The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1877-12-27
CHRISTMAS.


Tine iay to which re ascribe this name
has again come and gone, and of the vas.
numbers who participated in the annual
season OF merriment which it tinaugurates,
it is probable that very few have thought
of the event it commentaries, or of the
incongruous manner in which it Is OBJ.
served. Christmas had its origin rs O
Church festival, to commemorate the ma
tivity Of our Saviour, and was not estab-
lished until after the beginning Of the
second century, some attributing it to
Telespborhs, who hourished in the reign
of Antonius Plus, between the years Of
138-1G1 after Christ; but the first GER
tain traces Of the festival are found in tie
time of the Roman Emperor Commodus,
who ruled from $50 to 1872 after Christ
For many years it was observed at diff
ferent periods Of the year by persons ac-
cording to their belief as to the time Of
the birth of Christ; hence the periods
ranged from April or May, which is gen.
orally believed to be about the time Of
the nativity, to December. Latter years,
however, have settled upon the 25th day
of December for the observance Of this
festival, although it is almost certain that
Christ was not born in December; and it
may be n surprise TO many who have not
examined the subject to learn that it was
fixed for this period to accommodate the
prejudices and opinions of the heathen
world. Yet, NC are told that this had
much to do with the selection of the date,
for the nations of the North who exercised
so much influence over all Europe, cele-
brated the Winter solstice which occurs
on the 2lst of December as the great
Yule Feast, which they claimed was the
period at which the "fery sun wheel'
began to return and invigorate the earth
with its warmth.
The Church attempted, by locating
the Christmas festival so near the time
of this feast, to absorb and cont Vi the
heathen by The Christian festival, and it
is contended that this attempt was large
ly successful. The establishment Of
Christmas as Church feast was follow
ed by still Others, and contributed much
towards having the periods of these fcs-
tive!s arranged for fixed times.
Tho Roman Catholic Church celebrates
the day by three masses-one at mid
night, ono at day-break and one in the
morning. The English and Lutheran
Churches also observe the day by a
special service, but the other Protestant
Ghnrch.s and the Baptist Church do not
recognize it us Church festival. All,
however, iii Europe and America recog-
fi.s it as an occasion Of social feasting,
re .nnion and pleasure. 1t was OF frat
observed for twelve days, extending to
the ycning of the 9th of January, and
this circumstance gave rise to and marks
what we sometimes hear called "The
Twelve Days." though this is more prop
erly attributed to the feast Of Yule to
which we have referred. The long
Christmas of the long ago has, however,
very much subsided, and it is nowhere
observed, we believe, for longer term
than one week now, and in most commu-
mites the holidays do not last 30 long.
1t is an important social period, and
whatever views may be entertained of it
as Church festival, there is no differ
ence of opinion as 10 the fact TINT IL ia
beyond doubt the most pleasant, and,
if moderation in its enjoyment is OF
served, we may add the most profitable
week in the year. BY ceasing from toll
We can enjoy the society of our family
gatherings and the annual meeting of
friends which it insures, thereby promo
ting friendships and contributing to
mutual improvement.