But even with candles, there were still limitations. Candles burned relatively quickly, requiring frequent replacement. The cost of making candles was also a concern for settlers as materials were often scarce. Additionally, the open flame posed a significant fire hazard, especially for wooden houses full of other flammable materials.

It’s amazing how much things changed in 1780 when inventors started exploring new lighting options.

They developed lamps and burners that could use a variety of fuels, including artificial gas and kerosene. These new sources of light burn longer, brighter, and more consistent. People appreciated the importance of adequate illumination that enhances activities like reading and writing and were determined to embrace the latest lighting technologies available to them.

Inspired by the wonders witnessed at the Paris World Fair in 1878, Canada eagerly embraced the potential of electric lighting.

In a bid to embrace this newfound potential, demonstration arc lighting was installed across Europe and North America. Montreal and Toronto joined the movement, setting up small trial installations in 1878 and 1879. Later, electric power became available in major cities and towns throughout Canada.

It’s a bright future ahead!

Christmas Joy

The dim light from the Milburn House drew us near. The Milburn House was beautifully decorated for the Christmas season. As we looked up, we noticed a round-shaped ball, made from evergreen branches and adorned with ribbons in various shades of red, green, and gold, hanging from the ceiling. We asked ourselves.

“What is that?”

The Kissing Bough

Before the mid-1800s, a Christmas tree was unheard of in the homes of British settlers. Instead, a charming tradition known as the kissing bough took its place.

This delightful ornament referred to as a kissing bunch or kissing ball, would be hung in the hallway or doorway. The kissing bough derived its name from the enchanting opportunity it provided for any gentleman to steal a kiss from a lady under its influence. Evergreen boughs were crafted into a spherical or circular structure and adorned with flickering candles, luscious apples, and hearty nuts.

The act of adorning one’s home with native evergreens during the festive season is an ancient practice that dates back to pagan times. These resilient plants were cherished for their remarkable ability to retain signs of life amidst the harshness of winter. However, as the mid-1800s approached, a new tradition began to take root. The kissing bough gradually made way for the beloved Christmas tree, which soon found its place in nearly every home.

Who Ate the Pink Sweetmeat?

Inside the Milburn House, we were treated to a sample of Christmas feast, Turkish Delight.

Have you ever tried Turkish Delight?

The candy is smooth and velvety, and it melts in your mouth, creating a truly indulgent experience. As you take a bite, the rose flavour unfolds, offering a subtle floral sweetness that is both refreshing and fragrant.

The candy is called Lokum, in Turkish and became known as “Lumps of delight” to the English.

These delicious treats were infused with flavours like rose oil, musk, or pistachios. These exotic tastes appealed to those who wanted a taste of a far-off place like Istanbul. In the 19th century, British travelers fell in love with this sweet and brought it back to Britain.

Back then, sugar was considered a luxury and very expensive. So, Turkish Delight was seen as a rare treat, reserved for special occasions like Christmas. It was often wrapped and given as a present to friends and family.

Festive Christmas Cracker

Children eagerly gathered around the Christmas table, their eyes sparkling with anticipation.

The table was adorned with Christmas crackers and a pomander ball. The pomander balls are made by sticking cloves into oranges or other citrus fruits, and they’re often used as natural air fresheners during the holiday season. They add such a lovely scent to the room.

With a loud pop, colourful paper hats, small toys, and candies spilled out onto the table. The children’s faces lit up with joy as they discovered their treasures.

The invention of the Christmas cracker can be attributed to the creative mind of a British confectioner, Tom Smith. Inspired by the French bonbons, which were sugared almonds wrapped in twists of paper, Smith sought to add an element of surprise and excitement to his confections. One winter night, as he listened to the crackle of the log fire, an idea sparked in his mind.

He wanted to infuse his bonbons with a satisfying “bang” when pulled apart, revealing the hidden candy inside.

Smith’s invention was an instant hit, exciting both children and adults alike. Over time, the contents of the crackers evolved. Small gifts, paper hats, and a strip of paper with a motto, joke, riddle, or piece of trivia replaced the candies. Today, cheerful paper-covered tubes are an essential part of holiday celebrations.

Christmas is full of surprise and wonder!

Christmas Tree

We headed to the Keene Hotel, where the Christmas tree stole the show. Standing proudly on the table, it was a symbol of holiday cheer and celebration. Unlike modern Christmas trees which are adorned with twinkling lights, this tree was lit solely by candles. The candles have been carefully placed on the branches, creating a warm and flickering glow throughout the room. However, during our visit, the candles were not lit, as they required constant supervision to prevent any fire accidents.

The German immigrants had introduced the Christmas tree to Canada, and the new tradition forever transformed the way Canadians celebrated the holiday. The true turning point for the Christmas tree came in 1841 when Prince Albert, Queen Victoria’s German husband, adorned Windsor Castle with a Christmas tree for their first-born son.

This momentous occasion was captured and illustrated in the Illustrated London News and had a profound impact on middle-class British families. They, inspired by the festive scene of the royal family standing before their Christmas tree, began to emulate the tradition, solidifying the Christmas tree as an essential element of the ideal Victorian Christmas.

It’s widely believed that Martin Luther was the first to add lighted candles to a tree. One winter evening, as he was walking home, composing a sermon, he looked up and saw the stars shining brightly amidst the evergreen trees. He wanted to bring that magical scene into his own home. He erected a tree in his main room and carefully wired its branches with lighted candles.

Ornament

Look! there is a group of carollers singing in front of the Menie General Store!
Let’s go inside and explore the Christmas shopping sections. I’ve heard they have a wide variety of ornaments and decorations from the Victorian period.

We discovered straw ornaments and beeswax ornaments among other unique ornaments.
The settlers usually made decorations out of straw and corn husks. It was a popular tradition, especially among those with Scandinavian roots. These straw decorations had a special meaning, too. They were a way of paying tribute to the agricultural spirits during Yule and expressing gratitude for a bountiful harvest. The ornaments were likely a hopeful wish for a prosperous year ahead.

The straw ornaments were made from dried straw and were often woven into intricate patterns. These ornaments had a rustic and charming appeal, reflecting the simplicity and resourcefulness of the pioneer era.

Speaking of unique ornaments, these ornaments originated from German traditions and were made by pouring beeswax into wooden cookie boards. The process resulted in intricate designs that exuded elegance and delicacy.

The beeswax ornaments were intricately crafted to show their intricate details and natural beauty.

They were often shaped into festive designs such as angels, stars, and snowflakes. The beeswax gave them a warm and inviting appearance, adding a touch of elegance to any Christmas tree.

To enhance the flicker of the candles on Christmas trees, a delightful addition, tinsel, was introduced. Originally crafted from shredded silver, tinsel added a touch of sparkle and elegance to the tree. As time went on, lead foil became a popular material for tinsel production in the mid-20th century.

Lead tinsel possessed a unique advantage over silver. It did not tarnish and maintains its brilliant shine throughout the holiday season. However, as the awareness of the potential risks associated with lead exposure was growing, the concern about the safety of lead tinsel, particularly for children arose. After 1971, the use of lead tinsel stopped.

In addition to admiring these historical ornaments, we also had the opportunity to make our own ornaments using tinsel. Visitors could get creative and craft their own unique decorations using materials such as paper and tinsel provided by the village.

Engaging in this hands-on activity and creating our own personalized ornaments was a delightful experience. The satisfaction of creating something with our own hands reminded us of the simple joys of crafting.

Spreading Joy

Hurry up! We are going to miss the show!

The South Lake School was full of excitement and anticipation. Arth and I quickly made our way through the bustling crowd, eager to find a good spot to enjoy the storytelling night.

We can’t wait for the storytelling night. It’s our favorite part of Christmas. We’ve heard it was going to be about the Flying Canoe.

The Flying Canoe, or Chasse-Galerie, is a magical French-Canadian tale that has been passed down through generations. It tells the story of lumberjacks working around the Gatineau River who make a pact with the devil, similar to the concept of the Wild Hunt in folklore. According to the legend, a group of people, with the assistance of the devil, were able to travel in a canoe through the air at incredible speeds. However, they must be cautious not to have any blessed objects or utter the name of God, as it could lead to a disastrous crash.

This tale has become a beloved part of Canadian folklore. It captures the imagination of many and has inspired various artistic interpretations, including music and performances. Glen Caradus and Fiddling Jay, known for their renditions of traditional shanties and Christmas songs, have incorporated the story of the Flying Canoe into their repertoire.

Attending the duo performances provided a unique and immersive experience, allowing you to delve into the rich cultural heritage of French-Canadian folklore. The combination of traditional music and the captivating tale of the Flying Canoe is sure to transport you to a world of wonder and enchantment.

Simply Joy

We have never realized how much we rely on electricity until we had to navigate through the entire village with just kerosene lamps. It’s incredible how something as simple as lighting can make such a difference. Even though it was challenging, we are glad that we had experienced a bit of life in pioneer time. It really put things into perspective. We often take our modern conveniences for granted.

Unlike the modern era, where Christmas has become synonymous with lavish gifts and extravagant feasts. With limited time, money, and transportation, the pioneer holiday was a far cry from the extravagant celebrations we witness today.

Our settlers approached with simplicity.

The absence of luxury did not dampen the spirits of pioneers instead they found joy in the simplicity of their celebrations. They understood that the true essence of Christmas lay in the love and togetherness they shared, rather than the material possessions they lacked.

Merry Christmas!