The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1864-12-27
PECUEIAR CUSTOMs.

The customs OF the Middle Ages, however
natural they might have appeared to the
knights and 'squires Of those days, certainly
bear striking resemblance to the ludicrOus,
or rather TO the eccentric, when viewed by the
more civilized eyes OF the nineteenth century.
The habits and fashions Of that time have
taken root and woven their fibres into the
social condition and domestic economy of the
Anglo Saxon people. In Great Britain these
peculiarities are much more prevalent than in
our own land. When we broke away from
the mother country, in our anger we not only
abjured her Government, but also many Of
those customs which have almost become a
part and portion of the English Constitution.
Hence we escaped many Of the absurdities
which have been grated into the society of
Britain, and like a new people, started new
doctrines, habits, and customs of our own.
Some few of these peculiarities still cling to
us, some of them endeared by time, and others
rendered Dusances, but tolerated by long con-
tinuance.
We propose to glance at few of the Gus
toms.
One Of the most remarkable is the habit of
tolling the State House bell during election
day. To the imaginative person il is supposed
to be calling upon the citizens Of our great
country to come from their homes or business
and do'their duty at the polls-to devote one
day TO their Iatherland-and act not as indi-
viduals, but as parts of the commonwealth.
Butw are free to confess that to us it resem-
bles the tolling which Is the usual accompa-
niment Of a tunereal procession. 1t rather
calls on our citizens to march behind the
coffin OF the nation than to exercise their
dearest right Let it chime national airs
let "Hail Columbiai' and the "Star Spangled
Banner" be rung forth to the people, and cease
that melancholy noise, every stroke of which
seems to be the last, and the hearers start
when the next one breaks the stiffness of
our air.
Another peculiar and ridiculous custom is
the frightlul hoWls which are daily uttered by
the criers of our National and State courts.
When the judges appear and take their seats,
the whole solemnity of the proceeding is dis
PEELED by a large man with long stick, seated
in a high chair, suddenly believing forth a
noise, which may be represented on paper as
"Ho yah! Ho yahl Ho yahl Their Honors
are entering the Courtp and not withstand
ing the fact that every one in the building
distinctly beholds their honors, this entsrpris-
ing individual continues to roar in this insane
manner until he sinks back exhausted in his
lofty seat. The scene is exquisitely ludcrous,
and turns into farce the otherwise solemn
c,VavpppN ~ adm fuictrafipc, fuotica
A most pernicious custom is that of ringing
the door-bels on "All Holloween." We sup
pose it originated in the superstition in regard
to that night, and the nearest approach 20
hends were selected TO persecute that most
susceptible class of our community, mousse.
servants. We are glad, however, that all ira
dictionary support has proved insufficient to
protect those wno are addicted to this pleasing
custom and the strong arm of the law seizes
upon all who are playing the imp, even on
night specially devoted to their benefit.
1t was long Gus omary TO ring the bells
during thunderstorm, but as several sections
were struck by lightning, and as no particular
good has been derived therelrom, the habit
was abandoned.
The most ridiculous we can call to mind Is
the custom Of mailing an aged horseshoe over
the door Of the residence, for the purpose Of
keeping out the 4" gentleman in black Many
Of our cihzens will ridicule the idea Of any
sane person OF the nineteenth century being
guilty Of any such folly, but there are at the
present time a large number Of houses in our
city on the inside Of whose doorways is nailed
4. a. A.
Of ofsuperstitions, we close our enumeration Of
peculiar customs.