'Turnback Tuesday' on Thursday: Yuletide traditions

'Turnback Tuesday' from Derby Public Library checks out two holiday traditions. 
The “Yule" or "Yule Log”, originally a Nordic tradition, started with the gathering of an entire tree to burn in the fire, one end placed in the fireplace and the rest in the room. 

The log would be slowly fed into the fire for the 12 days of Christmas. Next is the Poinsettia plant, a native of Central America/Mexico. Joel Roberts Poinsett was the first Ambassador for the U.S. to Mexico in 1825. He was introduced to the native flower and became interested. He sent the plant home to South Carolina, grew them and gave them as gifts to friends. 

Thus, the Poinsettia tradition began.

Thanks as always to the Derby Public Library staff for sharing interesting items from history each week.