Reading old Books

Today at the school library I checked out "Festivals of Western Europe" by Gladys Spicer Fraser.

Like many of Findlay High School's Library books it is outdated, this one was better than many of them though, because this one was published in 1957.
In the book there were some interesting articles, Some of which I will share and analyze below.

• Neklosdag (Saint Nicolas Day, Luxembourg, December 6th)
  Unlike in the USA, In Luxembourg children see Saint Nick make an official entrance into town, typically by Boat. With St. Nick comes Hoěsecker, a fellow who caries a large bundle of willow switches on his back as he searches for naughty children with a switch ready in his hand. They meet with city officials, Have an informal parade, and then Santa (And his pal Hoěsecker) leaves for the next town by boat.
  
• Luciadagen (St. Lucy's Day, Sweden, December 13)
  Depending on the Size of the community one or many "Lucia Brides" are elected to serve Coffee and Cake to the community. Sometimes she is accompanied by baker boys who distribute Lussekatter which translates (according to the book) as "Lucia Cats" which are " Cardamon flavored buns made in X-Shapes, with curled up ends and raisin eyes". The author clearly liked these, as she goes so far to give a recipe which is as follows -
  
  
  
  
  
  "
  
  1 cup milk, scalded
  1/3 cup butter
  2/3 cup sugar
  Dash of Salt
  1 yeast cake, crumbled
  1 egg, beaten
  4 cups sifted flour
  1 cardamom seed, crushed
  Raisins
  
  Add Milk to butter, sugar, and salt and stir until dissolved. Cool to lukewarm and add the yeast. Stir well, then add egg. Gradually stir in flour and the crushed cardamom and beat thoroughly. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover and let rise in a warm place until double in bulk. Kneed on a flowered bowl for a few minutes. Roll a small portion at a time and cut into strips about 5 inches long and 1/2 inch wide. Place two strips together to form the letter X on a greased baking sheet. Brush with beaten egg. cover and let rinse for one hour.
  Bake in Moderately hot oven (400'F) for about 12 Minutes.
  Yield: Twenty four to thirty buns
  
  "
  
  There is also Caroling on this day

A pretty interesting book, and one worth at least a skim if you can find a copy.

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Today was the day that my application was sent abroad for review.