Monday, Getting cold.
These are wooden items taking unique appearance that were used by both boys and girls. From early on they were taught that these items were something that they could handle and play with, but with respect. For all youngsters much care was taken to protect these items and to keep them �clothed� properly. During early life children were taught that from the winter solstice to the summer solstice their wooden items disappeared but came alive, and could visit them. If they were good they were given presents, if they were bad, they were threatened and could be �whipped� using corn leaves. All during the first eight years of life the youngsters were encouraged to believe that their wood images transformed to live form. At the age of eight both genders were in an elaborate ceremony made aware that the wooden items did not transform themselves to human form for six months a year. After that, under strict rules, the secret was never revealed in the presence of younger children.
What were these wood/human impersonators called.