Christmas Present 3
Today we see Christmas in our Universe's Japan with Rosalind MacBeth from the forthcoming Flowers and Bones. Enjoy!
December 24th, 2008
Rosalind spent the last two days with the Imperial household going to Shinto celebrations. It was the first time her parents let her go to Tohji-Taisai ceremony, for bringing Amaterasu (the Sun Goddess) out of a cave with singing and dancing, without accompanying her. Yesterday her whole family, including her six year old sister Eri, went to the Emperor’s birthday celebration. She was excited for the Oharai ritual, a group purification, that will happen on the 31st. Today and tomorrow were set aside for family.
“Rosalind, come help me decorate the tree.” Her mother called.
She obediently came over to help, although she didn’t see the point in decorating a pine tree. “Why do we decorate a pine tree every Christmas?” Taking the strand of lights from her mother, letting there be enough slack in the string of lights to decorate her side of the tree.
“There are several reasons why pine is the chosen tree of this season,” her mother answered, taking the lights from her. “First, they are evergreens meaning they are symbols of everlasting life.” Her mother’s voice held a smile. “Second, they were used in mummer plays in Europe to represent the Tree of Life from the Bible.” She handed Rosalind the string again. “Third and lastly is a story involving Martin Luther taking a walk in the woods on a December’s night and seeing the twinkling stars through the boughs. It’s why we decorate with lights and crystal ornaments.”
Rosalind nodded in acceptance. They finished the strands right about the time her father and Riley finished decorating the mantel. According to family tradition, they gathered around the mantel to place the Nativity scene in the middle of the greenery. Eri piped up, “Why do we set up a stable with a baby in it?”
Rosalind exchanged a look with Riley. Their father smiled at their sister. “I’m glad you asked my little fortune. It starts with a prophecy in a country called Israel…” Father’s rich baritone continued until he got to the Christmas story. Then he paused to get the family Bible out. He read Matthew chapter one before handing it over to Mother to read Matthew chapter two. Mother handed the Bible over to Riley to read the first half of Luke chapter one. Rosalind read her section. Not sure how this whole thing works, but Tousan and Kaasan think it’s important. She crouched down to help Eri read the opening lines of Luke chapter two, before passing the Bible back to her father, who finished the reading.
After the reading, her father placed a single log in the hearth with kindling. “Long has it been another family tradition, going back to our ancestral roots to light a Yule log. We do this in honor of our family and the blessing of this year to be renewed in the new years.” He paused then smiled at them. Rosalind loved her father’s smile—a rarity. The smile went all the way up to his eyes making love shine out of them. “Now to bed with you, tomorrow brings surprises.”
Riley swung Eri up into his arms to start her getting ready for bed. Rosalind walked with them into the hallway heading to the sleeping quarters. She paused, turning to watch her parents for a moment. Father bowed to mother, who curtsied. They started to dance to music only they could hear. Something tugged at her heart. When I grow up, I want to have the type of relationship Tousan and Kaasan have. She slipped down the hallway. I may not understand why my parents do things, but I know they love us. I hope I can have a relationship where love is wrapped around us.
