The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1868-12-24
Tho Christmas Tree.

There is nothing perhaps, associated with
Christmas more interesting to the young folks,
and, for that, to great many old folks, too,
than the Christmas tree. We speak more par
ticularly of our own happy country, where it
is more generally used than anywhere else,
though the Christmas tree is favorite emblem
and souvenir of this festive season in Ger
many, England ami other Christian countries.
1t is loved for the bounteous gifts it bears in
the form of presents and bon bons, for its fes-
tive decorations and the fun it creates, and it
stands long after the season is over as cher
ished object in memory of home and family
joys. OF course i; must be an evergreen Gas
the pine, cedar or cypress), for that shows
enduring life and freshness amidst the desola-
ton Of winter, and it should be conical in
form, for displaying to the best advantage its
pendent bounties Our marketmen make
heavy raid upon the adjacent forests for these
trees, as has been seen for more than week
past by the vast quantities for sale at the diff
ferent markets in the city. The mistletoe Is
sometimes used, suspended in boughs or in the
form of a garland, under which kisses are
legitimately claimed and given. In the Old
World holly is very much used to decorate
houses and churches, and particularly the win
dows. Its rich green, polished and prickly
make beautiful appearance, especially when
the snow is on the ground. In all this the
sentiment seems to be to mock or defy Old
Winter, with his deathlike appearance, by
display Of that which shows perpetual fresh
ness and life.
The custom Of decking houses and churches
at Christmas with evergreens, and the custom
Of the Christmas tree, which has grown out Of
that, are derived from ancient Druid practices.
Though now practised in celebration of the
birthday of Christ, it has Pagan origin. 1t
was an old belief among the Druids that sylvan
spirits might flock to the evergreens and re-
main unnipped by frost till milder season.
This is the reason why these evergreens re-
NAMED where they were placed till spring ap-
peared. They were the home Of and sheltered
the pleasant sylvan spirits during the dreary
season Of winter. Now they remain as the
cherished souvenirs Of home joys, family re-
unions and the spirit of domestic happiness. In
some countries, and particularly in Germany,
the Christmas tree is made to convey moral
instruction to the young as well as to bear
presents. The tree is usually lighted up with
tapers and hung with manifold gifts. Each
gift is marked with the name of the person
for whom it is intended but not with the name
Of the giver. At the distribution the mother
takes occasion to say privately 70 the daugh-
ters and the father to the sons what has been
! observed praisew0rthy or faulty in their con-
duct Though the religion Of . people MAJ
change and another civilization may oVsfsptsad
q country, yeft these old customs and souvenirs
Of Christmas remain always. They may be
modified somewhat, but the sentiment and
habit continue essentially the same. May the
Christmas tree never cease to bear abundance
Of gifts to the young folks and happiness to
every family circle