Fraternity-Testvériség, 1964 (42. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)

1964-12-01 / 12. szám

10

FRATERNITY

Another of President Coolidge’s dogs, a Wire-Haired Fox Terrier named Peter Pan, worked his way from the White House to the doghouse trying to replace the Secret Service. Pete’s overzealous sense of protectiveness caused him to nip the heels of White House visitors, such as ambassadors, and as a result he was exiled to a friend’s farm in the country.

Herbert Hoover had a German Shepherd named Pat, who probably saw more of the White House than any other Presidential pooch. Pat perfected a technique that a lot of present-day Washingtonians would like to learn — how to open White House doors. He used to wander about the big house at will, and when Weejie, a Norwegian Elkhound, joined the family, Pat gave his Scandinavian pal a Cook’s tour . . . from the President’s office to the scullery.

So, judging from past records, Purina pollster Fawcett predicted that the President of the United States will uphold the tradition of keeping his “best friend” in the nation’s most impressive “doghouse”.

THE ORIGIN OF SANTA CLAUS

The modern, mythical Santa Claus, patron saint of Christmas and the most beloved figure in the legends of childhood, developed from the real Saint Nicholas, of the Middle Ages. Because of his kindness, thoughtfulness, and his teachings of love and understanding, he has, down through the years, gradually become the idol of youngsters the world over.

English-speaking children tried to pronounce the Dutch name for the saint, San Nicholaas. But they said it quickly and excitedly, and soon the name changed to Santy or Santa Claus. German children speak of Kriss Kringle . . . French children of Pére Noéi (Father Christmas) . . . and Hungarian children of Mikulás Bácsi (Uncle Nicholas).

How ever they have said it, though, the symbol has remained the same. He is faith, hope, cheer, parental love and family solidarity. And since children are concerned with the “good”, they are able to understand Santa Claus as a spiritual personification of that quality in all people.