The weekly clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1863-1882, 1872-12-26
50 90 PER YEAR.
TIle ChrIsana- free.

here Is nothing, perhaps, associated
with Christmas more interesting to the
young folks, and for that, to 4 great
many old folks, too, than the Christmas
tree. We speak more particularly OF
our own happy country, where il is more
generally used than anywhere else.
though the Christmas tree is a iavorite
emblem and souvenir of this festive sea
son in Germany, England and other
Christian countries. 1t is loved for the
/ bounteous gifts it bears in the form of
+ presents and bon bons, for its festive dec
otations and the fun it creates, and it
+ stands long after the season is over as a
cherished object in memory Of home and
+ family joys. Of course it must be an
evergreen las the pins, cedar or cypress)
for that shows enduring life and fresh
ness amidst the desolation of winter, and
it should be conical in form, for display
ing to the best advantage its pendent
bounties. Our marketmen make a 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 different markets in the city. The
mistletoe l. sometimes used, suspended
in boughs or in the form of a garland,
under which kisses are legitimatelv
claimed and given In the Old World
holly is very much used to decorate
houses and churches, and particularly
the windows. Its rich green, polished
and prickly leaves, in contrast with it,
bright red berries, make n beautiful APP
pearance, 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 dis
play of that which shows perpetual fresh
ness and life
The custom Of decking houses and
churches at Christmas with evergreeEs, |
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 ev- /
ergreens and remain unnipped by frost \
till a milder season. This is the reason |
why these evergreens remained where /
they were placed till spring appeared. /
They were the home of and sheltered the !
pleasant sylvan spirits during the dreary /
season OF winter. Now they remain a. \
the cherished souvenirs of home JOYS,
family reunions and the spirit of do
nestle happiness. In some countries,
and particularly in Germany, the Christ
mas tree is made to convey moral instruc-
ton to the young as well as to bear pres
ents. 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
the mother takes occasion 10
to say privately to the daughters and the
father to the sons what has been observed
or faulty in their conduct.
Though the religion of a people may
change and another civilization may
Overspread a country, yet these old Gus
toms and souvenirs Of Christmas remain
always. They may be modified some
what, but the sentiment and habit con
tinue essentially the same. Nav the
Christmas tree never cease to bear album
dance Of gifts to the young folks and
happiness to every family circle