Dec 8 2020 - The Christmas Risk Assessment

 

There must be a lot of etiquette rules for Christmas, if thank you cards had that many rules yesterday.   What are the most important rules, given there are so many?  I guess this is a risk mitigation moment. Rather than fulfill all the rules, go after the critical ones. My attention got drawn to Regifting.  There's an ad for something on the radio and it is sung to the tune of Unforgettable (Nat King Cole) with Unregiftable the replaced word.  This regifting scenario from the Spruce seems to capture the spirit of Christmas risk: If someone gives you something you can't use or don't care for, it's okay to regift it later, as long as you don't give it back to the original person. To prevent this from happening, attach a note with the original giver's name. I went in search of risk mitigation at Christmas and found this satiric entry  from Barry Spud (2013) in Safetyrisk:   "All employees planning to dash through the snow in a one horse open sleigh, going over the fields and laughing all the way are advised that a Risk Assessment will be required addressing the safety of an open sleigh for members of the public. This assessment must also consider whether it is appropriate to use only one horse for such a venture, particularly where there are multiple passengers.  Please note that permission must also be obtained in writing from landowners before their fields may be entered.  To avoid offending those not participating in celebrations, we would request that laughter is moderate only and not loud enough to be considered a noise nuisance.  Benches, stools and orthopaedic chairs are now available for collection by any shepherds planning or required to watch their flocks at night.  While provision has also been made for remote monitoring of flocks by CCTV cameras from a centrally heated shepherd observation hut, all users of this facility are reminded that an emergency response plan must be submitted to account for known risks to the flocks.  The angel of the Lord is additionally reminded that, prior to shining his/her glory all around, s/he must confirm that all shepherds are wearing appropriate Personal Protective Equipment to account for the harmful effects of UVA, UVB and the overwhelming effects of Glory.  Following last year’s well-publicised case, everyone is advised that Equal Opportunities legislation prohibits any comment with regard to the redness of any part of Mr R Reindeer. Further to this, exclusion of Mr R Reindeer from reindeer games will be considered discriminatory and disciplinary action will be taken against those found guilty of this offence. While it is acknowledged that gift bearing is a common practice in various parts of the world, particularly the Orient, everyone is reminded that the bearing of gifts is subject to Hospitality Guidelines and all gifts must be registered. This applies regardless of the individual, even royal personages.  It is particularly noted that direct gifts of currency or gold are specifically precluded, while caution is advised regarding other common gifts such as aromatic resins that may evoke allergic reactions. Finally, in the recent instance of the infant found tucked up in a manger without any crib for a bed, Social Services have been advised and will be arriving shortly. Enjoy the holiday season!" Here's one of my favourite Christmas images - one of Lilycrest Gardens lilies, made a little red for the seasonal colours.

Whoa on Cupid as a Cherub, Please!

Where would a name like Valentine come from?  It isn't really a name anymore - it is a "thing" - a card or gift on the specific day of Valentine's.   However, it is also a sweetheart that is chosen on Valentine's Day. Vanlentine originates as a name -  a unisex given name.  It is derived from the Roman family name Valentinus - from valens, meaning strong and healthy.  It turns out to be the name of a few Saints who were martyred and are commemorated along with Saint Valentine from the third century.  Supposedly he died on February 14th.  I say that wondering how 3rd century documents on dates can match up with our current calendar. And how does a cupid come into the scene for Valentine's Day? Cupid comes from Roman mythology, son of Venus who was the goddess of love and beauty.  Would Venus still be with us today given she's a goddess - and I should write "is the goddess of love and beauty."  His representation as a little boy can be traced. The Italian painter Raphael who was known for creating characters called "putti" - they looked like male babies or toddlers.  They represented the presence of pure love around people - often with wings like angels.  Cupid started out as  being portrayed as a young man - but he got "converted" to being a baby or young child, and often with angelic wings.   Cupid is a little angel-like boy - but that isn't a "cherub".  Cherubs were known as cherubim.  That was a heavenly "rank" and have the role to protect God's heavenly glory.  This religious designation got swept up into being associated with Cupid and similar depictions.   The through line from St. Valentine the martyr to celebrating Romantic love is still to be outlined - I think we might accord that to Chaucer.  In the meantime, let's enjoy a few more Ringling Circus images.

Read past POTD's at my Blog: http://blog.marilyncornwell.com Purchase at: FAA - marilyncornwellart.com Redbubble - marilyncornwellart.ca