Eureka daily sentinel. [volume] (Eureka, Nev.) 1871-1887, 1878-12-25
CHRISTMAS
ITS OBSERVANCE IN VARIOUS COUNTRIES
IN THE PAST AND PRESENT.
cs~men Traditions and Customs.

Common Traditions and Custems.
To-day is Christmas, supposed to be and
generally accepted by civilized mankind,
as the anniversary of the birth Of Christ.
We say supposed, because there is abso-
iutely nothing to prove that Christ was
born on this day, and December 25th was
not observed as such until some time dur
Ing the fourth century. when t~heologians
agreed upon it as the time Of His ma
tivity. They based their decision on infor-
nation obtained from the tables Of Roman
censors, found among the archives Of
kome, and although many deemed the
proof scarcely sufficient to identify the day,
still their decision was generally accepted,
and in the course Of time was observed by
all who acknowledge that Christ lived
among men. Previous to the period Of
which we speak, there was a wide diversity
OF opinion concerning the time, and it was
generally celebrated during the months OF
April and May.
Each country has its traditions and mode
OF observing the day, which have changed
~ they have advanced In civilization. Dur
ing the Middle Ages it was celebrated by
such fantastic exhibitions as are now to be
seen in New Orleans, Memphis and other
Southern cities on Mardi Gras. The
Roman Catholic custom OF ushering in the
day by the celebration Of three masses, one
at midnight, at early dawn. and in the
morning, came In vogue during the sixth
century. Canticles, or carols, intended to
recall the songs Of the shepherds at the
time OF the birth Of Christ, were sung by
the people Of the Latin countries after that
language came into general disuse, and
bishop and layman. noble and peasant,
would for the time lay aside ali formaiities,
the difference in o would be forgotten.
and they would join in a common song Of
praise.
The Christmas tree originated in Pro-
testant Germany. and there, and in some
other countries in the north Of Europe, it
is called the children's festival, and the
forms observed are almost similar to those
enacted in many . homo in Eureka last
night. Presents are hung on the tree and
arc marked with the name OF those for
whom intended, but there is nothing to in
dictate the donor. Congratulations follow,
after which the father draws aside with the
sons, and the mother with the daughters,
and each point out the errors committed
during the year. The good results given
under such solemn circumstance can he
well imagined. aud must leave impressions
that time and years VI contact with vice
can never efface.
The burning Of the traditional yule log
Of England found imitators among the ne
grocs Of the South, especially in that por-
ton settled by the English. A cotton pick
ing and sugar making would both be over,
they found time to indulge in recreation,
aud NJ long as the log would continue to
burn, just so long would they keep up
their Jubilee. The war broke up this Gus
ON. however. and the yule log is now a
tLing Of the pas..
Throughout the Eastern States Christmas
Il generally observed although in many sec
6ons, notably throughout New York and
pennsylvania. more attention is paid to
New Years Day.
o THE DAY VIII BE SPENT ~ EunEK
The storm Of last evening failed to
dampen the ardor Of the little folks, and
old and young could be seen hurrying
Affection, to be presented. with the morn
Jugs dawn. when the happy family circle
will unite in blessing
"The happy night
That 10 ths cottage as the crown.
Brought tidinss Of salvation down."
Greater preparations havc been made
than ever before for its observance IN Eu-
reka. More toys have been purchased.
/, more Turkeys and chickens sacrificed, and
more efforts made to please and entertain
the children connected with the Sabbath
| schools.
The children Of the Methodist Episcopal
sabbath School will partake Of q treat pre-
pared for them, at the church at l o'clock,
to which parents and friends are invited.
Appropriate services will bc held at the
\ Catholic Church. commencing at 1880
| o'clock. The lovers Of vocal and instru-
mental music should attend. rs q rare
musical treat can be expected.
There will be no services at the Presby-
terrain Church, the Christmas sermon lav-
ing been delivered by Mr.. Phelps ON Sun
day evening last.
Services will be held At the Episcopal
Church. commencing at II o'clock. with
the administration Of the holy communion.