Middletown transcript., 1875-12-25

.
decision were the data found upon til
tablets Of the Roman censors, from
which it appeared that the events re-
corded in tie sacred text a. having
transpired g the time Of the birth 0
Christ-actually took place at abou
the 25th Of December. and although
the Identification Of the day was not re-
cognised as entirely authentic. yet th'
Christian world accepted the decision
and have ever since celebrated it as th'
anniversary Of the greatest event tha
has ever occurred in the history of man
kind.
The change made in the computation
Of time, or calendar, by order Of Pope
Gregory XIII, in 1882, to correct the
errors of the Julian Period, whereby
twelve days we're deducted from the
cslendar. and oil chronological dates
placed that far back, gave rise to what
is known, and used to be printed in all
old almanacs, Is the "Old" and the
"New Style" Hence, what is termed
"Old Christmas, I" the day on which the
festival fell before the change. This
change in the calendar was not gener-
ally accepted BY the various nations for
many years. and was not introduced
into England, and Of course America.
until the year 1852, SO that up to that
time "Old Christina" continued to be
the great festival Of those countries.
The season of Christnas has always
been regarded throughout all Christen-
dom, as time for great rejoicing and
merry-making, and though its celebra-
ton is somewhat varied in its minor
phases in different countries, yet in the
main its festivities are greatly similar
whenever Christianity holds sway.
The Christmas tree had its origin in
the Protestant districts Of north Ger
many. On the night before Christmas
large yule bough was placed upright
in the parlor and decorated with all
kinds Of toys, sweetmeats, nuts. &c.
Each of these was marked with the
name Of the person for whom it was in
tended. and, the members Of the family
being gathered into the room the pre-
sents were distributed as designated.
To Germany, also. is attributed the in
PRODUCTION Of Kriss Kringle into the
Christmas sports. Among some Of the
smaller villages custom was early in
stituted Of designating some one person
to whom all presents intended for child
rem should be sent. On Christmas Eve
this individual, disguised in tremend-
Gus wig. white cloak and mask, went
from house to house, distributing the
gifts to children according to the char
acter for good behavior elected from
The parents after the severest inquiries.
But it Was in old England, Merry
that Christmas reigned in all
It's glory. It vas the season for the
most unlimited revelling and merry
making, for al classes. high and low,
rich and poor. alike. The "lord Of the
orgot his austerity. the ten
lnts were summoned to the hall and
every art and device conducive to plea
sure and mirth were encouraged and
adopted. The larder was stocked to
'verdowing with poultry, venison. beef,
mutton. plum puddings. pies, nuts and
III delicacies Of which the culinary art |
If the timsswas cognisant, to tempt the
appetite. A huge FIRE. made Of great
ogs. among which was the immense
yuls. or Christmas. log, blased upon the
hearth. and amid feasting. and ale
Thinking, the time was spent in the
most uproarious mirth. dancing. sing.
ng. story telling, jokes and games. to
which the generous punch bowl greatly
IN Christmas eve the bells were rung;
)n Christmas eve the mass was sung;
That only night, in all the year,
saw the stoled priest the chalice rear
Then opened wide the baron's hall,
70 vassal, tenant, serf, and all;
'ower laid his rod of rule aside,
And ceremony do6ed his pride.
rhe heir with roses in his shoes,
That pight might village partner choose
III hailed, with uncontrolled delight
Ind general voice, the happy night
That to the cottage, as to the crown,
,rought tidings of salvation down.
England was merry England when
I'D Christmas brought his sports again.
Twas Christmas broach'd the mightiest ale
Twas Christmas told the merriest tale;
Christmas gambol oft would cheer
! poor mans heart through half the year.
Nor need these "good old English Gus
oms" be reckoned as belonging wholly
o the past. It is true the festivities
lave lost their boisterous character and
many of the rude sports have been done
way. Yet there still remain many
ustoms to remind US Of the time when
England was merry England" We
vot not that some Of our readers can
emember "Christmas spent in Eng
and" when "family reunions and ever
,reen trimmings" were not oil that was
eft to remind them of the ancient
ports, bnt when the generous landlord
'oured forth the sparkling champagne
nd golden egg-nog in liberal abund-
nee when high and low, rich and