The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1862-12-20
CkrtfsltlaS Day.

Observed from an early period as the
nativity of our Lord, and celebrated not
only by the religious ceremonies from which
the name of he day is partly taken, but by
| popular festivities Of the most joyful kind.
| In England, Christmas is held by the churcl,
as solemn festival, and distinguished by
! the complete cessation of BUSINESSMAN hon
or paid to no other day except Good Friday.
But within the last hundred years, the fcs.
tiyitics once appropriate to the day have
much fallen off. These at one time lasted
with more or less brilliancy till Candlemas,
and with great spirit till Twelfth Day; but
now a meeting in the evening. little different
! from common dinner party, though sure
to be marked by roast and plum pudding,
and pretty generally followed by Il game at
cards, is all that distinguishes Christmas in
most families.
In former times. the celebration Of Christ.
mas began i'll the latter part of the previous
day Christmas Eve The house was first
dccked with holly, IVY, and other ever.
| greens. Candles of an uncommon size were
|
Candles m enormous log, called the Iulc
Clog, or Christmas Block, was laid upon the
fire; the people sat round RECALLING them,
selves with beer. In the course of the night
small parties of songsters went about from
house to house, or through Tic streets, sing.
ing what were called Christmas carols-sim.
pie popular dittics full of joyful illusions to
the great gift from Goa to iiHr in the Re.
deemer. A mass was commenced in the
churches at midnight, custom still kept UP
in the Catholic Church. At one period, the
people had custom of wassailing the fruit
trees on this evening" that is, they took a
wassail bowl, threw a toast from it to the
tree, and sung song, expecting thus to
secure good crop of fruit the next season.
1t was thought that, during the night, all
water was for short time changed into
wine, and that bread baked on this eve would
never become mouldy. These notions arc
essentially foolish, but as they are all we'll
meant alterations of the simple spirit of the
people, they should not be hastily con,
dcnned.
The carols were Elore generally sung in
the morning Of Christmas Day. A contri.
butor to the " Gentieman's Magas me-" in
1911, describing the manner in which Christ.
was ceebratcdmas in the North Riding Of
Yorkshire, says:
:" Abott Sx o clock ON Christmas Day was
awakened by sweet singing under my win
dow surprised at visit so early and unex
pected, l arose, and locking out Of the win
dow, 1 beheld six yonng women and four
men welcoming, with sweet music, the
blessed morn" 1t may scarcely be lmtnag
ined how delightfully."- at such momen,
would sell Upon the half slumbering ear such
strains as the followag -
God rest you, merry gentleman,
Let nothing you dismay,
For Jesus Christ our Saviour
Was born upon this day,
10 save us all from Satan's power,
When we were gone astray.
Oh tidings Of comfort and Joy,
For Jesus Christ our Saviour
Was born on Chsstnas Day.
In Bethlehem in Jcwr,
This blessed babe was born,
And laid upon manger
poh this blessed morn
The which his mother Mary
Nothing did take in scorn.
Oh tidings, &c.
The religious service of Christmas Day
! receives but a small share Of attention from