Fleur de Lis Club news

Courtesy of Linda Birmey

Fleur de Lis Club met on Dec. 12, 2019, at the home of Theresa Hora for the annual Salad Luncheon. Theresa offered prayer before members and guest, Joyce Gauger, enjoyed a variety of salads, casserole and ham and sat around her festive table.

Place favors complimented the table along with the place setting of dishes recently acquired from a friend. Joyce Gauger, Theresa's mother, provided a plate of decorated cookies for all to enjoy. Following the luncheon, Nancy Kimmel presided over a short business meeting.

Roll call was answered with each naming their favorite Christmas carol. The minutes of the November meeting and the Treasurer's report was read by Linda Birney. Pat Stout reported on our club donation to the homeless emergency shelter which is now known as the Light House with Darren Brown as the Director located at 604 South Iowa Avenue in Washington. Bev Crandall, of the card committee, provided a Christmas card for members to sign and will be sent to our inactive member, Shirley Whisler.

Following the meeting, Theresa provided the group with information on the song, 'The Twelve Days of Christmas.” The 12 days of Christmas refers to the days of Christmas to Epiphany, Jan. 6, which are the 12 days after Christmas and not the twelve days before Christmas as most people think. In the 16th century it was thought to be a code to teach children the Catholic religion and for Christians to avoid persecution.

This theory starts with the words, my true love being God and to me referring to all believers. The Partridge in a Pear Tree refers to Jesus; Two turtle doves, the Old and New Testament; Three French Hens, 3 Blessed Virtues (Faith, Hope & Love); Four Calling Birds, 4 gospels; Five Golden Rings, the Torah-first 5 books of the Bible; Six Geese Laying, 6 days of creation; Seven Swans Swimming, 7 gifts of the Holy Spirit or 7 sacraments, Eight Maids Milking, 8 beatitudes; Nine Ladies Dancing, 9 fruits/virtues of the Holy Spirit; Ten Lords Leaping, 10 commandments; Eleven Pipers Piping, 11 faithful apostles; and Twelve Drummers Drumming, the 12 points of the doctrine in the Apostles Creed.

Down through the years, it has thought to be a myth. Frederic Austin in 1909 established the lyrics to the current form of the Carol and down through the years has been performed by many as we now know it today.

After an enjoyable and relaxing afternoon, members were treated to a wrapped package by Theresa's mom to take with them upon departing for home. The club will not meet during the months of January and February. We will meet again on March 26, 2020 at 6:30 p.m. for our Husband's/Guest Night out. Kathy Ebert will be the hostess for the evening.