Bassetts Scrap Book, Vol 3, No 10
Articles in this issue
- p. 1
An editorial explaining that the entire December issue was destroyed in a printing office fire before mailing, burning the prepared pages along with much of the firm's other stock, and necessitating a combined double number to cover both months.
- p. 11
A survey of Christmas traditions inherited from the Dutch, English, French, and German settlers of America, showing how each ethnic group contributed different festive practices that have blended into the modern American celebration.
- p. 11
A historical note revealing that early mince pies were baked in oblong shapes to represent the Bethlehem manger, used mutton in memory of the shepherds' flocks, and spiced with frankincense and myrrh in honour of the wise men.
- p. 5
An account of how ancient Egyptians worshipped the cat as a symbol of the moon, naming their cat-headed idol Pasht after the moon's face, and how this Egyptian word evolved over millennia into the English word 'puss'.
- p. 5
A poem hearing the universal demand for Christmas presents from children, sweethearts, collection boxes, and the poor alike, before turning to ask what each of us is going to give back to the great world.
- p. 3
A comic poem from a boy's perspective describing the agony of the weeks before Christmas, when every room is locked, the barn is sealed, and even the hay has presents hidden in it.
- p. 6
A reflection on the sadness of adults who have outgrown the ability to hang up their stockings at Christmas, arguing that those to whom Christmas carols bring no stirring of the pulses are in a truly pitiful condition.