Yuletide folklore and tradition to be revealed

AN event in Dumfries next week will highlight the many customs and traditions which go into making the festive season truly festive. THE December lecture from The Arts Society Dumfries and Galloway will have a Christmas twist, exploring all the traditional and beloved aspects, as well as the fascinating history to so much of what the season means across the world: from the mischief-making trolls and scary demons of folklore, to the goodwill and gift-giving of more cosily familiar customs. Some of the most fascinating Christmas traditions from Iceland, the Netherlands, Sweden, Austria and elsewhere will be brought to life; illustrated with paintings and engravings. Guest lecturer Tim Stimson will draw on his extensive knowledge of literature and the history of art for the talk. For many years he has been a professional painter and ceramicist in Scotland and Wales and for the last 20 years Tim has been a freelance cultural art historian, specialising in 17th and 19th century art and society. The lecture is on Tuesday, December 9, at 11 am in the Gilchrist Room, Easterbrook Hall, with coffee and tea from 10.30 am. More information at www.tasdag.org.uk.