The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1855-12-25
THE CHRIsTxAs CARNIVAL.

How the Nativity Of tho Saviour was ana II
Observed-A glimpse or Olden T1mes-The
Observance I'm the City-Pium Pies, Picty,
Poultry, Poetry and Prose.
The birth Of the Saviour, event which occurred IL
current chronology Is true, 1856 years ago. win be
celebrated In this city to-day with appropriate religious
rites and festivities.
1t Ia matter OF doubt with theologiAns whether
Christ was really born at this time Of the year not
Many eminent antiquities assert that this significant event
occurred in spring, at the time Of the Feast Of the Pass
over while others again think the Feast Of ExpatioD that
in September witnessed the advent Of the Saviour
One OF the reasons for suppopg that 1t did not occur IN
December is, that the mountains of Judea in about
the latitude New York, and 1t Is not TO be sup
posed that the three wise men who the star in the
East would do unwise thing to be tending their
Hocks by the hillside, with the Thermometer below the
freezing point However, wise sometimes do very
foolish things. 1t Pope Teiesphorus VINO frat de-
signated the 25th of December the exact period OF
Chrsts nativity and however much historians and theo
logsns may dispute IT. the populace believe it devoutly
and enjoy themselves immensely its annual return.
at this time Of the year that the Roman
MALTA held, when the passions Of the populace
allowed to riot and drunkenness and free love to
unlimited extent INDUCED in.
That this is the festival observe is evidenced
by the fact that recognize kindred and observ-
The decking Of the houses and sacred edifces
with eyergreens, the yula logs the eating and drinking
making Of presentsl show to be continuation OF
the old saturnaia The introduction Of Christianity,
however, purged 1t Of its grossness while retaining it's
hindier and suggestive rites and Christmas With
our foretasbers regarded not only season of
mirth and rejoicing but also time for devout and
penitential emotions
1t ia almost impossible for American realize the
strange superstons and rites connected with this hoi
day in the minds Of Europeans, especially in Catholic
countries.
1t faded on the growing Of the coch.
Some say, that ever gsnst that season comes
Wherein savour's birth IL celebrated
This bird OF dawuipg sipgeth all night long
And then they ssy no spirit dares stir abroad
The nights Wholesome; then planets strike,
No fairy takes, nor wifoh has poFcr 20 charm,
So hallow'd aad 80 gracious is the time
is, however, the most genial Of all holidays and it's
associations always pleasant and accompanied BY
festivities and Kindly charities
and houses with Christmas green's IS IN old ,po ante
dating Christianity itse The Litd OF escrgteens used
the holly ivy, cypress, bays, laurel and mistletoe
The last named put up in ehnrshes, it
deemed hea.acniah and profane plant on acccpnt OF
its being in tueh favor with the Dads 10 Iaored
,es. was, however hung up mixed with white her,
res in Kitchens and whsteycr young female rhencsi TO
stand nndes 1t, the young present c.hef mad a
right, Or claimed one, Of saune her, and of rocsing of
harry at each kiss What b number ii 5egntful Gus,
lava bona ~1.~ns 80 -se... a.. -.