The Cambria freeman. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1867-1938, 1867-12-26
CHRISTMAS.

OF the SEASON. We wish the patrons of the
freeman, one and all, as well as the crest of
mankind, merry Christmas and a Happy
New 1ear- Inc olrth>day of the Redeener
OF mankind Should, OF all days in the year.
be a day frau9ht with sentiments Of GOOD
will to all our fellow creatures. The netiv.
ity of the Saviour of the world. the second
Person of the Godhead, is itself a symbol of
Peace on earth and good will to all man
kind"
Christmas, from Christ and Mass, has been
recognized as a Christian holiday ever since
the coming OF the Messiah, though the man
ner OF its observance has been varied in diff
ferent coun tries, and among different relig-
ious denominations, but with the whole
Christian world it has been recognized as a
season of joyousness. While in Catholic
countries it is the greatest holiday known TO
the calender, in nearly all Protestant COM
munities it has been regarded with more or
less Of rel gious observance and of late it has
even been made legal holiday by statute.
Christmas Carols, in imitation Of the songs
of the shepherds, have been in vogue from
an early period of the history of Christia nifty,
and are beautifully illustrated in the prose-
poetry of Dickens, in his stories of that name.
We present this week q beautiful "Caror'
from the pen of our gifted young friend, Lin
far from her mountain home, we know her
effuSions will be none the less appreciated.
The Christmas Carols of the Welsh are
said to have excelled all others, and are to be
found in their ''Lfyn COrol0n," (Book of
Carols IAN old volume.
The Christmas Tree, the delight Of the iu-
veRiles, is said to be of German origin. a
young evergreen tree Generally a yew) was
Slanted in the children's apartment, and all
its branches loaded with sweetmeats and
goodies" and often more valuable presents
This practice still prevails very generally,
and indeed the children are opposed to any
innovation upon it.
Another ,traditioRal usage is to hang up
the ureh:ns' stockings on Christmas Eve,
when Christopher Kringle, Esq (vulgar!y
known as Kriss Kringle,) would Eli the said
stockings with sugar plums, candies, ETC.
We recollect Of making this experiment. on
one occasion, but Christmas msrning showed
us a stocking as empty as it was on Christ
mas eve when we took our foot out of it..
This mystery was, however, explained by
showing us a large hole in the heel Of the
stocking, through which the " goodies
were allowed to have escaped. Darn the
thing" was all we said, as we once more
"Put our foot in it,"
Christmas day was also a great leycler,
both on tbs Continent and the British Isles.
The prince and the begGar. the lord and the
peasant. the nobleman and his retainers,
ignoring all distinctions of rank held a COM
mon jubilee clown, or quick wittel fell
low, designated rs lord of misrule," or
Abbot Of unresson," usually leading the
revels All the tenants were entertained
in the manorisl hall, and the lord of the
manor encouraged all manner Of innocent
! jollity.
Then opened wide the baron's hall,
To vassal, tenant, serf, and all;
Power laid his rod of rule aside,
And ceremony doffed his prf1e.
The heir, with roses in his shoes,
That night might village partner choose.
! All hailed, with uncontrolled delight
Aud general voice, the happy night
! That to the cottage, as the Grown,
| Brought tidings of salvation down.
/ England was merry Eng and when
| Ord Christmas brought his sports again.
| twas Christmas broach'd the nightiest ale
! Twas Christmas told the Rerriest tale;
! A Christmas ganbol oft would cheer
| poor mans heart through half the year.
At Queens College, and at legal festivi-
| ties the chief dish boar's head. bear
ing chant, half Latin, half En- glish, run
! ming thus:
| Carra dpri defcro
D,ra