The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1864-12-30
piontsr 4 Democrat.
Its Origin as a Religious and
Popular Holiday,
CUSTOMS AND UsAGES OF ATS
CELEBRATION I'm VARIOUS
COUNTRIES, IN OLDEN
TIMES AND Ak THE
PRESENT DAY.
How it was Celebrated, both in
Public and i'm Private.


From the Daily Pioneer of the 2Sth-
Eighteen hundred and sixty-four years ago,
= babe WAS born into the world, in the manger
of a stable in Judea. Though his advent was
thus obscure, yet it had been foretold in proph-
ecy. The Star OF Bethlehem shone over his
cradle, and guided by It's light, the wise men
of the East sought the presence Of the Won
drous infant, with offerings in their hands
They fell down and worshipped MIN as the
Lord of Lords and King of Kings HE who
had been sent into this world 30 die for the
sins Of our race as its Saviour. Herod sought
his life, but in vain. The babe grew into man.
hood--commenced bis mission, when prophecy
was fulfilled He was seized, cruelty treated
as an impostor, and suffered an ignominious
death.
Thus lived and died lie whom we call Jesus
Christ, the Saviour Of the world. Yet no an
uiversary has SO grand celebration rs that
which commentaries his birth. No day In
the year is more joyful than that observed in
honor Of his advent. No mere mortal has ey-
erted an influence so tremendous or so benign,
u.
imperial conqueror ever numbered more or
more devoted subjects. The grandest king
Goms the sublimest destinies the geatast
names, Of the first men Of all ages. are insjg-
piicant to his power and fame. Amid The ig-
norance and baibarism Of the planet, his wand
has reared beneficent civilization, which has
steadily extended its confines of light, and is
now certain to embrace the world. Christen-
dom itself is his monument; yet one infinitely
surprising it in grandeur, the race redeemed, is
rising to attest his divinity.
However men may speculate. and Whatever.
views they 10y form concerning the "lowly
Nazarene," the facts Of history remain to
bcwilder and confoand the unbeliever Who
OF eli the profound philosophers and stupen-
dous geniuses that have lived and toiled, or the
astute critics that affect TO measure and anal
we the Son Of Mary, have begun 30 approach
him in power over the human mind, or in his
benevolent use OF such power. In the long
and brilliant roll of greatness, at what other
name does the entire civilized world at once
p.use, thrilled with common JOY. and send w
pseans Of liInitless praise from every sea and
shore of the globe?
The glories of the pest grow pale in the light
Of the future. The race has progressed meal
culably, yet ia to scale nights scarcely dreamed
Of now, when the teachings OF Christ have full
sway in the hearts Of mankind. No hushed
melodies are go sweet az the music to come.
Very far in advance still shines the ideal civil
cation inculcated in Judea more than eightee
hundred years ago. Possibly, when it shall
have reached that ideal, there may be plausi-
bility in saving that the world is prepared to
outgrow Christianity but assuredly not before.
Whatever faith justly coneeives mans highest
welfare and teaches that he shall realize this
is truth. For it ia that best adapted TO reclaim
him from his errors, cheer him in bis distresses
encourage him in mis- struggles, lead him in the
path Of wisdom, and refine, elevate and emo
bic his whole being.
Who can read this sermon on the Mount, and
other teachings, and refuse to acknowledge
that. guided by them, our race must grow hap
by aud noble? Even leaving out of sight the
Faith that bids US hope for happiness eternal in
another life, his doctrines all look to the eleva-
ton and purity of our race in this life All
the virtues and ennobling sentiments of hu.
manity and perfection Of conduct are in
cnlcated. They who practice them are called
blessed Mans duty to his fellow man IS SO
plainly pointed out, that even ii with this
world life ended, Earth now grown old in
sim would NE transformed into another Eden,
could those sublime principles have complete
sway. The sword would be broken---love take
the place Of selishness and hate. and war be-
come impossible. Such, even III its temporal
view, was the mission of Him whose birth we
celebrate to-day.
Christmas was established as u Holiday by
Pope Telesphorus, who died about the year
1888 so its celebration as q Church Holiday
dates almost back to the life of the founder of
the Christian Era. During the middle age,
Christmas was celebrated by merriment,
religious services, and tableauX, representing
the infant Jesus in the cradle, &c. This Gus
tom prevails to some extent in the Catholic
Churches to this day. Songs were sung,
called cuTOis, commemorative of the song OF
the Shepherds on the plains Of Judea. Dancing
an6 instrumental music were also common.
In German countries, Christmas is observed
chiefly as fo,aily festival. The Christmas
Tree" originated there, and is still in vogue.
The day is celebrated with great spirit in Ger.
many, and by that people everywhere. Joy
and merriment prevails.
In England, the day has always been sea.
son of merry-1naking. Gaity and feastipa
always marked its return, and was sometimes
kept up for days
An hailed. with uncontrolled delight
And general voice, the happy night
That. 10 the cottage as the crown,
Brought tidings Of salvation down.
England was merry England when
Old Christmas brought his sports again.
Twas Christmas broached the mightiest ale
rTwns ChristrIlas told the merriest tale:
Christmas gambol oft would cheer
A poor mans heart through half the year."
THE custom of decorating houses and