The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1868-12-24

former ages. This parasitioal plant was held
in great veneration by the ancient Druids,
especially when II was found oliuging to the
oak, which was supposed to be regarded with
peculiar favor by their god "Tutanes," who
was identical with the 'Baal" or Sun, of the
Phenicians. II was In his honor that the
great festival of the winter solstioe, CORES
ponding to the ,Satwnalia of the Romans, was
celebrated. On this occasion the ancient Bri-
tons would sally forth, with all the parapher-
MALTA Of rejoicing, the Druids or priests at
their head, to gather the mysterious plant. On
reaching the oak, two white bulls were first
secured to it, and then the chief Druid, arrayed
in robes Of white, to typify his purity,
ascended the tree, and with golden knife
severed the sacred plant, which was caught in
falling in the robe Of another priest. The
bulls, and in some instances human victims
as WELL were then sacrificed; after which the
plants thus gathered were divided among the
people, and by them hung up in sprays over
the entrances to their dwellings. Not only
was the plant considered to possess the power
to propitiste the sylvan deitiss during the
season of frost and snow, but it was held to
vered it. AS might naturally be expected,
there was strong opposition to introducing
1t into the Christian churches, and it is be-
lieved that it was but seldom used at any
time, except through the ignorance of the
sections. This, however, did not prevent it
from entering into the decoration of private
houses, and as long as 1t could be easily OBJ
tanned it was extensively used for that pur-
pose.
One Of the most enticing games Of Christmas
Eve is connected with this plant. A branch OF
it is suspended from the wall or ceiling, and
when one OF the gentler sex passes under it,
either purposely or by accident, she inours the
penalty of being kissed by any one of the
other sex who so chooses. II she be not
kissed, it is the suppostion that she will re-
main single during the coming year. While
1t had been customary to employ in the deco
ration of the churches nearly all the season.
able varieties Of evergreen-the mistletoe
being always excluded-the plants that are
held in highest favor in England for this pur-
pose are the holly, bay, rosemary, and laurel.
The ivy is also used, but from its associations
with Bacchus and the Internal orgies cele-
brated in his honor, it is generally considered
undesirable. 1t is still the custom, however,
at the two great English universities to deck
the windows of the college chapels with this
plant. Cypress, also, is sometimes excluded
on account Of its funereal associations. In
this country, where many Of the more appro-
pirate evergreens are but scantily produced,
the cedar, box, and pine are employed, from
| the necessities Of the case. In the decoration
of houses every available shoot of green is
pressed into service, although holly and ivy
have usually the preference. In Oxfordshire,
England, there was peculiar penalty at
taehed to the neglect Of this ceremony. The
maid servant would request the man to fur
nish a supply of ivy for decorating the house;
| and if for any reason he did not comply, a
| pair of his unmentionables were inevitably
nailed up over the gateway.
FeastIpg ON Fat Things.
The distinguishing feature of Christmas
| as a season of festivity is the universally
with which the custom of feasting on that
day is observed. Not only here in this ooun-
try, but all over the world, Christmas Day is
nonentity without Christmas board. The
other peculiarities Of the festival have arisen
and increased their number through the lapse
| of years-soms have become obsolete, while
others have come into vogue; but from the
| very beginning the custom of making it a
feast in the true sense of the word-a minis
tration in chief to the stomach-has uninter-
ruptedly prevailed. Every lay which has
| been composed in its praise contains some
allusion to the ''groaning table," or, descend
| ing to specifics, advances the claims of plum
| pudding, turkey, goose, or hot punch. In
fact, to the younger people it is no more than
an opportunity afforded to glut themselves to
their hearts centent with sugar-plums and
bon-bOns--a season when parents are liberal in
the giving of good things and Chary of caution
in their use. The hung stocking" tells the
whole tale, proves the truth Of what has
already been said, and Obviates any necessity
for further comment.
Stevenson, in his ''Twelve Months" thus
describes a Christmas in 166l:-"Now, oapons
and hens, besides turkeys, geese, ducks, with
beef and mutton, must all die; for in twelve
days multitude of people will not be fed
with little. Now plums and spice, sugar and
honey, square 1t among pies and broth. Now
journeyman cares not rush for his master,
though he begs his plum porridge all the
| twelve days. And II the cook do not lack wit,
ha will sWeetly lick his hnRere.n