:20 (00:20)
Joe Riley returns to present President Bush
5:46:40 (06:00)
President Bush addresses audience with his
Christmas Message. He and Mrs. Bush light the
National Christmas Tree.(Presidential party
remains in booth)
5:52:40 (00:20)
Choir and band perform one musical number as
trees are lighted.
5:53:00 (00:20)
Santa announces entertainers will join in one
final number
5:53:20 (02:30)
Entertainers perform one final number with
Santa. "We Wish You A Merry Christmas" Santa asks
audience to join in.
5:55:50 (00:40)
(APPLAUSE) President Bush and party greet
entertainers, then exit stage right.
5:56:30 (03:00)
Entertainers and audience join in Sing A Long
5:59:30 (00:30)
Santa thanks everyone as Enertainers & Choir
wave. Entertainers & Choir EXIT. Program ends.
6:00:00 (10:00)
U. S. Army Band continues with Postlude.
Questions: Call Peggy Henkel, (203) 938-9535
confirmed
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 12, 1990
The President today named Project NorthStar, of Washington, D.C.,
as the one hundred sixty-seventh "Daily Point of Light." Project
NorthStar, sponsored by local civic organizations, law firms, and
other concerned citizens, addresses the plight of homeless
children in our nation's capital.
Founded in February 1989, Project NorthStar provides educational
and emotional support for homeless and formerly homeless children
through one-to-one tutoring. Approximately 150 concerned
citizens have participated in the Project, including lawyers,
doctors, business people, teachers, church volunteers, and
government employees. They meet once or twice a week at the
Francis Junior High School with children from four area shelters:
the Pitts Motel, the General Scott Inn, the Budget Inn, and the
Braxton Hotel. Volunteers tutor the young people in basic
reading and writing skills.
In addition to tutoring the children, volunteers serve as
positive role models. Through this program, many children have
improved their reading skills by two levels and have discovered
the road to a productive life.
The President salutes Project NorthStar as the one hundred sixty-
seventh "Daily Point of Light." Daily Point of Light recognition
is intended to call every individual, group, and organization in
America to claim society's problems as their own by taking direct
and consequential action; to identify, enlarge, and multiply
successful initiatives, like Project NorthStar; and to discover,
encourage, and develop new leaders in community service,
reflecting the President's conviction that, "From now on in
America, any definition of a successful life must include serving
others."
###
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tracey Taylor or Robert Marbut
(202) 456-6266
confume
The
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 16, 1990
The President today named the D.C. Central Kitchen, of
Washington, D.C., as the 275th "Daily Point of Light." The D.C.
Central Kitchen ensures that leftover food does not go to waste,
offering it to those who are hungry.
Founded in 1989 by Robert Egger, the D.C. Central Kitchen
collects leftover food from local restaurants, hotels, and
caterers for distribution to the homeless, the elderly, and
after-school programs. Through this effort, the food service
industry helps ensure that those in need can obtain proper
nourishment.
In 1989 alone, more than 40 tons of food were donated to the
Central Kitchen and an estimated 80 tons will be donated this
year. Unemployed homeless people are invited to attend an eight
week training program, during which they learn how to properly
handle food and complete a CPR (Cardio Pulminary Resusitation)
course, skills which helps them obtain employment in the food
service industry. Seven individuals who have been trained by the
D.C. Central Kitchen currently have full-time employment in the
food service industry.
The President salutes the D.C. Central Kitchen as the 275th
"Daily Point of Light.' Daily Point of Light recognition is
intended to call every individual, group, and organization in
America to claim society's problems as their own by taking direct
and consequential action; to identify, enlarge, and multiply
successful initiatives, like the D.C. Central Kitchen; and to
discover, encourage, and develop new leaders in community
service, reflecting the President's conviction that, "From now on
in America, any definition of a successful life must include
serving others."
###
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tracey Taylor or Jill Chodorov
(202) 456-6266
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THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release
March 21, 1990
The President today named William Warner Johnson of Washington,
D.C. as the ninety-sixth "Daily Point of Light." Officer
Johnson, a District of Columbia police officer, provides a
positive alternative to drugs and crime for inner-city young
people.
Two years ago, Officer Johnson was ready to quit his job. As a
20-year police veteran in the District of Columbia, he was
sickened by the many tragedies he witnessed each day. Officer
Johnson turned his frustration into inspiration by dedicating his
professional and personal life to helping the most vulnerable and
valuable members of our society: our children. He envisioned and
established a youth-oriented business enterprise.
The Conner-Harris Mini-Mall, named after two victims of the drug
war, started with a weight lifting room donated by Officer
Johnson in Woodson Junior High School. He expanded the facility
to include several stores to cater to young people. By allowing
students to operate the stores themselves, Officer Johnson has
taught them to be junior entrepreneurs. Now the mini-mall, open
after school and on weekends, serves as a teaching tool, where
participants make their own products, such as T-shirts and craft
items, and learn bookkeeping and marketing skills. Officer
Johnson works an eight hour shift and donates an extra eight
hours daily, ensuring the success of this project.
The President extends his deepest gratitude to William Warner
Johnson for his valuable contribution to the D.C. community.
Through his outstanding efforts, Officer Johnson truly embodies
the President's conviction that, "From now on in America, any
definition of a successful life must include serving others."
###
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tracey Taylor or Robert Marbut
(202) 456-6266
7637 Allendale Drive
Palmer Park, MD 20785
(202) 724-4823
confirmed
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release
January 11, 1990
THE DAILY "POINT OF LIGHT"
The President today named the Higher Achievement Program (HAP)
of Washington, D.C. as his thirty-ninth daily "Point of Light."
HAP is an academic tutoring program helping disadvantaged
students attain their highest educational goals.
Since 1975, HAP has helped over 3,500 young people in grades
4-8. Through after-school sessions during the academic year,
an intensive summer program, and assistance with high school
placement, the initiative helps targeted Washington students
realize their potential. Hundreds of volunteers serve as
tutors for the program.
The President praises the Higher Achievement Program for its
commitment to the students of Washington, D.C. They recognize
American. that the opportunity to succeed should be a birthright of every
# # #
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: John Galletta (202) 456-6266
Kenneth Taylor
19 Eye Street, NW
Washington, D.C. 20001
(202) 842-5116
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THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
THE NATIONAL CHRISTMAS TREE
The tradition began in 1923 when Middlebury College
presented a tree from his native Vermont to President Calvin
Coolidge. The tree was placed on the Ellipse, the park
immediately south of the White House.
1923 -
the Ellipse - cut fir
1924-1933 -
Sherman Park (immediately south of the Treasury,
southeast of the White House) - living spruce
1934-1938 -
Lafavette Park (across Pennsylvania Avenue north
of the White House) - living fir
1939-1940 -
the Ellipse - cut tree, species unknown
1941-1953 -
South Lawn of the White House - 2 living spruces,
used alternately
1954-1972 -
the Ellipse - cut tree (fir or spruce), each year
from a different state, as focal point of the
Pageant of Peace
1973-present - the Ellipse - living spruce (3 different trees -
1973-76, 1977, 1978-present) as focal point
of the Pageant of Peace.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
Dec. 9, 1986
Switch used by Pres. to light the
National Christmas Tree is cared for
by W.H.C.A.
On it is a plaque listing every president
that had used it, and the date it was used.
The first was Calvin Coolidge in 1923.
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
(New York, New York)
EMBARGOED FOR RELEASE
UNTIL 11:45 A.M. EDT
MONDAY, OCTOBER 1, 1990
TEXT OF REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT
TO THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY
General Assembly Hall
United Nations Headquarters
New York, New York
October 1, 1990
Mr. President. Mr. Secretary General. Distinguished delegates
to the United Nations:
It is a great privilege to greet you today as we begin what marks
a new and historic session of the General Assembly.
Forty-five years ago, while the fires of an epic war still raged
across two oceans and two continents, a small group of men and
women began a search for hope amid the ruins. They gathered in
San Francisco, stepping back from the haze and the horror to try
to shape a new structure that might support an ancient dream.
Intensely idealistic, and yet tempered by war, they sought to
build a new kind of bridge, a bridge between nations, a bridge
that might help carry humankind from its darkest hour to its
brightest day.
The founding of the United Nations embodied our deepest hopes for
a peaceful world. And during the past year, we have come closer
than ever before to realizing those hopes. We've seen a century
sundered by barbed threats and barbed wire give way to a new era
of peace, cooperation, and freedom.
The Revolution of '89 swept the world almost with a life of its
own, carried by a new breeze of freedom that transformed the
political climate from Central Europe to Central America, and
touched almost every corner of the globe.
That breeze has been sustained by a now almost universal
recognition of a simple, fundamental truth: The human spirit
can't be locked up forever. The truth is, people everywhere are
motivated in much the same ways. And people everywhere want much
the same things: The chance to live a life of purpose -- the
chance to choose a life -- in which they and their children can
learn, grow healthy, worship freely, and prosper through the work
of their hands, their hearts and their minds.
We're not talking about the power of nations, but the power of
individuals. The power to choose, the power to risk, the power
to succeed.
This is a new and different world. Not since 1945 have we seen
the real possibility of using the United Nations as it was
designed -- as a center for international collective security.
The changes in the Soviet Union have been critical to the
emergence of a stronger U.N. The U.S. -soviet relationship is
finally beyond containment and confrontation, and now we seek to
fulfill the promise of mutually shared understanding.
- more -
2
The long twilight struggle that for 45 years has divided Europe,
our two nations, and much of the world has to come to an end.
Much has changed over the last two years. The Soviet Union has
taken many dramatic and important steps to participate fully in
the community of nations.
when the Soviet Union agreed with so many of us, here in the
United Nations, to condemn the aggression of Iraq, there could be
no doubt that we had indeed put four decades of history behind
us.
We are hopeful that the machinery of the United Nations will no
longer be frozen by the divisions that plagued us during the Cold
War. That, at long last, we can build new bridges, and tear down
old walls.
That, at long last, we will be able to build a new world based on
an event for which we have all hoped -- an end to the Cold War.
Two days from now, the world will be watching when the Cold War
is formally buried in Berlin. And in this time of testing, a
fundamental question must be asked. A question not for any one
nation -- but for the United Nations. And the question is this:
Can we work together in a new partnership of nations? Can the
collective strength of the world community, expressed by the
United Nations, unite to deter and defeat aggression?
Because the cold War's battle of ideas is not the last epic
battle of this century. Two months ago, in the waning weeks of
one of history's most hopeful summers, the vast, still beauty of
the peaceful Kuwaiti desert was fouled by the stench of diesel
and the roar of steel tanks. Once again the sound of distant
thunder echoed across a cloudless sky. And once again the world
awoke to face the guns of August.
But this time, the world was ready. The U.N. security Council's
resolute response to Iraq's unprovoked aggression has been
without precedent. Since the invasion on August 2nd, the Council
has passed eight major resolutions setting the terms for a
solution of the crisis.
The Iraqi regime has yet to face the facts. But as I said last
month: The annexation of Kuwait will not be permitted to stand.
This is not simply the view of the United states. It is the view
of every Kuwaiti, the Arab League, and the United Nations.
Iraq's leaders should listen: It is Iraq against the world.
Let me take this opportunity to make the policy of my government
clear. The United states supports the use of sanctions to compel
Iraq's leaders to withdraw immediately and without condition from
Kuwait. We also support the provision of medicine, and of food
for humanitarian purposes, so long as distribution can be
properly monitored. Our quarrel is not with the people of Iraq.
We do not wish for them to suffer. The world's quarrel is with
the dictator who ordered the invasion.
Along with others, we have dispatched military forces to the
region to enforce sanctions; to deter and if need be defend
against further aggression. We seek no advantage for ourselves.
Nor do we seek to maintain our military forces in Saudi Arabia
for one day longer than is necessary. U.S. forces were sent at
the request of the Saudi Government. The American people -- and
this President -- want every single American soldier brought home
as soon as the mission is completed.
- more -
3
Let me also emphasize that all of us here at the U.N. hope
military forces will never have to be used. We seek a peaceful
outcome -- a diplomatic outcome. And one more thing -- in the
aftermath of Iraq's unconditional departure from Kuwait, I truly
believe that there may be opportunities: For Iraq and Kuwait to
settle their differences permanently; for the States of the Gulf
themselves to build new arrangements for stability; and for all
the States and peoples of the region to settle the conflict that
divides the Arabs from Israel. But, the world's key task -- now,
first and always -- must be to demonstrate that aggression will
not be tolerated or rewarded.
Through the U.N. Security Council, Iraq has been judged by a jury
of its peers -- the very nations of the Earth. Today, the regime
stands isolated and out of step with the times, separated from
the civilized world not by space, but by centuries.
Iraq's unprovoked aggression is a throw-back to another era, a
dark relic from a dark time. It has plundered Kuwait, terrorized
innocent civilians, and held even diplomats hostage. Iraq and
its leaders must be held liable for these crimes of abuse and
destruction. But this outrageous disregard for basic human
rights does not come as a total surprise. Thousands of Iraqis
have been executed on political and religious grounds, and even
more through a genocidal, poison gas war waged against Iraq's own
Kurdish villagers.
As a world community, we must act -- not only to deter the use of
inhuman weapons like mustard and nerve gas -- but to eliminate
the weapons entirely. That is why, one year ago, I came to the
General Assembly with new proposals to banish these terrible
weapons from the face of the Earth.
I promised the United States would destroy over 98 percent of its
stockpile in the first eight years of a chemical weapons ban
treaty, and 100 percent -- all of them -- in 10 years, if all
nations with chemical weapons capabilities sign the treaty.
We've stood by those promises. In June, the U.S. and the Soviet
Union signed a landmark agreement to halt production, and to
destroy the vast majority of our stockpiles. Today, U.S.
chemical weapons are being destroyed.
But time is running out. This is not a merely bilateral concern.
The Gulf crisis proves how important it is to act together -- and
to act now -- to conclude an absolute, worldwide ban on these
weapons. We must also redouble our efforts to stem the spread of
nuclear weapons, biological weapons, and the ballistic missiles
that can rain destruction upon distant peoples.
The United Nations can help bring about a new day, a day when
these kinds of terrible weapons -- and the terrible despots who
would use them -- are both a thing of the past. It is in our
hands to leave these dark machines behind, in the dark ages where
they belong, and to press forward to cap a historic movement
towards a new world order and a long era of peace.
We have a vision of a new partnership of nations that transcends
the Cold War. A partnership based on consultation, cooperation
and collective action, especially through international and
regional organizations. A partnership united by principle and
the Rule of Law, and supported by an equitable sharing of both
cost and commitment. A partnership whose goals are to increase
democracy, increase prosperity, increase the peace and reduce
arms.
- more -
4
And as we look to the future, the calendar offers up a
convenient milestone, a signpost by which to measure our progress
as a community of nations.
The Year 2000 marks a turning point, beginning not only the turn
of the decade, not only the turn of the century, but also the
turn of the millennium.
And ten years from now, as the 55th Session of the General
Assembly begins, you will again find many of us in this Hall, our
hair a bit more gray, perhaps a bit less spring in our walk. But
you will not find us with any less hope or idealism, or any less
confidence in the ultimate triumph of humankind.
I see a world of open borders, open trade, and -- most
importantly -- open minds. A world that celebrates the common
heritage that belongs to all the world's people, taking pride not
just in hometown or homeland but in humanity itself.
I see a world touched by a spirit like that of the Olympics:
Based not on competition that's driven by fear, but sought out of
joy and exhilaration and a true quest for excellence.
I see a world where democracy continues to win new friends and
convert old foes, and where the Americas -- North, Central and
South -- can provide a model for the future for all humankind --
the world's first completely democratic hemisphere.
And I see a world building on the emerging new model of European
unity. Not just Europe, but the whole world -- "whole and free."
This is precisely why the present aggression in the Gulf is a
menace not only to one region's security, but to the entire
world's vision of our future. It threatens to turn the dream of
a new international order into a grim nightmare of anarchy, in
which the law of the jungle supplants the law of nations.
That is why the United Nations reacted with such historic unity
and resolve. And that is why this challenge is a test we cannot
afford to fail. I am confident we will prevail. Success, too,
will have lasting consequences -- reinforcing civilized standards
of international conduct, setting a new precedent in
international cooperation, brightening the prospects for our
vision of the future.
There are ten more years until the century is out. Ten more
years to put the struggles of the 20th Century permanently behind
us. Ten more years to help launch a new partnership of nations.
And throughout those ten years -- and beginning now -- the U.N.
has a new and vital role in building towards that partnership.
Last year's General Assembly showed how we can make greater
progress towards a more pragmatic and successful U.N. And, for
the first time, the U.N. Security Council is beginning to work as
it was designed to work.
Now is the time to set aside old debates, old procedures, old
controversies, and old resolutions. It's time to replace polemic
attacks with pragmatic action.
We have shown that the U.N. can count on the collective strength
of the international community. we have shown that the U.N. can
rise to the challenge of aggression, as its founders hoped it
would. And now in this time of testing, we must also show that
the U.N. is the place to build international support and
consensus for meeting the other challenges we face.
- more -
5
The world remains a dangerous place. And our security and
well-being often depends, in part, on events occurring far away.
We need serious international cooperative efforts to make headway
on threats to the environment, on terrorism, on managing the debt
burden, on fighting the scourge of international drug
trafficking, and on refugee and peacekeeping efforts around the
world.
But the world also remains a hopeful place. Calls for democracy
and human rights are being reborn everywhere. These calls are an
expression of support for the values enshrined in the U.N.
Charter. They encourage our hopes for a more stable, more
peaceful, more prosperous world.
Free elections are the foundation of democratic government, and
can produce dramatic successes, as we have seen in Namibia and
Nicaragua. And the time has come to structure the U.N. role in
such efforts more formally. And so today, I propose that the
United Nations establish a Special Coordinator for Electoral
Assistance, to be assisted by a U.N. Electoral Commission
comprised of distinguished experts from around the world.
As with free elections, we also believe that universal U.N.
membership for all States is central to the future of this
Organization, and to the new partnership we've discussed. In
support of this principle, and in conjunction with U.N. efforts
to reduce regional tensions, the United states fully supports
U.N. membership for the Republic of Korea. We do so without
prejudice to the ultimate objective of reunification of the
Korean Peninsula, and without opposition to simultaneous
membership for the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.
Building on these and other initiatives, we must join together in
a new compact -- all of us -- to bring the United Nations into
the 21st Century. And I call today for a major, long-term effort
to do this. We should build on the success of our distinguished
Secretary General, my long-time friend and colleague, Javier
Perez de Cuellar. We should strive for greater effectiveness and
efficiency of the U.N.
The United states is committed to playing its part, helping to
maintain global security, promoting democracy and prosperity. MY
Administration is fully committed to supporting the United
Nations, and to paying what we are obliged to pay by our
commitment to the Charter. International peace and security --
and international freedom and prosperity -- require no less.
The world must know and understand: From this hour, from this
day, from this Hall -- we step forth with a new sense of purpose,
a new sense of possibilities. We stand together, prepared to
swim upstream, to march uphill, to tackle the tough challenges as
they come -- not only as the United Nations -- but as the nations
of the world united.
Let it be said of the final decade of the 20th Century: This was
a time when humankind came into its own. When we emerged from
the grit and the smoke of the industrial age to bring about a
revolution of the spirit and of the mind, and began a journey
into a new day, a new age, and a new partnership of nations.
The U.N. is now fulfilling its promise as the world's parliament
of peace. I congratulate you. I support you. And I wish you
Godspeed in the challenges ahead.
# # #
OF
OSM
FACT SHEET
OFFICEOF
U.S. Department of the Interior
Office of Surface Mining
202 208-2553
November 21, 1990
CHRISTMAS TREES FROM RECLAIMED MINE LAND
Each year, just before Christmas, the President of the United States turns the switch that lights the national
Christmas tree and the 57 smaller trees that represent the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S.
territories. This tree-lighting ceremony, called the Pageant of Peace, is held on the Ellipse, just south of
the White House. Although the national tree is permanently planted on the Ellipse, the 57 state and
territorial trees are planted temporarily for the event, and then, following the holiday season, are
transplanted to the grounds of Washington area schools and other public buildings.
This year the 57 state and territorial trees are very special. They are from the Autumn Ridge Christmas Tree
Farm, which is located on a reclaimed coal mine in western Maryland. Mined and reclaimed in the late
1960's, this land is an excellent example of how land used temporarily for surface coal mining can be
returned to permanent, productive land use.
The Buffalo Coal Company mined coal on the site where this tree farm is located, just outside Oakland,
Maryland, from 1966-1971. The coal was shipped to Washington, D.C., as fuel for electric power
generating plants. (In fact it is likely that coal from this site was used to generate the electricity that lit the
Christmas trees at Pageant of Peace ceremonies in the early 1960's.) Following the mining, reclamation
was completed under the Maryland mining law, which required the operator to cover the mined area with
a minimum of four feet of fill material. However, the company did more. Prior to returning the mined land
to the land owner, the coal company regraded the site and established grass cover.
In 1980, the current owner, Gary Shaffer, purchased the property. Shaffer is president of Chesapeake
Conservation Services of Sykesville, Maryland, a company that constructs erosion control and wetlands
mitigation structures. Using its expertise in these areas, the company laid drain fields, completed the
grading and topsoiling, constructed gravel roads, and established a Christmas tree farm with over 70,000
trees on the former coal mine land. Today over 100 acres of this former mined land are covered with
carefully hand sheared Christmas trees. Streams and surface water running through the farm are clear,
and the land is productive once again.
During the summer of 1990, officials from the Interior Department's Office of Surface Mining and The
National Park Service selected trees for the December tree-lighting ceremony. In late fall, the pines were
dug and transported to the Ellipse for planting and decorating. On December 13, President Bush will light
the trees for this year's holiday season.
Although growing Christmas trees on reclaimed land is common today, it was an unusual land use prior
to passage of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977. This national coal mining and
reclamation law requires mining companies throughout the country to reclaim the land and either
reestablish the old land use or develop new, more productive uses.
This year's Christmas trees are living proof that America can mine its coal resources without permanent
environmental damage, and then return the land to productive, long-term land uses.
Ref
Q123
23
WH
THE
ENCYCLOPEDIC
DICTIONARY
OF
SCIENCE
Facts On File Publications
New York, New York Oxford, England
152- LIGAMENT
nucleic acids), starting from inorganic gases and
experiments reestablished the wave hypothesis
distance traveled by light in a vacuum in one
water only. It seems clear that all the basic
and FRESNEL gave it a rigorous mathematical
sidereal year, equal to 9461Tm (about 6 million
constituents of life could have arisen in this way,
basis. At the beginning of the 20th century, the
million miles). The unit has largely been replaced
but how they could have become organized into a
nature of light was again debated as PLANCK and
by the PARSEC (1 ly=0.3069pc).
page
240)
living cell, and how the relationship between
EINSTEIN proposed explanations of blackbody
Lignin
proteins and nucleic acids embodied in the GEN-
radiation and the PHOTOELECTRIC EFFECT respect-
A complex polymer made up of phenyl units
ETIC CODE could have become established is still
ively, which assumed that light carried ENERGY in
(benzene rings with side-groups) joined together
unresolved.
discrete quanta (see PHOTON). Today physicists
in a variety of ways. It gives strength and rigidity
Life may well have arisen more than once on
explain optical phenomena in terms either of
to the woody tissue of plants, and may account for
Earth, but all present-day living forms are de-
waves (reflection, refraction, DIFFRACTION, inter-
25% to 30% of the WOOD of some trees. Because it
scended from a single common ancestor, as shown
ference, polarization - see POLARIZED LIGHT and
has a random structure it is difficult for enzymes to
by the universality of the genetic code and the
SCATTERING) or quanta (blackbody radiation,
break down, and few organisms can digest it.
uniformity of basic biochemical reactions.
photoelectric emission and the interaction of light
Some fungi, however, and a few bacteria can do
Ligament
with substantial MATTER). (See also WAVE MO-
so. Wood-eating insects such as termites have
Specialized fibrous thickening of a JOINT capsule,
TION; QUANTUM THEORY.)
symbiotic lignin-digesting bacteria in their gut.
which helps to prevent the joint being forced
Light from the Sun is the principal source of
Lignite (brown coal) see COAL.
beyond its normal range. Sudden twisting forces
energy on Earth, being absorbed by plants in
Lilienthal, Otto (1848-1896)
may cause ligamentous strain or tears (sprain).
PHOTOSYNTHESIS. Many other chemical reactions
German pioneer of aeronautics, credited with
Ligaments are made up largely of COLLAGEN.
involve light (see CHEMILUMINESCENCE; PHOTO-
being the first to use curved, rather than flat,
Ligand
CHEMISTRY; PHOTOGRAPHY) though few artificial
wings, as well as first to discover several other
An ION or molecule linked to a central metal ion
light sources are chemical in nature. Most light
principles of AERODYNAMICS. He made over 2000
by a coordinate bond (see BOND, CHEMICAL) to
sources employ radiation emitted from bodies
glider flights, dying from injuries received when
form a so-called complex compound. Almost any
which have become hot or have been otherwise
one of his gliders crashed.
ion or molecule that can act as a BASE, having
energetically excited (see ENERGY LEVEL; LASER;
Lime (calcium oxide or hydroxide) see CALCIUM.
an atom able to donate an electron-pair, may act
LUMINESCENCE). Light can be converted into
Limestone
as a ligand common examples include NH3,
electricity using the PHOTOELECTRIC CELL. Light
SEDIMENTARY ROCK consisting mainly of calcium
H₂O, Cl⁻, OH⁻, SO₄²⁻, CO, NO⁺, H⁻,
used for illumination is the subject of the science
carbonate (see CALCIUM), in the forms of CALCITE
C₅H₅⁻, CH₃COO⁻. The complex formed may
of PHOTOMETRY. (See also OPTICS.) (I) page 21,
and aragonite. Some limestones, such as CHALK,
be cationic, uncharged or anionic. The coordi-
115, 118, 123, 151, 237)
are soft but others are hard enough for use in
nation number of the central ion in the complex is
Light meter
building. Limestone may be formed inorganically
the number of ligand-to-ion bonds; this equals the
A device for measuring LIGHT levels, particularly
(oolites) by evaporation of seawater or freshwater
number of ligands unless they are polydentate
in PHOTOGRAPHY where they are often coupled
containing calcium carbonate, or organically from
having more than one donating atom - when they
directly to the exposure controls of a camera. Most
the shells of mollusks or skeletons of coral piled up
may occupy more than one coordination site
light meters employ either PHOTOVOLTAIC CELLS
on sea beds and compressed. In such limestone
forming a CHELATE complex. Coordination num-
(eg selenium type) or PHOTOCONDUCTIVE DETEC-
fossils usually abound.
bers of 2 to 10 are known, but 6 (octahedral) and 4
TORS (eg cadmium sulfide "CdS" type).
Limnology
(tetrahedral or square planar) are commonest.
Lightning
A branch of BIOLOGY that deals with the study of
Many complexes with more than one kind of
A discharge of atmospheric electricity resulting in
freshwater habitats and the plants and animals
ligand have STEREOISOMERS. Complexes vary
a flash of light in the sky. Most occur between two
within them.
greatly in their lability, ie the rapidity with which
parts of a single cloud, some between cloud and
Limonene
the ligands are replaced by others: they are
ground, and a few between one cloud and another.
A natural terpene hydrocarbon used as a flavoring
described as labile or inert. The bonding in
Flashes range from a few km to about 150km in
and fragrance. It occurs in enantiomeric forms;
complexes has been described by several theories:
length, and typically have an energy of about
d-limonene occurs in the oils of citrus fruits, while
crystal field theory considers the effect that the
300kWh and an electromotive force of about
the 1-form is found in spearmint and peppermint
electrostatic field due to the ligands has on the
100MV.
oils. MW 136.24, mp 74.4°C, bp 178°C.
energies of the central ion d-ORBITALS; ligand field
Cloud-to-ground lightning usually appears
Limonite
theory includes the mixing of ligand and ion
forked. A relatively faint light moves towards the
A dark brown, amorphous OXIDE mineral con-
orbitals.
ground at about 125km/s in steps, often branching
sisting of hydrated iron (III) oxide, formula
Light
or forking. As this first pulse (leader stroke) nears
FeO[OH].nH₂O. A major ION ore of widespread
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION to which the
the ground, electrical discharges (streamers) arise
occurrence, often with GOETHITE, it is formed by
human EYE is sensitive. Light radiations occupy
from terrestrial objects; where a streamer meets
alteration of other iron minerals.
the small portion of the electromagnetic SPEC-
the leader stroke a brilliant, high-current flash
Linear accelerator see ACCELERATORS,
TRUM lying between wavelengths 400nm and
(return stroke) travels up along the ionized (see
PARTICLE.
770nm. The eye recognizes light of different
ION) path created by the leader stroke at about
wavelengths as being of different COLORS, the
100Mm/s (nearly one-third the speed of light).
Linkage The occurrence together on the same CHROMO-
shorter wavelengths forming the blue end of the
Several exchanges along this same path may
SOME of two GENES. If the genes are close together
(visible) spectrum, the longer the red. The term
occur. If strong wind moves the ionized path,
they are said to be "closely linked", and are
light is also applied to radiations of wavelengths
ribbon lightning results.
normally transmitted together from generation to
just outside the visible spectrum, those of energies
Sheet lightning occurs when a cloud either is
generation. The more widely separated they are
greater than that of visible light being called
illuminated from within or reflects a flash from
on a chromosome, the more likely it is that genes
ultraviolet light, those of lower energies, infrared.
outside, in the latter case often being called heat
will be separated by CROSSING OVER.
(See ULTRAVIOLET RADIATION; INFRARED RADI-
lightning (often seen on the horizon at the end of a
Linnaeus, Carolus (later Carl von Linné)
ATION.) White light is a mixture of radiations from
hot day). Ball lightning, a small luminous ball
all parts of the visible spectrum, typified by the
near the ground, often vanishing with an ex-
BLACKBODY RADIATION reaching the Earth from
plosion, and bead lightning, the appearance of
TAXONOMY, (1707-1778) Swedish botanist who brought and physician, system to the the naming father based of of
the Sun. Bodies which do not themselves emit
luminous "beads" along the channel of a stroke,
living things. His classification of plants was the
light are seen by the light they reflect or transmit.
are rare.
on their sexual organs (he was the first to use an
In passing through a body or on reflection from its
Lightning results from a buildup of opposed
symbols O' and 0+ in their modern sense),
surface, particular wavelengths may be abstracted
electric charges in, usually, a cumulonimbus
artificiality dropped by later workers; but many used
from white light, the body consequently dis-
CLOUD, negative near the ground and positive on
his principles and taxonomic names are still
playing the colors that remain. Objects that reflect
high (see ELECTRICITY). There are several theories
no visible light at all appear black.
that purport to explain this buildup. Under-
today. Linoleic acid
For many years the nature of light aroused
standing lightning might help us to probe the very
A doubly a a
controversy among physicists. Although HUY-
roots of life, for lightning was probably significant
17 carbon atoms. It is found as
GENS had demonstrated that REFLECTION and
in the formation of those organic chemicals that
triglycerides of plants and is
REFRACTION could be explained in terms of waves
were to be the building blocks of life. (See also
stituent of the human diet. AW
- a disturbance in the medium NEWTON prefer-
SAINT ELMO'S FIRE; THUNDER.)
bp 228°C.
red to think of light as composed of material
Light year
corpuscles (particles). YOUNG'S INTERFERENCE
In ASTRONOMY, a unit of distance equal to the
An Lipase enzyme that splits TRIGLYCERIDES into FATTY
AE5
.E5
1982
WH
The New
Encyclopædia
Britannica
in 30 Volumes
MACROPEDIA
Volume 10
Knowledge in Depth
FOUNDED 1768
15 TH EDITION
Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.
William Benton, Publisher, 1943-1973
Helen Hemingway Benton, Publisher, 1973-1974
Chicago/Geneva/London/Manila/Paris/Rome
Seoul/Sydney/Tokyo/Toronto
Light 931
N12, 0, being the angle of incidence in the glass. At
surfaces that correspond to crests of the other wave. The
angles of incidence greater than this critical angle there
intermediate dotted lines represent troughs. At points
is total reflection; i.e., light, instead of penetrating into
such as P₁ (and P₂, P₃, .), a crest of one wave co-
the air, is reflected back into the glass.
incides with a crest of the other and according to the
Dispersion. Newton found that, when a beam of white
principle of superposition the displacement is twice that
light is refracted by a glass prism, it is dispersed, or split,
of either wave alone. At points Q₁, Q₂, etc., a crest of
into beams of different colours. This phenomenon is now
one wave meets a trough of another; so the displace-
interpreted in the following way: the velocity of light in
ments being equal and opposite, the resultant is zero.
glass varies fairly rapidly with its wavelength, whereas its
Thus, an observer looking at a plane that is perpendicular
velocity in air varies little; thus the index of refraction
to the page and passes through AB sees a series of straight
and hence the angle of refraction depend on wavelength.
lines through P₁, P₂, P₃, etc., representing large displace-
A beam of white light, containing as it does a wide range
ment and a series of lines through Q₁, Q₂, Q₃, etc., rep-
of wavelengths, is thus dispersed by a glass prism so that
resenting zero displacement.
light of one wavelength emerges from it in a different
There are many ways in which coherent beams of light
direction from light of another wavelength. Because col-
can be made to cross at an angle of about one part in a
our depends on wavelength, the emergent light forms a
thousand. The eye (or a low-power magnifier) can be
spectrum (see Plate). All material mediums are, to some
focussed on a plane such as that through AB. The re-
Inter-
extent, dispersive (i.e., phase velocity varies with the tem-
sulting parallel light and dark lines are called interfer-
ference
poral or spatial frequency).
ence fringes (Figure 3). From Figure 2 it may be seen fringes
Wave groups. When a stone is dropped into a quies-
cent pond, a few waves may be seen travelling out from
Milward T. Rodine
the point of impact. This group of waves maintains its
identity as it is propagated over a considerable distance,
although it finally dies away. The velocity of the group as
a whole is called the group velocity. Careful observation
shows that the group velocity is less than the phase veloc-
ity. Individual waves may be seen to appear at the back of
the group, advance through it, and die out as they reach
the front of the group. In a nondispersive medium the
group velocity is equal to the phase velocity, while in a
dispersive medium it may be greater than, less than, or
equal. For light waves, the group velocity is almost al-
ways less than the phase velocity.
Interference. When two or more wave motions are
present at the same place and time, the simplest assump-
tion is that the resultant displacement (ER) is the al-
gebraic sum of the individual displacements ($1, $2, $3'
etc.), i.e.,
$1 $2 $3
(4)
Nearly all observations on light are in accord with this
equation, which is a statement of the principle of super-
position. These phenomena constitute the subject of what
is known as linear optics. The possibility that additional
phenomena might be observed at high intensities of light
Figure 3: Two-beam interference fringes from
Young's double slits or Fresnel's biprism (see
has long been accepted, and the use of lasers in the attain-
text).
ment of the necessary high intensities has led to the dis-
covery of frequency doubling and other effects that can-
that the separation (d) of two bright fringes is X/α or
not be predicted from equation (4). These new observa-
1,000 1 if a = 0.001. When a has this value, d = 0.5
tions constitute the material of nonlinear optics (see
millimetre for blue-green light and this would imply that
OPTICS, PRINCIPLES OF). Equation (4) is valid for all the
x is about 0.5 X 0.001 or 1/2,000 part of a millimetre
phenomena of interference, diffraction, etc., which will
(this is usually written 500 nanometres).
be described in this article.
In this experiment the spatial periodicity of the light
Two waves are said to be coherent if their phase differ-
waves (about 2,000 waves per millimetre) has been made
ence remains constant during a period of observation.
to produce fringes with periodicity of about two per milli-
Figure 2 shows two equal coherent plane waves travelling
metre. The spatial periodicity of a light wave is too high
across the same space, with the wave fronts inclined at a
for the human eye, and it cannot be magnified directly.
small angle α, AB representing a surface corresponding to
Interference methods effectively magnify it so that the
a crest of one wave. (The surface must be assumed to be
resultant fringes can be seen by eye or with a convenient
magnification. The following method of producing inter-
perpendicular to the page.) C₁ D₁, C₂ etc., represent
ference fringes, developed by Thomas Young, is now
called Young's experiment.
In the arrangement shown in Figure 4, light of one
B
wavelength passes through a slit S producing semicylin-
C,
P,
D,
drical waves that are intercepted by two other slits
Q
P₁ and P₂. The two slits P₁ and P₂ act as secondary
P
sources of coherent, semicylindrical waves the combined
C2
D2
Q
effect of which is observed on the plane perpendicular to
C,
P
the page and designated AB. In a typical case the separa-
D,
Q
tion (a) of P₁ and P₂ is a millimetre and the distances l₁
and l₂ are each about a metre. The slits are a centimetre
P
C.
D.
or so long but are much less than a millimetre wide. They
are accurately parallel to one another and, as represented
A
in the drawing, are at right angles to the page. Because
C
D
the waves from P₁ and P₂ are indirectly derived from the
A
same small source, they are coherent. When they cross
Figure 2: Interference of two plane waves AB and CD with
directions inclined at an angle a. The crests of CD are
plane AB they are nearly plane because of the large
represented as C1D1, C2D2, etc., and the troughs are shown
radius, and they intersect at an angle a equal to 0.001. It
as broken lines (see text).
may be shown that the intensity (I) for these fringes varies
VOLUME 28
Venice to Wilmot, John
THE ENCYCLOPEDIA
AMERICANA
INTERNATIONAL EDITION
COMPLETE IN THIRTY VOLUMES
FIRST PUBLISHED IN 1829
GROLIER INCORPORATED
International Headquarters: Danbury, Connecticut 06816
718
WHITE-WHITE GRUB
allegiance to the crown. He was presiding bishop
Many persons analyze the colors
of the church in America in 1789 and from 1796
ence as red, yellow, green,
to 1836.
white. For this reason these six are called
As leader of a denomination retaining ties
with England, White tactfully guided the church
the psychologically primary colors. However,
through the post-Revolutionary period. Prevent-
ing incipient dissension over episcopal ordination,
light most example, falling so-called fresh on whites it, snow but snow reflects are very would about light have 80% grays. to of reflect For the
he arranged the first consecration of a bishop on
100% of the incident light to be truly white.
American soil in 1792, thus ensuring the con-
tinuity of episcopal orders from the mother church
the same spectral
White light is light that bas approximat energy energy distributon stmate that
to the daughter church. He also promoted Sun-
sunlight. White light also is approximately the
day schools, then considered radical, and encour-
same as the light radiated by a black body at
aged cooperation with Quakers and other denom-
temperature of about 6000° C (10,800° F).
inations. White also trained clergy, served as
White paints are made with such pigments
chaplain to Congress, and wrote articles for
white lead, titanium white (titanium dioxide), as
church periodicals as well as such works as Mem-
oirs of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the
LIGHT-Behavior of Light (Refraction); PAINT-
and zinc white (zinc oxide). See also COLOR,
United States of America (1820). He died in
Ingredients Used in Paints and Coatings.
Philadelphia on July 17, 1836.
WHITE ANT. See TERMITE.
WHITE, William Allen (1868-1944), American
newspaper editor and author, who as a small-
WHITE BEAR LAKE is a city in eastern Minnesota,
town editor for nearly 50 years was an influen-
in Ramsey county, about 10 miles (16 km) north-
tial voice for the ideas of Main Street America.
east of St. Paul. Situated on the western shore
Born in Emporia, Kans., on Feb. 10, 1868, he
of 3-mile (5-km)-long White Bear Lake, one of
moved with his family when he was ten to El
many scenic lakes in the area, the city is a pop-
Dorado, Kans. He studied at the College of Em-
ular resort and residential suburb of St. Paul.
poria and the University of Kansas (1886-1890),
Sailboat building and truck farming are among
which he left before graduation in order to be-
the main commercial activities in the area. Ice-
come business manager of the El Dorado Repub-
fishing contests are held as part of the St. Paul
lican. In 1891 he went to Kansas City, and in
Winter Carnival. First settled in 1851 and in-
1892 he became editorial writer for the Kansas
corporated in 1921, it has a city manager gov-
City Star.
ernment. Population: 22,538.
In 1895 he borrowed $3,000 and bought the
Emporia Gazette, which he edited and published
WHITE BIRCH. See BIRCH.
for the rest of his life. Through the columns of
W
the Gazette, an obscure country paper when
WHITE BLOOD CELL. See BLOOD-Composition
va
White acquired it, he became known throughout
of Human Blood.
the United States as the "Sage of Emporia," a
de
genial and warmly human person who epitomized
WHITE CAMELIA, Knights of the. See KNIGHTS
the middle-class Midwest. At first a straight-line
OF THE WHITE CAMELIA.
Republican, he later espoused the liberal politics
of Theodore Roosevelt, whose Progressive party
WHITE CEDAR. See CEDAR.
bid for the presidency he supported in 1912.
Thereafter White fought to liberalize Republican
WHITE CLOVER. See CLOVER.
party policies, usually without success.
White's editorial "What's the Matter with
WHITE FIR. See FIR.
Kansas?" (1896), an attack on the People's party
(Populists), first attracted national attention to
WHITE-FOOTED MOUSE. See MOUSE.
the country editor. His essay "Mary White," on
the death of his daughter in a riding accident in
WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE, a large dark-bodied
1921, is considered a classic. His 1922 editorial
goose that breeds in far northern regions of Eu-
"To an Anxious Friend" won him the first of two
rope, Asia, and North America and migrates
Pulitzer prizes; the second came posthumously
southward before the onset of winter. The goose,
for his Autobiography (1946).
Anser albifrons, has a white forehead, tan or
White was a prolific contributor to magazines
pink bill, gray or brown front, black or brown
and published much widely read fiction, includ-
back, white rear bottom, and yellow or orange
ing a novel, A Certain Rich Man (1909), and a
legs. It is an excellent swimmer, walks well, and
collection of short stories, In Our Town (1906).
flies in slanted or V formations.
He also wrote biographies of Woodrow Wilson
The European white-fronted goose (A. albi-
(1924) and two of Calvin Coolidge (1925, 1938).
frons albifrons) winters in southern Scandinavia,
His newspaper writings were collected in The
England, central Europe, Italy, and Greece. The
Editor and His People (1924) and Forty Years on
larger tule goose (A. albifrons gambelli) winters
Main Street (1937). White died in Emporia on
in California in the Sacramento Valley.
Jan. 29, 1944.
The white-fronted goose is a member of the
family Anatidae. See also GOOSE.
WHITE is a color at one extreme end of a scale
of grays, with black at the other extreme end of
WHITE GRUB, the larva of any of several mem-
the scale. White, grays, and black have no hue
bers of the scarab family (Scarabaeidae), espe-
and therefore are called achromatic, or neutral,
cially the larva of the May beetle (Phyllophaga).
colors. They differ in that white objects reflect
The grubs have a brown head and a white
most of the light shining on them, gray objects
C-shaped body with six legs. They feed on roots,
reflect intermediate amounts of light, and black
chiefly those of grasses, but injure many other
objects reflect very little light.
kinds of crops planted in newly cultivated sod.
VOLUME 17
Latin America to Lytton
THE ENCYCLOPEDIA
AMERICANA
INTERNATIONAL EDITION
COMPLETE IN THIRTY VOLUMES
FIRST PUBLISHED IN 1829
GROLIER INCORPORATED
International Headquarters: Danbury, Connecticut 06816
438
LIGHT: 1. Behavior of Light
LIGHT is radiant electromagnetic energy that can
approximately 300,000 kilometers in 186, 000,000)
space at a finite speed, which
be detected by the human eye. Visible light is
only one very small part of a vast spectrum of
per second. This speed is so great that
electromagnetic radiation. This spectrum in-
the time lag on
cludes radio waves, infrared radiation, visible
seeing the
light, ultraviolet radiation, X rays, and gamma
ever, it is quite apparent over astronom
rays. The visible-light portion of the spectrum
distances and in precision measurements.
extends from a frequency of about 4 X 10¹⁴ hertz
light moves through a medium other than
to a frequency of about 8 X 10¹⁴ hertz.
uum, its speed is reduced. For example, in
The nature of light can be interpreted in two
the speed is about two thirds that in
complementary ways. In one way, light is con-
The ratio of the speed in vacuum to the acurry
sidered to be electromagnetic waves. This view
is particularly useful in describing diffraction
refraction for the substance.
through a given substance is called the index
and interference. In the other way, light is con-
Color, Wavelength, and Frequency. The simn
sidered to be particles called photons. This view
form of light is a ray of a definite color.
is especially useful in describing the photoelectric
light is called monochromatic. At the other
effect. To provide an overall interpretation of
treme is white light, which is a mixture of
the various effects of light, light must be regarded
different colors. When two different monoc!
as having a dual wave-particle nature.
matic rays are combined in the eye-a
See also ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION; INFRA-
that is not completely understood-a new
RED RADIATION; QUANTUM THEORY; ULTRAVIOLET
will be observed that may appear the same
RADIATION.
that of a monochromatic ray different from
1. Behavior of Light
of those combined. For example, blue and
combine to look yellow.
In discussing the behavior of light, it is useful
As observed on the scale of everyday thin
to distinguish between those phenomena that
the properties of a monochromatic ray do
represent essential properties of light, such as
appear to vary from point to point along
propagation, interference, or polarization, and
beam. However, this apparent homogeneity
those phenomena that occur only when light
due only to the insensitivity of instruments
interacts with matter, such as reflection. While
as the eye. More accurate measurements
this distinction is not always apparent on a
phenomena such as interference (described
purely descriptive level, it becomes important
low) show that a monochromatic ray varies
when explaining the behavior of light by a
intensity over very short spatial distances
fundamental theory.
about 0.50 micron (1.97 X 10⁻⁵ inch). The
tensity of the ray also varies with time
ESSENTIAL PROPERTIES
intervals of 10⁻¹⁵ seconds-that is, it varies above
Propagation. Propagation, or the motion of
a million billion times per second. A phenom
light from place to place, is a basic property.
enon that so varies in space and time is called
Light from a source such as the sun or an incan-
wave. A monochromatic light wave traveling
descent bulb radiates outward in all directions.
a definite direction can be represented mather
In such radiation the intensity, or amount, of
matically as
light per unit area decreases as the square of the
distance to the source. Therefore, the total light
A sin 2πx > 2πt P +
hitting a sphere from a source at the center is
constant, regardless of the size of the sphere.
In the electromagnetic theory of light, this quan
This is equivalent to a statement of the conser-
tity is the value of the electric field of the light
vation of the energy carried by the light.
wave, at a specific distance x from the source
If light from a source is constrained to move
and at a time t. The quantity δ is a constant
only in one direction, as from a flashlight, then
whose value depends on how the wave was
the beam or ray of light will move approximately
produced. A is a constant, called the amplitude,
in a straight line, so long as the source is not too
whose square equals the average intensity of the
large. In this case the intensity is approximately
light ray. The quantity A is a length, called the
constant.
wavelength of the light, that measures the dis-
When a light source is suddenly turned on,
tance over which the intensity repeats its value
the light is visible at a distance only after a lapse
as we move along the direction of the beam.
of time. This implies that light moves through
Different wavelengths correspond to light of
different colors, as indicated in the accom
CONTENTS
panying table. Similarly, P measures the time
Section
Page
Section
Page
1. The Behavior of
Reflection
442
WAVELENGTHS AND FREQUENCIES OF COLORS
Light
438
Refraction
442
Essential Proper-
Wavelength
Frequency
Diffraction
443
Color
ties
438
(nanometers)
(hertz)
2. History of
Propagation
438
Theories of Light
445
Violet
400 to 450
7.5 to 6.6 X 10¹⁴
Color, Wavelength,
Blue
450 to 500
6.6 to 6.0 X 10¹⁴
438
3. Measurement of the
and Frequency
Green
500 to 570
6.0 to 5.27 X 10
Velocity of Light
451
Interference
439
Yellow
570 to 590
5.27 to 5.08 X 10
Astronomical
Orange
590 to 610
5.08 to 4.92 X 10
Polarization
440
Methods
451
Red
610 to 700
4.92 to 4.28 X 10
Interaction of
Laboratory
Light with Matter
440
Measurements
452
Emission of Light
441
Methods Based on
interval over which the intensity at any fixed
Absorption and
Measurement of
Transmission of
Wavelength
454
point returns to the same value. Physicists
Light
441
4. Basic Concepts of
usually use the frequency f, which is the recip-
Scattering
441
Photometry
455
rocal of the period P, to describe the light wave
THE WHITE HOUSE
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
WASHINGTON
Sig Rogich 2421
Couple 100 pts of
Bruce Sanka
light in the audience
will be working on
the event
Pres
spechen
Theme : Points of
light, dominity
TREE 1 : Pagent
Joseph
of Place
Rily
service, helping
private corpitat runs (638-3444)
fellow man
the any that doesthis
Gulf
may Tayler
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2
Mary Ritter interior) (Dept of
6266
Fany
Pulton
619-7296
is on "were thee how you all but grown
(Hinchliffe/Grossman)
December 10, 1990
4 p.m.
trees don'ted
LIGHTS
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: CHRISTMAS TREELIGHTING CEREMONY
Dept
December 13, 1990
4:30 p.m.
to
THEY
Ellipse
Thank you. And a special thanks to Secretary Lujan and the
Department of the Interior for this year's holiday gift: the 57
state and territorial trees lining our "Pathway of Peace. " It's
a wonderful, 1990s tale of rebirth. These trees were grown for
this celebration on formerly lifeless, reclaimed mine land.
This is always a very special moment. People talk of the
out
magic of this season. Well, what is more magical than the way
put
lights can dispel the darkness.
I once read that white light is actually made up of all the
the
colors of the rainbow. So that's what we see in the glow of this
tree -- red and blue and yellow bulbs mixing together to become
something new -- one light that represents both unity and
diversity. That's how I like to look at America. All of us, all
different, all working together, giving the best of ourselves to
make this country the strong, beautiful place that it is.
For nearly 70 years Presidents have taken part in this
tradition: flipping a switch to send thousands of bulbs
sparkling into the chill night sky. As we stand here, we're
doing what generations have done before us: watching our
national Christmas tree become a brilliant symbol of hope.
There are so many emotions we share tonight. We feel joy -
- thinking of how freedom has at last illuminated the dark
corners of Eastern Europe. We feel pride -- thinking of our
2
young men and women standing strong in the harsh, distant deserts
and seas of the Persian Gulf. For theirs is the true eternal
flame which will never be extinguished.
And we also feel determination. That the bright warmth of
this holiday season will stay with us all year. That we will be
guided by our inner North Star, making family unity, community
service, and national pride the center of our lives. We are
determined that our nation will become a constellation of hope
-- made up of thousands of individual Points of Light. Let us
echo that beautiful carol "O Little Town of Bethlehem" and, like
streets
that long-ago Star, let us shine on all "dark streets", and to
all people in "deep and dreamless sleep".
And so, as we celebrate together tonight's start of the
Christmas season, let us pledge with one voice that Americans
will always form a bridge of light, shining across the world --
from the Persian Gulf to the inner cities of our own country. So
that as people, and as a nation, we will keep forever burning
bright the strong beacon of peace we light here tonight.
God bless America -- and happy holidays to everyone.
#
#
#
#
#
(Hinchliffe/Grossman)
December 7, 1990
2 p.m.
NEWTREE
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: CHRISTMAS TREELIGHTING CEREMONY
December 13, 1990
4:30 p.m.
Thank you. And a special thanks this year to Sec. Lujan and
the Department of the Interior for a new holiday gift: 57 state
and territorial trees lining our "Pathway of Peace.' They were
grown for this celebration on formerly lifeless, reclaimed mine
land. A wonderful modern-day tale of hope reborn out of despair } too
much
This is always a special moment of the year. People talk of
the magic of this season -- well, what can be more magical than
the way lights can dispel the darkness. It's been nearly 70
of
years now that Presidents have taken part in this tradition --
flipping a switch to send thousands of lights sparkling into the
topetre
chill night sky. For all these years Americans have watched as
1800d
our national Christmas tree becomes a symbol of hope, of peace
But as we look at it tonight, we share many emotions. We feel
joy: for seeing these lights reminds us of the light of freedom
that has at last illuminated the dark corners of Eastern Europe.
We feel pride thinking of our young men and women standing strong
in the harsh, distant desert and the cold waters of the Persian
Gulf. Together, their bravely burning individual flames make up
the bright American torch of liberty which shines across the
world -- the true eternal flame which will never be extinguished.
But we also feel sadness. For those in this nation and
across the globe who are not safe and whole and free. So tonight
let's pledge that the glow of these holiday lights will stay
food
alive within us throughout the year. That each of us will find
too Nw or Say for for
weird
nd
2
the inner moral North Star that guides us. That we will become
beacons of strength and service: bringing family unity, community
too
caring, and national pride back to the center of all our lives.
Good
much
Let us become a constellation of hope helping others -- like
the individuals and groups we recognize throughout the year as
Points of Light. Groups like the D.C. Central Kitchen, whose
up"
répresentatives are with us tonight, which every day of the year
perce
feeds those who hunger. And next week, by serving Christmas
months
dinners, it will turn what would otherwise have been a season of
shame into a season of plenty. That is what each of us must do
for each other. We must make our light shine on all dark
no,
top
streets, and to all people in dark and dreamless sleep.
would
So as we turn on the switch to send this light into the sky,
let's pledge that Americans will always form a shining link of
light across the world, bringing stars of hope from the Persian
Gulf to the inner cities of our own country. So that as individ not
uals and as a nation we will keep forever burning bright the
hope,
strong glow of peace and hope we light here tonight.
wring,
God bless America -- and happy holidays to everyone.
tough
#
#
#
#
#
no
ww
of
NATIONAL rakk SERVICE
NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION
1100 OHIO DRIVE, S.W.
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20242
WHITE HOUSE LIAISON
COMMERCIAL (202) 619-7296
90 OCT 3 P4: 52
FTS: 269-7296
FAX:
(202) 619-7323
FTS: 269-7323
DATE: 12/04/90
TO:
Jennifer Grossman
ADDRESS: Presidential Speech Writing
ROOM: The White House
TELEPHONE: 456-7750; FAX: 456-6218
SUBJECT: Background information on decorations/
lighting scheme of National Christmas Tree.
FROM:
Tami Fulton, Park Ranger
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
Jennifer:
I have enclosed two documents which might be helpful;
the press release and briefing notes (paragraph 4 will
be of interest). If you need additional information,
please call.
Tami
Total number of pages being sent:
(Including this cover page)
101
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OF THE THE IDENTION
United States Department of the Interior
U.S.
NATIONAL DADK SERVICE
1.1
Extended Page
NEWS RELEASE
U.S. department of the interior
national park service
5 p.m. Dec. 13
NATIONAL CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING
For Immediate Release
OPENS ANNUAL PAGEANT OF PEACE
Press contact: 202-619-7226
WASHINGTON, D.C.-President George Bush is expected to turn on the lights of
the National Christmas Tree during opening ceremonies of the 1990 Pageant of Peace at
5 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 13. The tree will remain lighted through Tuesday, Jan. 1, on the
Ellipse, south of the White House.
The opening stage presentation will feature several popular entertainers, including
actress and vocalist Jane Powell, country western singer Ricky Van Shelton and NBC-TV
weatherman Willard Scott as Santa Claus. The program also features the University of
Wyoming Collegiate Chorale under the direction of Carlisle Weiss and the United States
Army Band under the direction of Col. L. Bryan Shelburn, Jr.
A living Colorado blue spruce, now 35-feet tall, was transplanted from a farm in
York, Pa., to the Ellipse in 1978 to serve as the National Christmas tree. It is transformed
the
each year into a shimmering holiday centerpiece for the Pageant of Peace. The tree will
be decorated with multi-colored lights and topped with a five-pointed luminous star
measuring 30 inches in diameter.
The smaller live trees that are brought to the Ellipse to form the "Pathway of Peace"
this year come from Western Maryland where they were grown on reclaimed surface mining
land.
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They were donated by the National Coal Association through the Office of Surface
Mining, U.S. Department of Interior, as a symbol of how reclaimed coal mining land can
be returned to productive use. A total of 57 trees represent the states, territories and
District of Columbia. The trees had their roots balled for shipment Oct. 25 at the Autumn
Ridge Tree Farm outside of Oakland, Md., on land reclaimed in the 1970s from its former
use as the Buffalo Coal Company strip mine.
The trees will be moved to the Ellipse and decorated with donated ornaments made
of brass, pewter, glass, wood, silver, paper, dried flowers, fabric and other materials unique
to the region or state they represent.
The lighting of the tree by Presidents and Vice Presidents dates in an unbroken
tradition every year to Christmas Eve 1923 when President Calvin Coolidge lit a Christmas
tree on the White House south lawn.
This year's Pageant of Peace, with the theme Discovery is co-sponsored by the
Christmas Pageant of Peace, Inc., headed by Washington businessman Joseph H. Riley,
the National Park Service, and other organizations. The theme emphasizes the joy of
learning, exploration and satisfaction of discovering new friends and people, according to
Riley.
The Christmas Pageant of Peace will continue from 6-9 p.m., Dec. 14-23, and Dec.
26-29 with nightly musical entertainment by volunteer choirs and bands from the
Washington, D.C. area. The tree will remain lighted until Jan. 1.
Displays at the Pageant of Peace include a nativity scene, Santa's reindeer, a
warming bonfire, and a refreshment stand with complimentary hot cocoa, cookies and
candies.
For additional information about the Pageant of Peace, call the National Park
Service office of public affairs at 202-619-7222.
-nps-
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OF
TAKE
INTERIOR
PRIDE IN
United States Department of the Interior
AMERICA
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE
NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION
1100 OHIO DRIVE, S. W.
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20242
1990
CHRISTMAS PAGEANT OF PEACE BRIEFING NOTES
Mrs. George Bush will officiate at the Tree Topping Ceremony
for her tenth consecutive year. The topping of the National
Christmas Tree sets off the decorating of the national symbol
and the 57 smaller trees representing the states, U.S.
territories and the District of Columbia, which form the
"Pathway of Peace."
-
Mr. Joseph H. Riley, President of the Christmas Pageant of
Peace, Inc., will assist Mrs. Bush on November 30, 1990, at
11:00 a.m. by being raised to the top in a hydraulic lift.
-
The ornament topping the 35-foot Colorado Blue Spruce will be
the three dimensional, five-pointed luminous star which is
approximately 30 inches tall created by Frank LaGiusa for the
1989 Tree Topping. At Mrs. Bush's request, the top ornament
will be used again this year. This is the 15th year that Mr.
LaGiusa has designed the tree lighting.
-
This year's National Christmas Tree will feature a cross-
fading from glittering white to multi-colored lighting which
illustrates the phenomenon that white light consists of the
culmination of all colors. The white lighting on the tree is
decration
created with 2,500 clear lights while the multi-colored
lighting is representative of 1,000 General Electric medium-
based brilliant yellow, red, green and blue lights. This
variety of hues reflects the multi-faceted nature of American
heritage. For daytime viewing, hundreds of colored ornaments
adorn the tree.
-
General Electric Company is again donating the lighting scheme
for the 28th year and Hargroves, Inc., will again decorate the
trees. Each of the smaller trees representing States,
territories, and the District of Columbia is lighted with
miniature string sets and clear, steady-burning bulbs.
The Christmas Pageant of Peace will commence on Thursday,
December 13, 1989, at 5:00 p.m.
This year's theme is "Discovery" which was selected to
there
emphasize the joy of the discovery of learning, exploration,
and the satisfaction of discovering new friends and people.
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Special guests for the tree lighting ceremony on December 13
will be Willard Scott, the U.S. Army Band, the University of
Wyoming Collegiate Chorale, and The California Raisins. The
headliners for the entertainment are Jane Powell and Ricky Van
Shelton.
-
Included in the Pageant festivities are the traditional yule
log, the Nativity Scene, deer exhibit, and a walkway of 57
trees representing each State and territory and the District
of Columbia.
-
Musical entertainment will be provided every evening from
December 14 through December 23 and December 26 through
December 30.
I
The tree remains lighted through January 1. The 1989
attendance was approximately 133,000.
-
The Pageant of Peace as we know it today dates back to 1954.
It was organized as a means to emphasize America's desire to
maintain peace around the world.
-
It was expanded in 1972 to make it a national event and the
Christmas Pageant of Peace, Inc., was formed. The current
President of the Christmas Pageant of Peace, Inc.,
Joseph H. Riley, has held the position since 1979. The
Christmas Pageant of Peace, Inc. is comprised of local
businessmen and serves to organize the lighting ceremony and
the three-week long pageant of music and lights as a means of
emphasizing America's desire to maintain peace around the
world through the spirit and meaning of Christmas.
-
The tradition of the President lighting the National Christmas
Tree dates back to 1923 when President Calvin Coolidge lit the
first tree. Each President has since followed this practice.
-
The Christmas Pageant of Peace is annually sponsored by the
Christmas Pageant of Peace, Incorporated, the National Park
Service, the Greater Washington Board of Trade, the District
of Columbia Department of Recreation, and the Washington
Convention and Visitors Association.
November 6, 1990
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TAKE
OF THE INTERIOR $ 1
United States Department of the Interior
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE
NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION
1100 OHIO DRIVE, S. W.
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20242
WHITE HOUSE LIAISON
COMMERCIAL (202) 619-7296
FTS: 269-7296
FAX:
(202) 619-7323
FTS: 269-7323
DATE: 12/04/90
TO:
Jennifer Grossman
ADDRESS: Presidential Speech Writing
ROOM:
The White House
TELEPHONE: 456-7750; FAX: 456-6218
SUBJECT: Background information on National
Christmas Tree(s) and Christmas Pageant of Peace
FROM: Tami Fulton, Park Ranger
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
Jennifer:
Per our conversation. Please let me know if you
need additional information.
Tami
Total number of pages being sent: 8
(Including this cover page)
NEWS RELEASE
u.s.department of the interior
national park service
Background: Christmas Pageant of Peace
(revised Nov. 27, 1990)
The Christmas Pageant of Peace and
National Christmas Tree
The custom of lighting a National Christmas Tree dates back to 1923 when
President Calvin Coolidge walked to the South Lawn of the White House to dedicate a
large tree from his native Vermont. Since then the custom has continued with every
President.
In 1954, the National Christmas Tree celebration was organized under the
Christmas Pageant of Peace, Inc. This group of Washington, D.C. community leaders
broadened the program so that it has become a celebration of America's desire to
maintain peace around the world through the spirit and meaning of Christmas.
For many years, fresh trees were cut each year and brought to Washington, D.C.
to be decorated for the annual celebration. The first attempt to transplant a living tree
on the site was made in 1973. This transplant and one other subsequently died, but a
30-foot-tall Colorado blue spruce, transplanted in 1978, finally took root and has been
used ever since. It was transplanted from a farm in York, Pennsylvania. The tree had
been a Mother's Day gift to Mrs. William E. Myers and had stood on her farm for 15
years. Situated on the Ellipse in a public area known as The President's Park, the
National Christmas Tree may be seen year round by park visitors.
Surrounding the National Christmas Tree are 57 smaller trees which represent
the Nation's states, territories and the District of Columbia. This is known as the
"Pathway of Peace." Each year since 1981 the state and territory trees have been
individually decorated with ornaments contributed by organizations in each state.
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Chronology of Christmas Tree Locations
1923 The Ellipse
A fir tree was used for what was first called the National Community Christmas
Tree. It was lighted by President Calvin Coolidge on Christmas Eve, 1923. According
to "American Forests Magazine," 1939, the fir tree, not a living evergreen, was cut in
President Calvin Coolidge's native Vermont and erected on the Ellipse, south of the
White House, as a gift to the President. "This fir was presented to the President of the
United States for use as a National Community Christmas Tree by Middlebury College
in Vermont," according to Albert Clyde Burton of National Capital Parks. President
Coolidge was the first President to light the National Community Tree.
1924-1933, Sherman Plaza
The first living Christmas Tree, a Norway Spruce, was planted in 1924 in
Sherman Plaza, near the east entrance to the White House. This tree was presented by
the American Forestry Association to President Coolidge and the nation.
In 1925, the first Christmas message and the official program was first broadcast
coast to coast on radio. This tree served as the National Community Tree until 1934.
1934-1938 Lafayette Park
Two Fraser Fir trees were planted--one on each side of the Jackson Statue in
Lafayette Park. They were supposed to be used alternately each year, although the
same one was actually used each year.
1939-1940 The Ellipse
The program was again moved to the Ellipse and cut trees were used.
1941-1953, On the Executive Mansion grounds
Two living Oriental spruce trees were used on alternate years for the purpose.
1954-1972, The Ellipse
In 1954 to the Christmas Pageant of Peace Inc. was organized and the scope of
the National Community Christmas Tree Celebration was broadened to emphasize the
desire of this Nation and other nations to find peace through the spirit and meaning of
Christmas. President Dwight D. Eisenhower lit the first National Christmas Tree for the
Pageant of Peace.
Cut trees were used each year.
1973 The Ellipse
A 42-foot living Colorado Blue Spruce from northern Pennsylvania was planted to
serve as a permanent National Christmas Tree. The National Arborist Association
donated the trce.
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1974 The Ellipse
The first living tree was commemorated with a bronze plaque by John W. Dixon,
President of the Christmas Pageant of Peace Committee, Inc. The 214-pound plaque
was designed by Giannetti's Studio, Washington, D.C.
1975 The Ellipse
The 45-foot Colorado Blue Spruce was lighted by President Ford.
1976 The Ellipse
The 45-foot Colorado Blue Spruce, which had been the National Christmas Tree
since 1973 was dying and this would be its last year. President Ford did the honors.
1977 The Ellipse
A 30-foot Colorado Blue Spruce was transplanted on the Ellipse to replace the
previous tree.
1978 The Ellipse
Another 30-foot Colorado Blue Spruce was planted on the Ellipse. President
Carter and his daughter Amy, threw the switch.
1979 The Ellipse
It was the first time in 56 years that the nation's Christmas Tree remained dark
during the Christmas season. Only the top ornament was lighted. This gesture was
made by President Carter in honor of Americans being held hostage in Iran.
1980 The Ellipse
For the second year in a row, the National Christmas Tree remained unlighted.
However, in a special tribute sponsored by the National Broadcasters Association, the
tree was fully lighted for 417 seconds-one second for each day the hostages had been in
captivity.
Later, when the hostages were released, the tree was fully lighted. This happened
on Inaugural Day (Ronald Reagan's) Jan. 20, 1981 when the aircraft carrying the former
hostages home cleared Iranian airspace.
1981 The Ellipse
President Reagan illuminated the red, white and blue lights of the National
Christmas Tree on December 17 by pushing a remote button in the East Room of the
White House. President Reagan's decision to remain inside the White House was due
to international turmoil.
1982 The Ellipse
The National Christmas Tree was lighted by President Reagan on December 16
from the White House. Andy Williams and top members of the touring company of
"Annie" headlined the opening of the Pageant of Peace.
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1983 The Ellipse
The National Christmas Tree was lighted from the White House by President
Reagan and seven-year-old Amy Benham, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Benham, of
Westport, Washington. Amy wrote to the "Make A Wish" program and asked to
participate in the tree lighting ceremony. The program was to help make dreams come
true for children with disabilities or life-threatening illnesses.
1984 The Ellipse
The National Christmas Tree was lighted by the President's wife Nancy Reagan
on December 13 from the South Portico of the White House. Temperatures ranged in
the 70s making it one of the warmest tree lightings thus far.
The nativity scene (creche) was reinstated as being historically and legally
appropriate for display during the Pageant of Peace in light of a U.S. Supreme Court
decision. The tradition of displaying the nativity scene had been discontinued in 1973,
following a decision of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit
which decided an argument based upon U.S. Constitutional rights of religious freedom.
1985 The Ellipse
Vice President Bush's wife Mrs. Barbara Bush topped the National Christmas
Tree November 25.
President Reagan, accompanied by The First Lady holding her dog "Rex," threw
the remote switch from the South Portico of the White House to light the National
Christmas Tree during opening ceremonies of the Pageant of Peace on Dec. 12. In his
broadcast Christmas address, The President mourned the deaths of a planeload of U.S.
101st Airborne Division servicemen whose homeward-bound plane had crashed in
Newfoundland.
This was the first year since 1959 that reindeer, donated to celebrate Alaska
statehood, were not included in the Pageant. A traditional nativity scene was erected as
it had been in 1984.
On Christmas Eve at 6:15 p.m., the President directed that the lights on the tree
be turned down momentarily in support of American hostages in Lebanon and their
families at home.
1986 The Ellipse
Nov. 24, Vice President George Bush's wife Mrs. Barbara Bush started decorating
for the Pageant of Peace by topping the National Tree, with a 4-foot-tall starburst
ornament.
For the opening of the Pageant, Dec. 11, President Ronald Reagan delivered his
Christmas message by video remote and then, along with The First Lady, was joined by
8-year-old Byron Whyte and "Big Brother" Francis Hinton of the National Capital Area
Big Brothers and Big Sisters who helped the President throw the remote switch to light
the National Christmas Tree.
A crowd of 6,500 braved rain to attend opening ceremonies with Jim Nabors,
television's Gomer Pyle, and Willard Scott, NBC "Today" show weatherman, as
headliners.
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Reindeer, a nativity scene, and burning yule log were included as a part of the
traditional displays.
1987 The Ellipse
The National Christmas Tree lighting program was held Monday, Dec. 7, earlier
than usual because of the President's impending four-day summit meeting with Soviet
leader Mikhail Gorbachev.
President Ronald Reagan and a 5-year-old cystic fibrosis patient from New Jersey
lit the tree by remote control from the White House. On stage on the Ellipse, the
program headlined The California Raisins and Ted E. Bear & Patti Bear from "The
Bear Who Slept Through Christmas."
1988 The Ellipse
Mrs. Barbara Bush, wife of then Vice President Bush, and puppets "Rex and Rita
Readasaurus," stars of a nationwide Reading is Fundamental program topped the
National Christmas Tree on December 1.
A crowd of 12,000 attended opening ceremonies featuring Johnny Mathis, Shari
Lewis & Lambchop, The Dayton Hudson Santabears and Santa Chops and the
California Raisins. President Ronald Reagan said, "thanks for a free America," as he
threw the switch at the White House to light the National Christmas Tree for the eighth
and last time as President.
1989 The Ellipse
President and Mrs. Bush and their granddaughter Marshall pulled the switch
which illuminated the National Christmas Tree with thousands of red, white and blue
lights symbolic of the President's "thousand points of light" speech during his election
campaign. The First Family was watched the opening ceremonies from a box near the
stage.
A crowd estimated at more than 12,000, watched the program featuring popular
music singers Marilyn McCoo, Billy Davis Jr., and country-western singer Loretta Lynn.
1990 The Ellipse
For the first time, trees grown on reclaimed surface coal mine land were used to
form the Pathway of Peace comprised of 57 small scotch pine trees representing the 50
states, the District of Columbia and the U.S. territories.
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Chronology of Presidents and Vice Presidents
who have lighted the National Christmas Tree
Calvin Coolidge
1923, 1924, 1925, 1926, 1927, 1928
Herbert C. Hoover
1929, 1930, 1931
Charles Curtis
1932
Franklin D. Roosevelt
1933-1942
Spoke from Hyde Park, N.Y., 1943-1944
Harry S. Truman
1945-1950
From Independence, Mo.; 1951 and 1952
Dwight D. Eisenhower
1953, 1954
From Gettysburg, Pa., 1955-1960
Lyndon R. Johnson
1961
John F. Kennedy
1962
Lyndon B. Johnson
1963-1968
Richard M. Nixon
1969, 1970, 1973
Spiro T. Agnew
1971, 1972
Gerald R. Ford
1974, 1975, 1976
Jimmy Carter
1977, 1978
In 1979 and in 1980, only the main ornament was lighted because of the American
hostages in Iran. The tree was fully lighted on Inaugural Day, (Ronald Reagan) Jan. 20
1981, when the hostages were released and their homebound aircraft had cleared Iranian
airspace.
Ronald Reagan
1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988
George Bush
1989
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Christmas Tree Donations
In 1973 the first living National Christmas Tree since the creation of the Pageant
of Peace was planted on the Ellipse. The 42-foot Colorado blue spruce from northern
Pennsylvania was donated by the National Arborist Association and was meant to serve
as a permanent National Christmas Tree. Unfortunately, the tree was dying in 1976 and
had to be replaced for the 1977 Pageant of Peace.
A new live tree (Colorado Blue Spruce) donated by an anonymous family in
Maryland was used for the 1977 program, but blew down in January 1978 during a
violent wind storm.
A replacement tree, planted in October of 1978, has survived to date under care
and attention by National Park Service horticulturalists. It was donated by Mr. and Mrs.
William E. Myers and transplanted from their farm in York, Pennsylvania. It was first
decorated for the 1978 National Christmas Pageant of Peace and has been used ever
since.
Prior to 1973, cut trees were donated for Pageant of Peace as listed in the
following table.
YEAR:
STATE DONATED BY;
TYPE OF TREE;
1954
Michigan
60' Balsam Fir
1955
South Dakota
65' White Spruce
1956
New Mexico
65' Engelmann Spruce
1957
Minnesota
60' White Spruce
1958
Montana
99' cut to 75' Englemann Spruce
1959
Maine
70' White Spruce
1960
Oregon
78' Douglas Fir
1961
Washington
75' Douglas Fir
1962
Colorado
65' Blue Spruce
1963
West Virginia
66' Red Spruce
1964
New York
72' White Spruce
1965
Arizona
70' Blue Spruce
1966
California
70' Red Fir
1967
Vermont
70' Balsam Fir
1968
Utah
74' Engelmann Spruce
1969
New York
75' Adirondacks Spruce
1970
South Dakota
78' White Spruce
1971
North Carolina
70' Fraser Fir
1972
Wyoming
70' Engelmann Spruce
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CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY \ ELLIPSE
DECEMBER 13, 1990 \ 4:30 P. M.
THANK YOU. THANK YOU, JOE [RILEY], JANE [POWELL],
WILLARD [SCOTT], RICKY [VAN SHELTON], RUTH [BROWN], THE
U.S. ARMY BAND, THE UNIVERSITY OF WYOMING CHORALE, OUR
MEMBERS OF THE CLERGY, THE CALIFORNIA RAISINS AND, OF
COURSE, SANTA CLAUS.
- 2 -
THANKS TO SECRETARY LUJAN AND THE DEPARTMENT OF THE
INTERIOR; AND A SPECIAL THANKS TO THE NATIONAL COAL
ASSOCIATION FOR THIS YEAR'S HOLIDAY GIFT: THE 57
BEAUTIFUL STATE AND TERRITORIAL TREES LINING OUR
PATHWAY OF PEACE. IT'S A WONDERFUL, 1990s TALE OF
CAREFUL STEWARDSHIP AND REBIRTH: FOR THESE TREES WERE
GROWN ON MINED LAND THAT HAS BEEN RECLAIMED. III
- 3 -
THIS CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING IS ALWAYS A VERY
SPECIAL MOMENT. PEOPLE TALK OF THE MAGIC OF THIS
SEASON. WELL, WHAT IS MORE MAGICAL THAN THE WAY LIGHT
DISPELS THE DARKNESS. III
I'VE READ THAT WHITE LIGHT IS ACTUALLY MADE UP OF
ALL THE COLORS OF THE RAINBOW. So THAT'S WHAT WE SEE
IN THE GLOW OF THIS TREE -- RED AND BLUE AND YELLOW
BULBS MIXING TOGETHER TO BECOME SOMETHING NEW -- ONE
LIGHT THAT REPRESENTS BOTH UNITY AND DIVERSITY.
- 4 -
THAT'S HOW I LIKE TO LOOK AT AMERICA. ALL OF US, ALL
DIFFERENT, ALL WORKING TOGETHER, GIVING THE BEST OF
OURSELVES TO MAKE THIS COUNTRY THE STRONG, BEAUTIFUL
LAND THAT IT IS. III
You KNOW, THERE ARE so MANY EMOTIONS WE SHARE HERE
TONIGHT. WE FEEL JOY -- THINKING OF HOW FREEDOM HAS AT
LAST ILLUMINATED THE DARK CORNERS OF EASTERN EUROPE.
WE FEEL PRIDE -- THINKING OF OUR YOUNG MEN AND WOMEN
STANDING STRONG IN THE HARSH, DISTANT DESERTS AND ON
THE WATERS OF THE PERSIAN GULF.
- 5 -
FOR THEIR COURAGE IS THE TRUE ETERNAL FLAME WHICH WILL
NEVER BE EXTINGUISHED.
11
AND, HERE TOGETHER TONIGHT, WE ALSO FEEL
DETERMINATION. THAT THE BRIGHT WARMTH OF THIS HOLIDAY
SEASON WILL STAY WITH US ALL YEAR. THAT WE WILL BE
GUIDED BY OUR INNER NORTH STAR, MAKING FAMILY UNITY,
COMMUNITY SERVICE, AND NATIONAL PRIDE THE CENTER OF OUR
LIVES.
- 6 -
WE' RE DETERMINED THAT OUR NATION WILL BECOME A
CONSTELLATION OF HOPE: MADE UP OF THOUSANDS OF
SEPARATE POINTS OF LIGHT -- PEOPLE HELPING THOSE IN
NEED ACROSS OUR LAND.
PEOPLE LIKE THE MORE THAN 100 REPRESENTATIVES OF
DAILY POINTS OF LIGHT HERE TONIGHT -- INDIVIDUALS LIKE
W.W. JOHNSON; AND VOLUNTEERS FOR GROUPS LIKE THE HIGHER
ACHIEVEMENT PROGRAM, THE D.C. CENTRAL KITCHEN, MARY'S
HOUSE.
- 7 -
FOLLOWING THE LEAD OF THESE POINTS OF LIGHT, LET ALL OF
US ECHO THAT BEAUTIFUL CAROL "O LITTLE TOWN OF
BETHLEHEM" AND, LIKE THAT LONG-AGO STAR, LET US SHINE
IN ALL "DARK STREETS" AND TO ALL PEOPLE IN THE "DEEP
AND DREAMLESS SLEEP" OF LONELINESS AND DESPAIR. III
FOR NEARLY 70 YEARS PRESIDENTS HAVE TAKEN PART IN
THIS TRADITION: FLIPPING A SWITCH TO SEND THOUSANDS OF
LIGHTS SPARKLING INTO THE CHILL NIGHT SKY.
- 8 case
As WE GATHER HERE, WE RE DOING WHAT GENERATIONS BEFORE
US HAVE DONE -- WATCHING OUR NATIONAL CHRISTMAS TREE
BECOME A BRILLIANT SYMBOL OF HOPE, OF PEACE, AND OF
COMPASSION FOR ALL THE WORLD. LET'S PLEDGE TOGETHER
THAT WE WILL KEEP FOREVER BRIGHT THIS SHINING LEGACY WE
CELEBRATE HERE TONIGHT. GOD BLESS AMERICA -- AND HAPPY
HOLIDAYS TO EVERYONE.
#
#
#
O LITTLE TOWN OF BETHLEHEM
Words by PHILLIPS BROOKS
Music by LEWIS H. REDNER
Quietly
F
Fdim F
0
Lit - tle Town Of
For
Christ is born of
,
mp
F#dim Gm
F/C
C7
F
F7
D
Gm
3-
3
Beth le - hem, How
still
we
see
thee
lie!
A
-
bove
thy
deep
and
dream less
sleep The
Ma
-
y,
And
gath ered all
a - bove,
While
mor - tals sleep the
an gels
keep Their
F/C
C7
F
C7/G G#dim
A
Dm
Gm
3-
si lent stars go
by;
Yet
in
thy
dark streets
shin
-
eth
The
ev - er - last ing
watch of
won d'ring
love.
0
morn ing
stars,
to
I
geth
-
er
Pro - claim the ho - ly
,
A
F
Fdim
F
F#dim
Gm
Bdim
F/C
C7
F'
3
light;
The
hopes and
fears
of
all
the
years
Are
met
in
thee
to night.
birth!
And
prais es
sing
to
God
the
King,
And
peace
to
men
on earth!
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
Brai Brith
8576580
ext. Pub Affairs 8576545
Hillel Cutler
857.6541
DECEMBER 25
the cartoonist Thomas
makes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering
annexed in 1898 and a state since August 21,
i Illustrated Weekly a
the unseen world which not the strongest man, nor
1959, the United States reached its present
1 Moore's characteriza-
even the united strength of all the strongest men
boundaries.
gure with a red, ermine-
that ever lived could tear apart. Only faith, poetry,
er belt, and shiny boots.
love, romance, can push aside that curtain and view
popular that he con-
and picture the supernal beauty and glory beyond.
DECEMBER 25
us scenes with Santa
Is it all real? Ah, Virginia, in all this world there is
ne for nearly 30 years.
nothing else real and abiding.
No Santa Claus! Thank God! he lives and lives for-
nbination of Moore's
Christmas Day
ever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay, ten
tions helps children to
Feast of the Nativity of Our Lord
times ten thousand years from now, he will continue
nyth, but as they grow
to make glad the heart of childhood.
For Christians, Christmas, commemorating the
: doubts. One child in
birth of Jesus Christ, is an important religious
ork Sun asking whether
War of 1812 Ends
event, marking the gift from God described in
'he answer, written by
Treaty of Ghent
the New Testament: "For God so loved the
orinted as an editorial,
world, that he gave his only-begotten Son"
nous as Moore's poem.
The Treaty of Ghent, concluding the War of
(John 3:16). In Christian liturgical calendars,
ange follows:
1812 (see also June 18) between the United
only the feast of Easter, commemorating the
States and Great Britain, was signed by repre-
Resurrection of the Lord, outranks the Nativity
vering thus prominently
sentatives of the two countries, meeting at the
in spiritual significance. Christmas, however, is
expressing at the same
that its faithful author is
Belgian city of Ghent on Christmas Eve in
certainly the most popularly observed occasion
of the Sun:
1814. Ironically enough, communications were
of the church year.
such that the war's last engagement - the battle
Throughout Christendom, churches deco-
of New Orleans (see January 8) - was not fought
rated with evergreens and poinsettias reverber-
me of my little friends
until January 8, 1815, after peace supposedly
ate at Christmastime with special Christmas
us. Papa says "If you
had been restored. Officially, however, it was
hymns, oratorios, and carols, scriptural readings
lease tell me the truth,
the Treaty of Ghent that brought the conflict to
describing the first Christmas, and sermons
a close.
VIRGINIA O'HANLON
about the Nativity. In addition to religious ser-
Although historians have often referred to the
vices during daylight hours, services by candle-
S are wrong. They have
War of 1812 as an inconclusive conflict that
light - vespers, or vigils beginning on Christmas
cism of a skeptical age.
settled none of the issues over which it sup-
Eve - are a cherished part of the glad obser-
hey see. They think that
posedly had been fought, it had important re-
vance. For Roman Catholics, December 25 is a
comprehensible by their
sults, directly and indirectly. Its conclusion
holy day of obligation, on which all must attend
ginia, whether they be
found the young American nation, until then a
one of the three masses priests are permitted to
In this great universe
loose cementing of disparate geography and in-
say in honor of the occasion. These usually begin
an ant, in his intellect
ess world about him, as
terests, unified for the first time. Also for the
at midnight on the 24th; at dawn on the 25th;
capable of grasping the
first time, the new country was firmly estab-
and later on Christmas Day. Protestant churches
e.
lished in the eyes of the world, a nation among
customarily celebrate Christmas with a special
inta Claus. He exists as
nations, to be regarded seriously as a separate,
service on the Sunday morning preceding De-
sity and devotion exist,
permanent. and independent entity. It also had
cember 25, as well as with a service on Christ-
nd and give to your life
developed a naval tradition that would prove
mas Eve and a third joyous service of worship
las! how dreary would
valuable in its further development.
on Christmas morning. Eastern Orthodox Chris-
) Santa Claus! It would
Directly or not, the War of 1812 removed
re no Virginias. There
tians celebrate the Divine Liturgy on Christmas
hen. no poetry, no ro-
most of the remaining barriers to westward
Day, and also in services that begin late on
existence. We should
American expansion - such as British incitement
Christmas Eve and continue past midnight. In
1 sense and sight. The
of Indian warfare on the frontier. Indeed, the
the case of some Eastern Orthodox churches,
Idhood fills the world
battle of the Thames had broken the power of
notably the Russian, the last-mentioned observ-
the Indians of the Northwest and shattered
ances constitute an all-night vigil beginning at
You might as well not
their confidence in the British. Americans,
midnight on Christmas Eve. Although the ma-
get your papa to hire
emerging from the War of 1812 with a new
jority of Eastern Orthodox churches now cele-
neys on Christmas eve
sense of nationalism and an eagerness to settle
en if you did not see
brate the Nativity on December 25, those that
hat would that prove?
the continent's vast western lands, proceeded to
still adhere to the old Julian calendar - includ-
it that is no sign that
concentrate their attention on that huge under-
ing many of the Russian Orthodox churches -
most real things in the
taking.
mark the occasion 13 days later, on January 7.
children nor men can
Although some years remained before 1853,
Over the centuries, Christmas has become a
dancing on the lawn?
when the Gadsden Purchase brought the con-
holiday as well as a holy day. In its social or fes-
roof that they are not
terminous United States to its present dimen-
tive aspect, December 25 is a curious hybrid of
r imagine all the won-
sions, the push to the Pacific was on. With the
eeable in the world.
the seasonal traditions of numerous peoples:
rattle and see what
addition of Alaska - a territory since 1867 and
Persian, Roman, Norse, Gothic, and Anglo-Sax-
a state since January 3, 1959 - and Hawaii -
on, among others. At first glance, the staggering
1141
DECEMBER 25
display of customs seems to have little indeed
never been known. Partly for this reason, Christ-
Even though cor
to do with the birth in a stable at Bethlehem two
mas was not one of the earliest feasts of the
actual historical dat
thousand years ago. Turkey dinners, glittering
Christian church, since there was at first no gen-
ber 25 date has lo
trees, greeting cards, elaborate store window
eral consensus about when the anniversary
Christian churches.
displays, bell-ringing Santa Clauses on street
should be observed - or even whether it should
ever, that it was sel
corners, Yule logs, gaily wrapped gifts - all
be observed. In fact, many early Christians were
these and much more make up the special at-
purposes rather tha
convinced that such a divine being could not
accuracy: the date
mosphere of Christmas.
have had a natural birth; and in any event the
the winter solstice
On the other hand, not everyone necessarily
observance of birthdays generally was wholly
dar then in use -
regards Christmas as an eagerly anticipated
condemned as a pagan custom repugnant to
the numerous paga
time of joyfulness. Ogden Nash, for example,
Christians. It was in this vein that Origen, the
the solstice.
once commented: "Roses are things which
African church father and philosopher, wrote in
The solstitial f
Christmas is not a bed of them"; and George
A.D. 245 that it was sinful even to contemplate
dated Christianity
Bernard Shaw observed: "Christmas is forced
observing Jesus' birthday "as though He were
A number of ancie
on a reluctant
nation by
shopkeepers
and
a King Pharaoh."
of year as a period
the press." But regardless of what modern-day
Proposals for marking the birth date of Jesus -
the upper world
critics may say about the commercialization.
and attempts to determine what it was - none-
and darkness. The
worship of Santa Claus, excessive eating, and
theless persisted. The memorable Gospel pas-
performed specia
financial drain that Christmas has undeniably
sages furnished few clues, although some schol-
Marduk in his gri
also come to embody, December 25 is well en-
ars have theorized that if, as Luke relates, the
chaos. The Gre
trenched, both as a much-loved social institu-
shepherds kept watch outdoors in the fields, the
temples, believir
tion and as an occasion for spiritual rejoicing.
birth must have occurred during a warm season:
was renewing th
The story of the birth of Jesus is told in the
in winter the sheep were usually penned at night
the Titans. As
Gospel of Luke (2:1-19) in this way:
in folds. Early Christian theologians in Egypt
lengthening days
reportedly fixed the date as May 20; other
And it came to pass in those days, that there went
spring, a festive
churchmen are said to have chosen late March
out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world
solstice season, t
should be taxed.
And all went to be taxed, every
or April dates, approximating the time of the
terous feast of th
one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from
Jewish Passover, or January 1, coinciding with
the god of agr
Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto
the Roman new year under the calendar then in
Persian sun goc
the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, (be-
use. In fact, dates in almost every month in the
vied with Christ
cause he was of the house and lineage of David), to
year were suggested by reputable scholars at
gion, observed
be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great
one time or another. The most frequently put
nati, "birthday
with child. And so it was, that, while they were there,
forth, however, were March 25 (which eventu-
proximately the
the days were accomplished that she should be
ally became known as the Feast of the Annuncia-
delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son,
they still do, th
and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him
tion or Lady Day), December 25, and January 6.
ing the rededic
in a manger: because there was no room for them in
What seems clear is that early observances
It was only
the inn.
connected with the birth of Jesus took place in
to wish to offe
And there were in the same country shepherds
scattered places on various dates; that January
vals being cel
abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock
6 emerged as the date most pertinent to the de-
deemed a vita
by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon
velopment of the Christmas observance we
period a Chr
them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about
know today; and that it was at first usually a
birth of Jesus.
them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said
dual celebration noting both the birth and the
date initiated
unto them, "Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good
tidings of great joy, which shall be to all the people.
baptism of Jesus. Known as the Epiphany, mean-
Nativity spre:
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a
ing appearance or manifestation. the January 6
Europe, and
Saviour. which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be
observance - often referred to since as "Little
Eastern chur
a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in
Christmas" - originated in the churches of the
of December
swaddling clothes, lying in a manger."
East, at least by the beginning of the third cen-
of the 4th cen
And suddenly there was with the angel a multi-
tury. The earliest record of any celebration
ern church to
tude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
comes from Clement of Alexandria, the Greek
any on Janua
"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace,
theologian, who mentions, about A.D. 200, that
tinued to spr
good will toward men."
members of a certain sect in Egypt had com-
tend to the I
And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away
from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to
memorated Jesus' baptism on January 6 (or 10).
and it reach
another, "Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and
It was considerably later, and in the western
tury.
see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord
part of the Roman Empire, that a separate cele-
For sever:
hath made known unto us."
bration of Jesus' birth was introduced by the
ly a church
And they came with haste, and found Mary and
church at Rome. A Christian chronography (al-
religious se!
Joseph. and the babe lying in a manger.
manac) issued in A.D. 354 showed the existence
perhaps the
of such a commemoration and also indicated
as candles
Although December 25 is observed as the an-
that the observance had been instituted some
advanced
niversary of the birth of Jesus. the exact date has
two decades earlier.
toms conne
1142
DECEMBER 25
or this reason, Christ-
Even though controversy still surrounds the
gan to blend with the Christian observance.
earliest feasts of the
actual historical date of Jesus' birth, the Decem-
Several church fathers condemned the assimila-
re was at first no gen-
ber 25 date has long been accepted by most
tion as potentially dangerous and reiterated
en the anniversary
Christian churches. Modern scholars agree, how-
Augustine of Hippo's fourth-century warning:
en whether it should
ever, that it was selected arbitrarily for practical
"We hold this day holy, not like the pagans be-
early Christians were
purposes rather than as a matter of chronological
cause of the birth of the sun, but because of him
ine being could not
accuracy: the date happened to coincide with
who made it." But the majority of the mission-
and in any event the
the winter solstice - December 25 by the calen-
aries who penetrated Western Europe after the
enerally was wholly
dar then in use - and thus also coincided with
decline of the Roman Empire preferred to fol-
ustom repugnant to
the numerous pagan celebrations connected with
low the tolerant ruling of Pope Gregory I the
ein that Origen, the
the solstice.
Great. The pope instructed Augustine of Canter-
philosopher, wrote in
The solstitial festivities, which much pre-
bury, whom he sent to England in 596, to ob-
even to contemplate
dated Christianity, cut across several cultures.
serve old customs, infusing them with Christian
'as though He were
A number of ancient peoples regarded this time
significance to propagate the faith, "for from
of year as a period of crisis in which the deities of
obdurate minds it is impossible to cut off every-
birth date of Jesus 1
the upper world fought the spirits of disorder
thing at once." On this liberal policy hinged the
what it was - none-
and darkness. The Mesopotamians, for instance,
continuation of numerous traditional customs
norable Gospel pas-
performed special rites to support their god
now connected with Christmastide.
lthough some schol-
Marduk in his grim battle against the powers of
The pagan traditions adapted "to the praise
as Luke relates, the
chaos. The Greeks offered sacrifices in their
of God" included the lighting of candles, blazing
ors in the fields, the
temples, believing that their chief god, Zeus,
Yule logs, and huge bonfires to speed the sun on
tring a warm season:
was renewing the struggle against Kronos and
its way at the time of its yearly "rebirth." These
ally penned at night
the Titans. As victory approached and the
practices easily tied in with the Christian con-
neologians in Egypt
lengthening days gave hope of a distant but sure
cept of Christ as the Light of the World. During
as May 20; other
spring, a festive mood ensued. Also during the
the awesome solstice season of dread and festiv-
chosen late March
solstice season, the Romans celebrated the bois-
ity, the pagans filled their houses with ever-
ing the time of the
terous feast of the Saturnalia in honor of Saturn,
greens, mistletoe, holly, and ivy, believing their
1, coinciding with
the god of agriculture. The followers of the
greenness in midwinter to be evidence of spe-
the calendar then in
Persian sun god Mithras, whose cult in Rome
cial power defying winter's ability to kill.
every month in the
vied with Christianity as the most popular reli-
The use of mistletoe at Christmastime is with-
putable scholars at
gion, observed December 25 as dies solis invicti
out doubt traced to the druids, who regarded it
nost frequently put
nati, "birthday of the invincible sun." And at ap-
with reverence long before the Christian era. In
25 (which eventu-
proximately the same period, Jews observed, as
celebration of the winter solstice, they gathered
ast of the Annuncia-
they still do, the holiday of Hanukkah. celebrat-
mistletoe, piled it on the altar, and burned it
r 25, and January 6.
ing the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem.
in sacrifice. Sprigs of the yellow-green leaves
t early observances
It was only logical for early Christian leaders
and waxen white berries were distributed among
Jesus took place in
to wish to offer competition to the winter festi-
the people and hung up in their houses. The
dates; that January
vals being celebrated at what had long been
plant was regarded as a symbol of future hope
pertinent to the de-
deemed a vital religious time and to make that
and peace. Whenever enemies met under the
as observance we
period a Christian feast commemorating the
mistletoe they would drop their weapons and
is at first usually a
birth of Jesus. Acceptance of the December 25
embrace. The still current custom of kissing un-
1 the birth and the
date initiated at Rome for the observance of the
der the mistletoe may have grown out of this
e Epiphany, mean-
Nativity spread gradually throughout Western
ancient practice.
tion. the January 6
Europe. and more slowly in the East. After the
Christians continued to use greenery in deco-
to since as "Little
Eastern churches had adopted the observance
rating their halls and homes at Christmastime
the churches of the
of December 25 as Christmas in the latter part
and found the bonfires convenient for disposing
ng of the third cen-
of the 4th century (and subsequently), the West-
of the boughs and sprigs. The legend soon de-
of any celebration
ern church took up the observance of the Epiph-
veloped that Jesus' crown of thorns had been
xandria, the Greek
any on January 6. The feast of Christmas con-
fashioned from holly, whose berries, originally
bout A.D. 200, that
tinued to spread slowly. Not until 813 did it ex-
white, turned brilliant red when pressed on the
n Egypt had com-
tend to the region of Germany on a large scale,
Son of God's forehead.
I January 6 (or 10).
and it reached Norway as late as the 10th cen-
As Christianity spread throughout Western
and in the western
tury.
Europe in the early Middle Ages, Christmas -
hat a separate cele-
For several centuries, December 25 was pure-
the English name dates from the 11th century,
introduced by the
ly a church anniversary, kept with appropriate
when the feast was termed Cristes Maesse -
chronography (al-
religious services and later with banquets and
grew into a great popular festivity. Coming at a
owed the existence
perhaps the exchange of simple presents, such
time during which common folk had some of
and also indicated
as candles and clay dolls. But as Christianity
their rare leisure, between fall harvesting and
en instituted some
advanced in northern Europe. the local cus-
spring sowing, to enjoy prolonged merriment, it
toms connected with the winter solstice rites be-
quickly developed into a boisterous period of
1143
DECEMBER 25
singing, hunting, gambling, and feasting. From
animals, and a natural setting, with only the baby
ize t
very early times, the offering of food and drink
Jesus represented by a wax figure. The crèche
and
had been regarded as a sign of hospitality and
in both simple and ornate forms became a
15th
good will. Accordingly, steaming beverages, es-
beloved Christmas tradition in homes and
mast
pecially spiced ale or beer, known as wassail -
churches, as it remains today.
Mar
the term derived from the Middle English waes
Despite clerical admonitions concerning the
form
haeil, "be thou well" or "to your health" - were
seasonal excesses in eating, drinking, and other
clea
served ceremoniously and in copious quantities
earthly delights, Christmas continued in much
stars
to warm chilled bones during the holiday season.
the same spirit until the 17th century. The Prot-
reca
Occasionally a boar's head, complete with tusks,
estant Reformation in the 16th century slightly
ily,
was also served.
toned down the Yuletide revels, but it was left
can
Christmas festivities were nowhere more lav-
to the English Puritans to push through radical
refe
ishly and joyously celebrated than in medieval
changes in the season. They were dismayed by
cou
England. King Arthur allegedly observed the
in I
the dangerous pagan atmosphere, commenting
first recorded English Christmas in 521, but it
that "there is nothing else used but cardes, dice
was not until the 11th century, when Norman
tables, maskyng, mumming, bowling, and such
sac
influence came to England with William the
hav
like fooleries" and that men in liveries of "light
Conqueror, that a note of formality entered into
tha
wanton colour" even charged into church dur-
the previously unruly Yuletide observance. Im-
dec
ing services, "their belles iynglyng, their hand-
pressive masses, splendid tournaments and pan-
kerchiefes swyngyng about their heades like
ma
tomimes, hunting parties, and prodigious feasts
madmen."
roo
col
were staged. In 1252, for example, King Henry
Once the Puritans had risen to power in En-
Alt
III of England commanded that 600 oxen - to
gland in 1642, Parliament soon decreed that on
be served with salmon pie, roast peacock, and
me
the day "commonly known as Christmas, no ob-
the
flowing wine - be slain for his Christmas guests.
servance shall be had, nor any solemnity used
To organize entertainment for royalty and
cu
or exercised in churches in respect thereof."
W
nobles during this glorious season, a court direc-
Town criers shouted "No Christmas!" and the
tor known as the Lord of Misrule supervised
on
populace was ordered to work as usual. Even
Vi
masquerades in which costumed mummers ar-
plum puddings and mince pies were outlawed
rayed themselves as exotic animals and myth-
as heathen customs.
ga
ological beasts. By the 12th century, the giving
When the repressive Puritan Commonwealth
SW
B1
of gifts - stemming ultimately from the scrip-
ended with the restoration of King Charles
tural account of the Three Magi, who offered
re
II, Christmas, which had gone underground,
gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the Christ
emerged once more, but shorn of much of its lav-
Child (Matthew 2:11) - had become common
ishness. Dissenters continued to ridicule the
on Christmas as well as at New Year's. In 1236
feast, calling it Fooltide instead of Yuletide. The
the king of France sent the king of England a
festivities, which thenceforth became social
p
live elephant.
rather than ceremonial, and bourgeois rather
Today's commercialization of Christmas and
than royal, gradually focused on the home, fam-
F
excessive eating are pale in comparison with
ily, and friends.
the much more hedonistic medieval celebration.
0
A number of new Christmas traditions were
tl
Feasting and revelry were not confined to a
introduced in the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries,
single day. They lasted at least to Twelfth Night,
including the tree and the greeting card. The
o
C
the Vigil, or Eve, of the Epiphany, so called be-
Christmas tree, as it is now known, originated in
cause it was the 12th night after Christmas.
Germany, although its history - like that of
counting December 25 as the first day. In some
other Christmas customs - goes back to antiq-
cases, the festivities extended for five weeks
uity, when trees were worshiped as spirits. The
from Christmas to Candlemas, when Jesus had
Egyptians erected green date palms indoors
been presented in the Temple (see February 2).
during their winter solstice rites. The Romans
Liturgically, moreover, the season had started
hung trinkets on pine trees during the Saturnalia.
still earlier, with Advent at the end of Novem-
The druids placed candles, cakes, and gilded
ber, and it continued until the beginning of the
apples in tree branches as offerings.
pre-Easter cycle on Septuagesima Sunday.
Some scholars trace the modern Christmas
Although medieval people celebrated the
tree back to the fir tree erected by Boniface -
feast of the Nativity with energy and license.
the 8th century English missionary who was
new religious notes were gradually introduced
known as the Apostle of Germany - in place of
as well. In Greccio, Italy, on Christmas Day
the so-called sacred oak of Odin to which the
1223, St. Francis of Assisi (see October 4) re-
pagans had offered sacrifices. Others connect it
created the Nativity outdoors with actors, live
with the fir tree - hung with apples to symbol-
1144
DECEMBER 25
nly the baby
ize the "paradise" tree of the knowledge of good
made Christmas in the United States a celebra-
and evil - which was used as a stage prop in
tion of remarkable fascination. To a certain ex-
The crèche
became a
15th century German plays performed at Christ-
tent, of course, December 25 with its turkey din-
iomes and
mastide. Still others give credit for its origin to
ner, presents, and tree has become homogeneous
Martin Luther, the 16th century Protestant re-
from East to West and North to South. But in
former. He supposedly was walking home one
numerous areas of the country, traditional Euro-
cerning the
and other
clear winter evening, when he noticed brilliant
pean customs are still practiced in strong ethnic
stars twinkling amidst the evergreen trees. To
enclaves.
d in much
recapture the loveliness of the scene for his fam-
Perhaps most interesting is the retention of
The Prot-
ily, he erected a tree at home and placed lighted
customs that have died out in Western Europe.
iry slightly
it was left
candles on its branches. (Two other historical
For example, the people of the remote mountain
igh radical
references to Christmas trees, however, give ac-
districts of Georgia, Tennessee, and Kentucky
smayed by
counts of very early 16th century celebrations
continue to commemorate Christmas with an-
ommenting
in Latvia and Estonia, not Germany.)
cient, moving carols, long forgotten in their
A forest ordinance from Ammerschweier, Al-
countries of origin. And the inhabitants of cut-
ardes, dice
and such
sace, dated 1561, states that no burgher "shall
off sections of the Ozarks and Atlantic coastline
have for Christmas more than one bush of more
still cling to the Old Christmas Day, January 6.
S of "light
nurch dur-
than eight shoes' length." An early account of a
From the beginning of the main thrust of this
heir hand-
decorated tree was written in 1605: "At Christ-
country's colonization in the early 17th century,
eades like
mas time in Strassburg they set up fir trees in the
the concept and traditions of Christmas varied
rooms, and they hang on them roses cut of many-
widely among the different groups of settlers.
ver in En-
colored paper, apples, wafers, gilt, sugar
Some of the transplanted groups, especially in
Although the Christbaum, or Christ tree, did not
New England, adopted a severely repressive at-
ed that on
meet with unanimous acceptance, by the 1700s
titude; others, especially in the South, enjoyed
as, no ob-
the idea was firmly imbedded in Germany. The
all the gracious pleasures of a festivity with aris-
inity used
thereof."
custom spread slowly throughout other parts of
tocratic overtones.
"
and the
Western Europe, being popularized in England
The country's first clearly recorded Christmas
ual. Even
only in the 1840s by Prince Albert, Queen
was that of 1607 - if one excludes an isolated
outlawed
Victoria's German consort. The royal family's gi-
religious service, feast, and sports events held in
gantic tree, bedecked with wax tapers and
1604 by the French, who tried unsuccessfully to
ionwealth
sweetmeats, set the trend for the rest of Great
found a permanent settlement on St. Croix Is-
Britain. Only as late as 1860 did glass baubles
land off the coast of Maine. The observance of
; Charles
erground,
replace edible and handmade ornaments. In the
1607 was at Jamestown, Virginia, where about
early 20th century, brightly colored electric
40 survivors of the 100 original settlers com-
of its lav-
icule the
lights replaced burning candles.
memorated the day in the crude wooden chapel
tide. The
Soon after the inauguration of England's
of their fort. But rather than a time for heedless
ne social
penny post in 1839, one of the newer Christ-
gaiety, it was an occasion marked by uncertain-
mas traditions originated: the sending of cards
ties of survival in the wilderness. Their leader,
is rather
me, fam-
to friends and relatives. A card made for Sir
Captain John Smith, was absent, having under-
1st
Henry Cole in 1843 by J. C. Horsley, a member
taken the hazardous mission of securing corn
of the Royal Academy, is usually regarded as
from the local Native Americans. Later, how-
ons were
America
the first greeting of its kind. About 1,000 copies
ever, after the first trying year, the Virginians
centuries,
ard. The
of it were sold. The custom of sending cards be-
feasted and rejoiced:
Xmas
inated in
came more popular in the 1860s, and even then
that of
it was not widespread. In the course of time, the
The extreame winde, rayne, frost and snow caused
English royal family adopted the practice and
us to keepe Christmas among the salvages where we
to antiq-
irits. The
employed distinguished artists to paint appro-
were never more merry, nor fed on more plenty of
priate pictures that were reproduced in color.
good Oysters, Fish, Flesh, Wilde fowl and good
indoors
The custom then spread over the rest of Europe
bread, nor never had better fires in England.
Romans
turnalia.
and to America.
d gilded
It was during the Victorian age (1837-1901),
Southerners, especially the gentlemen farm-
that the observance of Christmas began to as-
ers, continued to nurture Christmas, regarding
sume its present character. The old traditions
it as both a sacred religious period and a time for
hristmas
that combined with technological improvements
relaxation. They implanted numerous Old World
niface -
in the fields of transportation and production
traditions - such as caroling, the Yule log, and
who was
place of
spawned the glitter and hustle and bustle of the
using decorative greenery - and also added to
hich the
modern festival. And nowhere are these aspects
the genteel social celebration their own regional
nnect it
more evident than in the United States.
variations. Fried oysters, eggnog, and a Christ-
symbol-
A rich blend of customs and traditions has
mas morning hunt for foxes and other game were
1145
DECEMBER 25
among the innovations. French settlers in Louisi-
mas a legal holiday. (In 1890 the new Oklahoma
movement. As fo
ana introduced the custom of setting off fire-
Territory was the last region in the continental
dollar business in
crackers and firearms to welcome the Prince of
United States to take this action.)
than 60 different
Peace. It spread rapidly to many other Southern
The Christmas tree, introduced into America
from 2 to 20 fee
localities; today fireworks are still regarded in
during the Revolutionary War by Hessian troops
pine and Dougla
some parts of the South as an indispensable ac-
homesick for Germany, was customary among
play of trees an
companiment of Christmas. Also traditional in
German settlers in Pennsylvania by the early
shopping centers
Louisiana are Christmas Eve bonfires that burn
19th century. But only in the mid-1800s did the
characteristic sig
all night along the Mississippi from Baton Rouge
idea spread, especially when a picture of Queen
Since the early
to New Orleans - a means, it was said, of light-
Victoria's elaborate tree appeared in Godey's
tric lights has SI
ing the way for Father Christmas.
Lady's Book, the fashionable women's magazine
homes and pub
A carnival atmosphere of revelry prevailed
of the day. In 1856 President Franklin Pierce
City, for examp
among the slaves, who - since December was a
set up the first Christmas tree inside the White
pre-Christmas ca
slow work season - were on holiday as long as
House. In 1923 President and Mrs. Calvin Coo-
Cane Lane of S(
the Yule log burned, sometimes a week or more.
lidge began the custom of lighting a National
displayed coor
The Christmas season became the time for full
Christmas Tree on the White House grounds.
years. St. Louis'
houses and full larders, the social season for
Following the appearance of colored electric
is illuminated in
meeting friends and even for weddings. It is not
lights in the early 1900s, the custom of setting
the end of No
surprising that the first three states to proclaim
up a Christmas tree in a prominent place and
Lake City blaze
December 25 a legal holiday were Louisiana and
decorating it with colored bulbs was adopted in
Natchitoches, I
Arkansas (1831) and Alabama (1836).
street and rive
many American cities. With all-weather wiring
In stark contrast to the southern Christmas
on the market, Californians started the Ameri-
spirit in 1927, I
revelers, New Englanders, like the Puritans in
can custom of outdoor community Christmas
most colorful Sp
England, tried hard to stamp out the "pagan
trees. The inhabitants of San Diego lighted a
of red and gree
mockery" of the observance, penalizing any fri-
pine tree in 1904. Five years later, Pasadenans
mas festival.
volity. William Bradford's history Of Plimoth
selected a tall evergreen on Mount Wilson, deco-
Typical of b
Plantation recounts that the Pilgrims who
rated it with lights and tinsel, and loaded it with
the festivities
started their colony on Christmas Day 1620
gifts, which were distributed on Christmas Day.
tions begin to
worked hard building houses on the occasion -
In 1912 trees were first set up in New York City,
and multiply
"no man rested all that day"; but the kindly cap-
Cleveland, and Boston. And in 1914 a tree was
kling lights on
tain of the Mayflower at least caused them to
placed in Independence Square in Philadelphia.
crosses; the er
"have some Beere." The following year, Gov-
All over the country communities now vie in
American Buil
ernor Bradford found a newly arrived contin-
displaying trees. Since 1929, Wilmington, North
feller Center;
gent of colonists
Carolina, for example, has lighted what it claims
along Park A
to be the world's largest living Christmas tree,
dows; carol P
at play, openly; some pitching the barr and some
the New Yoı
at stoole-ball, and shuch [sic] like sports. So he went
a 300-year-old water oak. Bothell, Washington,
tion of The N
to them
and tould them that was against his con-
contends that its Douglas fir ranks as the largest
living Christmas tree, while Tacoma, Washing-
ute to the ex
science, that they should play and others worke.
ton, advertises that it sets up the country's tallest
a special fla
Since which time nothing hath been attempted that
way, at least openly.
cut tree. On April 28, 1926, the US Department
shops in Litt
of the Interior named the giant General Grant
ville feature
In 1659 the General Court of Massachusetts
bread houses
sequoia in Kings Canyon National Park, Cali-
enacted a law making any observance of De-
fornia, the nation's official Christmas tree. At
treats. Sant
cember 25 a penal offense; Massachusetts Bay
special Christmastide ceremonies, high school
stores and
Colony Puritans were subjected to a five-shilling
choirs generally sing carols around its base. The
perform sp
fine for "observing any such day as Christmas."
village of Christmas, Florida, located 25 miles
Frederick H
Although the law was repealed in 1681, in defer-
west of Cape Canaveral, maintains a fully deco-
Througho
ence to the Puritan tradition many years passed
rated tree throughout the year, and Charlotte,
December
before widespread Christmas festivities were
North Carolina, has a famous Singing Christmas
phia, a giga
held in New England. The solemn note con-
other Yulet
Tree, 27 feet 8 inches high, with the singing pro-
tinued until the 19th century, when the influx of
vided by the 115-member Charlotte Choral So-
town area.
German and Irish immigrants undermined the
fers Christi
ciety. A real evergreen tops the singers, making
Puritan legacy. By 1856 the poet Henry Wads-
a total height of at least 32 feet.
northern ci
worth Longfellow commented: "We are in a
In recent years, the Christmas tree has under-
terfront, CO
transition state about Christmas here in New
dubbed Cl
gone an immense transformation with the intro-
England. The old Puritan feeling prevents it
duction of artificial trees, which - as of the early
and Christ
from being a cheerful hearty holiday; though
1970s - accounted for an estimated one-third of
the end of
every year makes it more so." And in that very
all trees in homes and offices, their popularity as-
a "winter
year. Massachusetts finally proclaimed Christ-
ades, Tam
cribed both to convenience and to the ecology
1146
DECEMBER 25
lahoma
movement. As for real trees, the multimillion
its Christmas Card Lane, an exhibit of giant bill-.*
dollar business in the United States offers more
board-size greeting cards drawn by local art
inental
than 60 different types of tree, ranging in size
students. In Michigan, Grand Haven's Dewey
from 2 to 20 feet and in species from Scotch
Hill, just across the Grand River from the down-
merica
pine and Douglas fir to cedar. Indeed, the dis-
town area, is the site each Christmas of what is
troops
among
play of trees and other evergreens for sale at
claimed to be the world's largest Nativity scene.
e early
shopping centers across the nation is one of the
It covers an area larger than a football field and
did the
characteristic sights of the Christmas season.
includes, for example, 32-foot-high camels.
Queen
Since the early 1930s, the use of outdoor elec-
Nearby is the immense, electronically operated
lodey's
tric lights has spread from Christmas trees to
musical fountain, which features a special
gazine
homes and public buildings. Greater Kansas
Christmas program.
Pierce
City, for example, which sponsors a nine-day
Chicago staged its 29th annual Christmas
White
pre-Christmas carnival, is also the site of a Candy
Around the World festival at the Museum of Sci-
n Coo-
Cane Lane of some 20 to 30 houses that have
ence and Industry in 1970. Trees, crèches, con-
ational
displayed coordinated decorations over the
certs, and pageants represented the many ways
nds.
years. St. Louis's Northwest Plaza of 100 stores
Christmas is celebrated across the globe, and
lectric
is illuminated in a special lighting ceremony at
the museum's dining room offered national
setting
the end of November. Temple Square in Salt
dishes of the "country of the day." Each year
Lake City blazes with 100,000 flickering lights.
the Cable Car Carollers in San Francisco board
e and
ted in
Natchitoches, Louisiana, which began to use
the city's famous cable cars to sing to shoppers
wiring
street and river lights to express the holiday
and residents during the two weeks before
Ameri-
spirit in 1927, presents another of the country's
Christmas. In Boston the old Irish tradition of
istmas
most colorful spectacles, with a 30-block display
placing candles in the windows to light the way
ited a
of red and green lights during its annual Christ-
for the Christ Child was introduced in 1910.
lenans
mas festival.
Mrs. Ralph Adams Cram, who lived in the Bea-
deco-
Typical of big-city Christmas atmosphere are
con Hill section, persuaded some of her friends
t with
the festivities in New York City, where decora-
to join her in the window-lighting custom and
; Day.
tions begin to appear even before Thanksgiving,
in singing carols from house to house. Residents
City,
and multiply as Christmas approaches. Twin-
and wandering carolers still carry out the tradi-
e was
kling lights on skyscrapers, often in the form of
tion, converging eventually on Beacon Hill's
lphia.
crosses; the enormous, 75-foot star atop the Pan
historic Louisburg Square.
vie in
American Building; the Christmas tree at Rocke-
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, a city founded by
North
feller Center; the sparkling row of lighted trees
Moravians, has long been integrally associated
claims
along Park Avenue; the department store win-
with Christmas. It received its name on Christ-
tree,
dows; carol programs; and Christmas shows like
mas Eve, 1741, and is fittingly known as Amer-
ngton,
the New York City Ballet company's produc-
ica's Christmas City. Since numerous houses and
argest
tion of The Nutcracker Suite - all these contrib-
public buildings display candles in windows,
ute to the excitement and movement that give
Bethlehem is also known as the Christmas Can-
shing-
tallest
a special flavor to the city's Christmas. Pastry
dle City of America. Except for the rush caused
tment
shops in Little Italy, Little Hungary, and York-
by the large numbers of people who have Christ-
Grant
ville feature smoked sausages, foot-high ginger-
mas cards posted from the city, Bethlehem
Cali-
bread houses, rich fruit cakes, and other seasonal
stages a quiet and dignified Christmas observ-
e. At
treats. Santa Clauses appear in department
ance. A huge five-pointed Star of Bethlehem on
chool
stores and on midtown streets. Church choirs
top of South Mountain overlooks the city; the
The
perform special oratorios, including George
longest of its eight rays measures 81 feet. A com-
miles
Frederick Handel's Messiah.
munity tree is annually lighted on Hill-to-Hill
deco-
Throughout the country, other cities usher in
Bridge over the Lehigh River. Impressive Mora-
:lotte,
December 25 with similar fanfare. In Philadel-
vian religious services are held on Christmas
stmas
phia. a gigantic tree in City Hall Courtyard and
Eve, when, also, the elaborate community
other Yuletide trappings transform the down-
crèche is unveiled (see December 24).
g pro-
al So-
town area. Snowless St. Petersburg, Florida, of-
Across the land pre-holiday parades - with
aking
fers Christmas decorations on a scale that few
television and other show business personalities,
northern cities can surpass. Its Tampa Bay wa-
reindeer, elves, and Santa Claus - have become
nder-
terfront, covering an entire block appropriately
annual events in December or late November.
intro-
dubbed Christmas Park, features a 60-foot tree
(In some warm weather coastal communities
early
and Christmas scenes with piped-in music. At
there are water parades of decorated and lighted
ird of
the end of Municipal Pier, live deer prance in
boats as well.) Also associated with Christmas
ty as-
a "winter snow" scene. For more than two dec-
is the poinsettia with its crimson star-shaped
ology
ades, Tampa, Florida, has attracted visitors with
blossom, which was introduced into the United
1147
DECEMBER 25
States from Mexico by Joel R. Poinsett, the first
Christmas dance at such pueblos as Santo Do.
2,000 carolers. Tl
American minister to Mexico. The plant, which
Valley, Pennsylva
mingo, San Felipe, Cochití, San Juan, and, in
Mexicans called "flower of the holy night," is
alternate years, Taos.
Landis Valley" as
seen everywhere in the United States at Christ-
on the third Tuesd.
Also in part indigenous is the observance of
mastime, most notably at San Diego's annual
costumed choral
the Alaskan Eskimos, who celebrate Christmas
Poinsettia Festival.
torchlight process:
in Arctic villages in the way of their ancestors,
Among the more unusual Christmas traditions
cider.
with a feast of reindeer and seal blubber with
In an atmospher
is the Texas Cowboys' Christmas Ball, held in
blueberries, as well as with sports events such as
Anson, Texas, on several evenings before De-
tradition, several
snowshoeing, wrestling, dog-team racing, and
cember 25, which dates from the "one grand
States emulate pa
broad jumping.
sworray" that the manager of the local Morning
tian customs. In R
A recent, but rapidly growing, innovation is
Star Hotel held for cowboys of the region in
Christmas trees,
the trend to enjoy an old-fashioned Christmas
1885. The heel-and-toe polka, waltz, Virginia
Lake Ontario, are
in the country's historical restorations. The lead-
Reel, schottische and other favorite dances -
Twelfth Night bo:
er in the field is Williamsburg, Virginia, the
er Lake, Colorad
played on the banjo, tambourine, fiddle, and bass
once-flourishing 18th century capital of the royal
viol - were so successful that the ball became a
in the nearby mo
colony of Virginia. Eighty-five buildings and 50
cember 25 and th
town institution in the late 19th century. Today's
houses and outbuildings there have been re-
guests dance the same numbers as at the first
city hall for burn
stored to their original condition through the ef-
dral in Clevelar
ball and wear the pioneer dress of the 1880s
forts of John D. Rockefeller Jr. The idea of cele-
and 1890s.
churches that sta
brating the December holidays in the manner of
Another unique event is the Sheepherders'
against a decor (
colonial days started on a modest scale in 1934,
Overall Dance staged at Christmastime by the
pressive Boar's H
when outdoor lights illuminated eight evergreen
large group of Basque herders who live in the
is presented - m
trees. The following year a few candles were set
ford, England -
Boise, Idaho, area. Originated in 1929 to pro-
in the windows of the historic buildings, gradu-
crimson-costume
vide entertainment for the local Basques coming
ally leading to the present-day "white lighting"
soloist who sings
home from the hills for the holidays, the dance
for which Williamsburg is renowned. The light-
carol: "The boa
features such ancient Basque dances as the jota,
ing ceremony takes place on December 20. Chil-
decked with bays
porrosolda, and arreska. Except for a selected
dren form a Singing Candles procession, headed
group of outsiders, the annual fete is not open
my masters, be r
by a night watchman and a fife and drum corps,
In Puerto Ric
to the general public.
and walk from the Governor's Palace along the
Christmas is a W
In the Southwest, especially in New Mexico,
length of the Duke of Gloucester Street in the
the long tradition of Spanish rule has resulted in
ing traditional i
heart of the restoration. Some 2,000 candles
a number of holiday customs also found in Latin
day, including S
twinkle in the windows of the garland- and
America. Among them are the lighting of lumi-
Pageants and pa
holly-adorned houses along the way, as the
cember into Jan
narias- candle-and-paper bag lanterns or (in
watchman calls out "Light your candles!" in the
of the Three Kir
northern New Mexico) small bonfires - to light
winter dusk.
In Puerto Rico
the path of Mary and Joseph; Las Posadas, nine
The grand illumination sets off 60-odd Christ-
nights of pre-Christmas observance and hospi-
ming guitars an
mastide festivities. Included among the events
house to house
tality in which Mary and Joseph's search for
are candlelight concerts of 18th century music
shelter is reenacted and guests are welcomed
aguinaldos. Th
in the Governor's Palace ballroom and Bruton
times asked ins
at homes; and performances of Los Pastores,
Parish Church; Yule log and wassail festivities;
dishes such as r
medieval morality dramas based on Christmas
street caroling; fireworks and cannonades in the
The contem]
themes.
colonial style of noise-making; and old-fashioned
Croix in the Vir
In the Rio Grande pueblos of New Mexico,
sports such as fencing, hoop-racing, and cudgel-
the island festiv
non-Christian Indian rituals combine with Chris-
ing.
times, when C}
tian Christmas beliefs introduced by the Spanish
Greenfield Village in Dearborn, Michigan, re-
slaves were all
to create traditions unique to the area. An-
creates American life of the 17th, 18th, and 19th
been abolishec
cient Indian ceremonial dances, which are also
centuries on a 260-acre tract containing more
the elaborate
performed as the climax of the Christmas Eve
than 100 historic structures from all over the
Anxious to re:
festivities (see December 24), are common oc-
United States. At Christmastime, sleigh rides,
heritage of sor.
currences on December 25 and successive days
exhibits of traditional Yuletide customs, and spe-
en's League re
at most of the area's pueblos. Although they are
cial tours through the holiday-decorated build-
communal fet
now presented on a Christian feast day, the
ings are featured. The 19th century coastal vil-
dances - which seem to have once marked the
opens with the
lage in Mystic, Connecticut, recreated by the
and reaches a
winter solstice - are performed "in the way of
Marine Historical Association to demonstrate
the ancients," as they have been for centuries.
parade on Ja:
the life-style of the sailing-ship era, not only
include a chi
They may include buffalo, deer, or harvest
lights and decorates its vessels and buildings,
band compet
dances, or the basket or rainbow dance. Evi-
but also stages the week before Christmas a com-
certs, and COI
dence of Spanish influence is the matachines, a
munity carol sing that usually attracts about
1148
DECEMBER 25
Santo Do.
2,000 carolers. The farm museum at Landis
In the 20th century, Christmas, in all its varied
an, and, in
Valley, Pennsylvania, presents "Christmas at
aspects, has indeed become a nationwide cele-
Landis Valley" as an annual event, generally
bration in the United States. It is undoubtedly
servance of
on the third Tuesday evening in December, with
the most widely observed holiday of the entire
Christmas
costumed choral and instrumental groups, a
year. Statistics indicating the widespread use of
L" ancestors,
torchlight procession, blazing fire, and mulled
Christmas cards - some 2.5 billion in 1970 -
ubber with
cider.
are an index of its universality.
ents such as
In an atmosphere of even more ancient historic
acing, and
tradition, several communities in the United
Clara Barton's Birthday
States emulate pagan and early medieval Chris-
novation is
tian customs. In Rochester, New York, discarded
The indefatigable Clarissa Harlowe Barton,
Christmas
Christmas trees, stacked 25 feet high along
founder of the American Red Cross, was born on
The lead-
Lake Ontario, are annually set afire in a raging
December 25, 1821, on an Oxford, Massachu-
rginia, the
Twelfth Night bonfire. The inhabitants of Palm-
setts, farm to Stephen and Sarah Stone Barton.
of the royal
er Lake, Colorado, hold a yearly Yule log hunt
An acutely shy girl, she received most of her
in the nearby mountains the Sunday before De-
education from her older brothers and sisters
ngs and 50
e been re-
cember 25 and then haul the choice log to their
and began a career in teaching at the age of 15,
ugh the ef-
city hall for burning. Trinity Episcopal Cathe-
when her mother acted on advice that the way.
lea of cele-
dral in Cleveland, Ohio, is among several
to cure shyness was to "throw responsibility upon
manner of
churches that stage an Old English Christmas;
her. As soon as her age permits, give her a school
le in 1934,
against a decor of traditional greenery, an im-
to teach."
evergreen
pressive Boar's Head and Yule Log Ceremony
The prescription contributed to the initiative,
es were set
is presented - modeled after the ritual at Ox-
self-confidence, and abundant determination
igs, gradu-
ford, England - with a trumpeter, trenchermen,
that - interspersed with periods of nervous pros-
e lighting"
crimson-costumed yule sprites, five choirs, and a
tration - were to characterize her later life. After
The light-
soloist who sings the 16th century Boar's Head
a period of study at the Liberal Institute in Clin-
'r 20. Chil-
carol: "The boar's head in hand bear I,/be-
ton, New York, in 1851, she accepted a teaching
on, headed
decked with bays and rosemary;/and I pray you,
position in Bordentown, New Jersey, where her
rum corps,
my masters, be merry.
fierce energy, and the kind of one-woman cam-
along the
In Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands,
paign for which she was to become noted, led to
eet in the
Christmas is a widely observed holiday, combin-
the abolishment of the fees that pupils had paid
0 candles
ing traditional island customs with those of to-
to attend school. With establishment of a free
land- and
day, including Santa Claus and imported trees.
system came an enormous increase in student
y, as the
Pageants and parties often extend from early De-
enrollment, overwork, construction of a larger
es!" in the
cember into January, culminating with the feast
school, opposition to a woman's heading it, and
of the Three Kings on Epiphany (see January 6).
the appointment of a male principal, followed
dd Christ-
In Puerto Rico, singers and musicians strum-
shortly by Barton's resignation, and an attack
the events
ming guitars and other instruments wander from
of nervous exhaustion. In 1854 she made a ther-
ury music
house to house singing ancient carols known as
apeutic move to Washington, D.C., where she
nd Bruton
aguinaldos. These strolling carolers are some-
served as a clerk in the US Patent Office until the
festivities;
times asked inside to sample special Christmas
outbreak of the Civil War.
des in the
dishes such as rice pudding and roast pig.
Her work in providing nursing and supplies
fashioned
The contemporary Christmas Festival on St.
for the war wounded began with her aid to the
id cudgel-
Croix in the Virgin Islands stems ultimately from
men of the 6th Massachusetts Regiment, who
the island festivities staged there in slaveholding
straggled into Washington in April 1861. Later,
higan, re-
times, when Christmas was the only celebration
learning of more war suffering, she ran an ad-
and 19th
slaves were allowed to enjoy. After slavery had
vertisement for medical and other supplies in
ning more
been abolished there in the mid-19th century,
the Worcester (Massachusetts) Spy and set up
over the
the elaborate native holiday customs died out.
her own distribution agency to deal with the re-
igh rides,
Anxious to reintroduce and preserve the local
sulting deluge. With her characteristic flair for
and spe-
heritage of song and dance, the St. Croix Wom-
the practical, she recognized the need for rush-
ted build-
en's League revived the spice and gaiety of the
ing the provisions to the places where they were
oastal vil-
communal fete in 1952. The Christmas Festival
most needed and set about securing transporta-
ed by the
opens with the coronation of the festival queen
tion and permission to pass through the lines,
monstrate
and reaches a climax with the Three Kings' Day
board the sick transports, and minister to the
not only
parade on January 6. The festivities generally
wounded at the front. As the war ground on, she
buildings.
include a children's parade. horse races, steel
labored heroically, first from Washington head-
ias a com-
band competitions, carol singing, choir con-
quarters and subsequently in action around
ets about
certs, and community tree ceremonies.
Charleston, on the battlefield of the Wilderness.
1149
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
November 30, 1990
MEMORANDUM FOR ADVANCE OFFICE
FROM:
LUCY MUCKERMAN VM
SUBJECT: WALK-THRU'S
EVENT:
Jobs for America's Graduates First Annual
Governors Leadership Award Luncheon
DATE:
Wednesday, December 12, 1990
LOCATION:
National Press Club
WALK-THRU:
Wednesday, December 5, 1990
Departing West Basement at 10:00 am
Dooley
TRIP COORDINATOR:
Patty Conrad
LEAD ADVANCE:
Mark Rosenker
PRESS ADVANCE:
Steve Ross
EVENT:
Malcolm Baldridge Awards Ceremony
DATE:
Thursday, December 13, 1990
LOCATION:
Department of Commerce
WALK-THRU:
Wednesday, December 5, 1990
Departing West Basement at 2:00 pm
Blymire
TRIP COORDINATOR:
Kris Goodwin
LEAD ADVANCE:
Peggy Hazelrigg
PRESS ADVANCE:
Steve Ross
mak
EVENT:
Tree Lighting Ceremony
DATE:
Thursday, December 13, 1990
LOCATION:
Grossman
cards
WALK-THRU:
wed. Menday, Ellipse December 5,5,990 1990
Meet at National Christmas Tree at 2:30 pm
Monday, December 10, 1990
Meet at National Christmas Tree at 10:00 am
TRIP COORDINATOR:
Lucy Muckerman
LEAD ADVANCE:
Gordon James
PRESS ADVANCE:
Steve Ross
next Monday
11