La Bûche
It is said that the log protects the house from danger.
It is one of the pagan traditions widespread in Europe
since time immemorial to celebrate the winter solstice.
We used to light bonfires, modest symbols
but more significant of the new warmth of the sun.
This pagan tradition is still alive
in many regions of Italy and in several countries.
In Umbria and Emilia, in the Marches and in the Abruzzes,
We burn a large olive log until the first days of January.
At that moment, the ashes are scattered in the fields
and the vineyards, as a sign of good harvests.
In the Apulia and Calabria regions, the log is covered with ivy.
and we surround it with twelve smaller logs to represent the twelve apostles.
In Sardinia, we fast by the fire until midnight.
A beautiful Tuscan tradition holds that the doors of the house
remain open to guests as long as a log is burning in the fireplace.
Le Sapin
The custom of decorating the Christmas tree originated in Egypt.
Indeed, the tree was actually a small wooden pyramid.
which imitated the gigantic pyramids and was a cultural symbol.
A traveler brought this idea from the land of the pharaohs to Europe.
Some of the Germanic, Scandinavian, and Russian populations adopted it
to celebrate the winter solstice,
the return of the sun and the heat that Egypt symbolizes.
A solar disc surmounted the pyramid.
Later, the edges of this geometric figure
were filled with sticks that were set on fire.
If the fire reached the pyramid,
The year would be not only auspicious but also highly fruitful.
It was Martin Luther who, according to some,
replace this Egyptian simulacrum with the fir tree
which resembled a pyramid in shape.
Its evergreen branches could be
Even in the depths of winter, a harbinger of spring.
It was the Lutherans who had the idea of covering the tree with small candles,
to replace the wooden sticks.
These lights represent life and faith.
Here is one of the beautiful legends surrounding the Christmas tree:
Once upon a time in Germany, a long, long time ago, there was a woodcutter.
On his way home, on a clear but freezing winter day,
The man was astounded by the wondrous sight of the stars.
that shone through the branches of a fir tree covered in snow and ice.
To explain to his wife the beauty of what he had just seen,
The woodcutter cut down a small fir tree and took it home,
and covered it with small lit candles and ribbons.
The little candles resembled the stars he had seen shining,
and the ribbons, to the snow and icicles hanging from the branches.
People saw the tree and marveled at it, especially the children,
before soon every house had its Christmas tree.