1. Humbug is an old word of indeterminate etymology meaning “spectacle” or “hoax” or “jest,” often referring to some unjustified reputation or publicity. 2. Of course, the word is most often associated with Ebenezer Scrooge, a character created by Charles Dickens in The Christmas Carol. He famously dismissed Christmas declaring, “Bah! Humbug!” Interestingly, variations of the term make appearances in any number of …
Handel’s Messiah
Thefirst public performance of Handel’s Messiahwas held in Dublin, Ireland on this day in 1742. George Frideric Handel was a Baroque composer from Magdeburg who had lived in England for thirty years. The previous summer he was invited to…
A Most Zealous and Efficient Evangelist
According to tradition, on this day in the year 432, a youngBritish monk—formerly held captive as a slave by the very people he now soughtto serve—arrived in Ireland to begin his ministry.Patrick was said to have been born at one of the littleChris…
Hallowmas or Halloween
Christians have celebrated All-Hallows-Eveor Hallowmas since about the 8th century as a night of prayerfulpreparation before All Saints Day. But, the pagan associations of Halloween with the day are actually mucholder—and perhaps more deep…
Bah Humbug: As Far As the Curse Is Found
1. Humbug is an old word of indeterminate etymology meaning “spectacle” or “hoax” or “jest,” often referring to some unjustified reputation or publicity.2. Of course, the word is most often associated with Ebenezer Scrooge, a character crea…