On Jan. 1, 1993, the World Health Organization deleted homosexuality from its list of diseases.
The song “The 12 Days of Christmas” contains coded lyrics used by Catholics persecuted in England trying to teach their children the true meaning of the holiday. For example, “Partridge in a pear tree” refers to Jesus.
Traditional New Year’s foods in many countries are round to symbolize closure. For example, the Dutch eat doughnuts and the French eat pancakes.
Santa’s reindeer have always been assumed to be male. But according to the Alaska Dept. of Wildlife, male reindeer shed their antlers in the fall, while female reindeer keep their antlers until the spring. Therefore, when you see reindeer pulling Santa’s sleigh, they must, out of biological necessity, be female reindeer.
According to one astrologer, 2003 will be the apprehensive year of the sheep.
This article appears in December 27 • 2002.