The Delaware register, or, Farmers', manufacturers' & mechanics' advocate. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1828-1829, 1829-01-03


But let it whistle as it will,
Well keep Christmas merry STILL Walter Scott
If we did not turn TO the calendar occasionally for
the day of the month, tie beautiful fesoons of the ho
" and the laurel, and other evergreens which already
decorate the walls and windows of many of church
rs and places of public resort, would admonish us
that the revolving year has more brought us to
the threshold Of that memorable day which is celebra
ted BY large portion of the Christian Church, the
anniversary of Messiah's birth, and set apart as a
cheerful festival through the whole of Chrstendom-
Whether the 25th of December was the precise day
Of the blth Of the Saviour of men, or Christmas eve
file niqit IN which his advent was proclaimed by
hight and glorious embassage from Heaven. is not
material. Ii is sufficient that the ancient usage of the
church has sanctioned this day as that on which the
heavenly message Of peace on carth and good will to
men, was proclaimed by choir Of angels to the
dcrng shepherds of Judea.
It is not purpose however, to discourse at pres
en on the religious observances and associations con-
nected with this Joyous festival, but to give rapid
sketch of the Christmas gambols and other ceremo
mes which, both in the old world and the new, con
tribute to the pleasures of the I" Merry Christmas
Poor Robin in his almanack for the year 1916, se IL
ing of the winter season, says, " And lastly, who
would but praise it, because of Christmas when good
cheer doth 50 abound, as if all the world made
Of minced pies, plum buildings, and fermety'-a dish
made OF boiled wheat, with milk, sugar, and nutmeg.
In Catholic countries, mass is still celebrated at
midnight after Chrismaseve. Alstelities then cease,
and reloicings of all kinds commence. Among the
Proestants in the West of England, however, the Joy
Gus gambols often commenced by seven or eight o.
clock on Christnas-eve. when cakes were drawn hot
from the oven cider or beer exhiarated the spirits in
every house and the singing of carols was continu-
ed until late hour in the night. But sports or
gambos exhibited themselves among the religious
exercises Of the evening. On Christnas-day carols
took the place of psalms in the churches, especially
m the afternoon, the whole congregation joining: and
a the end, it usual for the parish clerk in loud
voice to proclaim his wishes for merry Christmas
and happy New Year to all the parishioners.
Among the sports of Cornwall was metrical play
exhibiting the prowess Of ST George against Ma
hometan. st George enters in full arnor, boasts of
ms leats in winning crowns, the King of Egypts
laughter, dc. and challenges to fight. The Turk
als OF course but is subsequently resuscitated by
ule application of some medicinal herbs renounces
The Prophet and turns Christian. This old play is
preserved in Homes Every Day Book A ludicrous
laree followed the tragedy. In this the company APP
peared as corn sellers. Each applied to for his
price, In set form Of words, and the answers of all
were to be given in corresponding terms. If an er-
FOR were committed, grave parsonage entered, with
nluch ceremony, grotesquey attired, and provided