The New York herald., 1871-12-25
CHRISTMAS AMONG THE GERMANS.

ssWcfhnachfcn" In Germany-Thc Christian
Character Of tho FestIval-Chrlss mas Ssci-
ally.
Gegmany-that Is, that portion Of Europe which is
Inhabited by the nation speaking the German Ian
guage and being ruled by German laws--does not
know anything OF and has no national festivals or
holidays. But Germany Is . Christian land
where the Christian Church Is o recog-
nized state institution AMI protected By
law. For tins reason the festivals OF
the Christian church celebrated as legal holi.
days throughout Germany. The three greatest and
highest Christian festivals being celebrated IN the
course OF year IN Germany are Christmas Easter
and Pentecost (Wnitsuntide,, each or them lasting
for two consecutive days. Christmas as the feast Of
Christs nativity, Is for It's occasion the most joyful
OF the festivals named. On this anniversary OF the
birth Of the Saviour from thousands and thousands
OF pupts alike In Germany, the words are repeated,
"Gory 10 God on high; peace on earth, and good
will to mankind" But. aside from It's solemn
Chrsulan character rs FESTIVAL OF two days. dura-
ton. Christmas is also the greatest annual general
love feast OF Germany. THAT country belongs to
Northern Europe, where about this time OF the year
nature is covered with snow and Ice. Sleeping Its
NE Gresres. part Of THIS season. the bssfS
festival OF Christmas II celebrated. Tie
e Boom ,S e ns sa ~ .s 4
every Christian household Of Germany by Christmas
gifts Where there are small children n the iami:
the tops Of young nrs or pines or Of b0ughs OF
cherry, chestnut linden other trees, which latter
placed M in tne pariors ana, By watering Win luke.
warm water. nave been made TO shoot f0rtn green
Those trees are prOfusely adorned with appies
RIided anu salycred nuts. candies and swees-
sizes ana coors and chiey also with wax tapers
for the lighting Of the trees On the tables under
aess .es tress ns Gy aI snd UsaeT @
the room where and wnlc the Christmas tree is be-
ing SecorsIed :, and q are made t9 a nseve that this
presented 70 the children on Christmas eve or
nasn nsy sss
NOT only the children are recipients Of christmas
also husband and vie and grown brothers
and sisters present each other, and even the SER
mas gifis, in commemo-ation OF the birth OF HIM,
whose cardinal principle and doctrine that men
mesa such is family lie and bliss about and during
''Weihnachten'' (Cnristmasl IN Germany. Family
society. There may De no German living under any
zone or In any country who does not crate.
@ e IN ~o
tive days are, stated, In Germany spent Chris.
mas holidays and given TO devotion by the attend.
business and to merriment In the family circle. In
tho cities and towns the evening OF the second day
and the afternoon and evening following are exten.
sivey used for SOCIAL enoyments. such as concerts
and balls
The Germans In this country retain the custom OF
Fatnerand with regard TO the celebration or Christ
mas In the family circle, and last night and this
morning thousands OF richly decorated and hand.
somely lighted Chrismas trees were presented In
German households Of this city and vicinity 70 the
children both to the JOY Of the parents andthe hap
pincss OF the young folks.
As 10 social entertainments quite o number OF
Christmas balls Will be held by different German
vocal aud other social clubs OF this city tonight.
while the principal German beer gardens Of this
city viii res0und with concert music, both this alter
noon and evening.