December 23, 2007

Oaxaca, Mexico's Feast of the Radishes is celebrated today. Radishes grown to the size of yams are carved into figurines of people and animals. Why? I have no idea. Scroll down this page to find out more.

In ancient Egypt, the birth of Horus was celebrated around December 23. Another nativity story. Horus was the son of Isis and Osiris. He became the god of sky and protector of the dead and was known as the first ruler of a united Egypt.

Tips for the day

The feeding and care of creatures has long been a folk custom around winter solstice time. An ancient Scandinavian custom involves placing sheaves of wheat outdoors on poles for the birds. Wheat wreaths are a beautiful echo of this custom.

If you are decorating for the holidays, how about setting out some birdseed "ornaments" as well?

Pinecones rolled in peanut butter and encrusted with birdseed are pretty and easy to make -- great for children. Or you can fill hollowed orange rinds with peanut butter mixed with suet and birdseed. Rice cakes make excellent bases for birdseed "cookies". Don't forget some plain roasted peanuts in the shell if there are squirrels in the neighborhood.

Have you heard that you shouldn't feed birds when it's below freezing in your area? Don't worry, it's actually a humane thing to do. Here's another helpful article: top 10 winter bird feeder-fillers.

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