The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1878-12-25
FESTIVITIES ALL OVER THE WORLD.
Customs in Merrie England-The "Nifacle
Plays" "Carols' and "Waits."
TIL E BOA RS II E A D.
Italy, France, Hungary, Poland,
Russia and Austria.

pane just as the lamps lighted Christ
mas Eve He gazing out into the streets which
were now crowded with people hurrying to and fro
the crisp, cold, wintry atmosphere all intent on
the one obiect-the preparation for Christmas. Car
risges lled gay parties driven rapidly over
the frosty ground. ladies warmly wrapped in furs
hung on the OF gentlemen and enticed them
past attractive shop windows in pursuit of the
stores OF good things within; little children
in overcoats down TO their heels slid upon
the ice in the cutters gazed adringy at candies,
toys and what not n the brilliantly lighted shops.
AL hustle and animation, and all devoted to the
same purpose.
But the little boy gazing through the window at
all of these, although he enjoyed it in way, yet it
in saddened way. since. by reason Of physical
disability lie deprived Of the outdoor pleasures
which he enjoyed so rapturously beneath him by
Others He would have presents himself on Christ
mas. he knew that well enough; but even this
prospective happiness did not atone for what
he missed For this little boy twisted
and distorted with terrible spinal complaint--eo
terrible. in fact deprive him Of the power of
loconotion and to render him dependent upon the
strength of Others for everything which is usually
gained by personal activity To him there pres
emily a visitor. One who had travelled much and
who, having used her faculties carefully, had seen
much.
Where would you like 20 spend Christmas, Char
He?" she said softly.
Il dou't know; there are so many beautiful conn
tries OF which have and many strange people
who all keep Christmas, think would like to
them all
The lady laughed. ''rhat would be impossible
Charlie" she sand, unless. like Of the tabled
beings whom read of in the mythology the other
day. you have the faculty Of being in great many
~
thought struck her. Il have an idea You know I
have been almost everywhere Now suppose come
here tomorrow and tell you what have of
Christmas keeping in all the different places have
vis led. How would you like that p
The little boy capped his hands. "Oh. that would
be nice II would be next to seeing it myself" And
SO on the next day the kind lady fulfilled her promise
CHRISTMAS IN MANY LANDS.
I'VE have all read about the numerous curious
ceremonies connected with Christmas in Great
Britain. she said, "such the bringing in of the
boars head the lighting of the Christmas candles. ;
and the 'Yule log the wasssil bowl waits.
'bellmen carols and so on; but when read of
these connect them only with ancient times, and
very few people aware that these old customs
connection with Christmas festivities, still quite
common in certain parts Of England.
AT the great University of Oxford. in Queens Col
ent day. On Christmas they give dinner in the
great hall. The first dish brought to the table is
boars head II is either boiled or roasted: but il is
decked with laurel wreaths and lemon Is placed in
its mouth, and thus ornanented ii is carried sol
emn procession from the kitchen to the table--the
procession being led by of the officers of the COZ
lsge. who sings the following song he marches
along the hall with stately step:-
The bosr,s head In hand bearI.
Belecked With bays aud rosemary,
, smd pray ~, yga ,n ms.tsr' merry Be-
Chora.16sspa ayrS f.f-ro
Reif,ns lIuIss Domino
The bosr's head as understand,
j. The bravsst dish Of the land:
Being thus hcdeckcd with gay garland,
ch0rus- ,,arsi. apr pr t,ter r.,
Onr steward has provided this
In honor o. the King u Bias
Which on This day to be serycdis
''0'u'-l R.arsS ga n. @sos. 6omtuo.
This song has been sung from time immemorial.
with its accompanying ceremony and chorus. and is
assisted by all the students in the hall.
But this custom Of bringing in the boar head to
Che table is not confined 10 the University Of oxford
In the northern and western counties it is relgiously
continued among the squires and gentry. In Essex
sounty the boars head IN carried into the fields and
there wrested for by the villagers the successful
one carrying home his trophy in triumph. Another
ancient ceremony which is still continued is that
of the 'Mummcrs or Players. The miracle plays
is well known, In ancient days commonly
used in the celebration Of Christmas. These play s
usually involve some religious idea taken
from the Scriptures and presenting characters rot
unfrequenty the Virgin Mary. st. Joseph and even
the Christ child. They were finally abolished as
blasphemous; but have been replaced in Cumberland
and other counties by masks plays not al
together dissirar in character 70 that OF Alexander
in the King Of Egypt one in frequent
use ON Christmas Day. This play il
simply collection OF bad rhymes, often
vulgar but answers the purpose required by those
who perform it. which T. simply to get few pence
thereby. Closely allied TO this custom is that OF
singing carols. The verses used generally
made for tine occasion by the penny aiiners and may
be found. roughly printed, at the newspaper and
book stands in London. These carols are sung by
the Sunday school children Of the village churches
and the choris,ers. who go about on Christmas Eve
70 the different houses Of the wealthy. and thereby
pick up few shnlings. either for themselves or for
Charitable purposes. az the case may be-
WAITS. MrNsrnELs. BELLMES.
"stil other ancient characters are waits These
were formerly watchmcu. who acted as court min
strcs,' and at night sung the hours as they went
their rounds. Every parish in the city of London
eth has its waltz, who said 70 be attached to
the corporation and sworn They 90 from house TO
house on Christmas Eve singing playing on differ
en-. Instruments. and this too for the same purpose
as oil the rosthat Of gathering together pennies for
the better celebration of Christmas Day, which fol-
lows. In the villages such young lads as choose
DIN together and occupy the same position The
'bemcn' Of London-that is. dustuen ana other
scavcngers of tho city, reap gpcciaI harvest
NJ this period. They got handblla OF Christmas
al
day. and on Christmas Eve they make their calls.
ringing their bells, aud claim their annual giftths
custom being, in fact the same as among our news
paper and letter carriers.
but perhaps one Of the pleasantest souvenirs Of
tho ancient method of passing Christmas is found
in what called the Yne log The country houses
of England famous the world over. for their
spaciousness aud the lavish character Of their hos
piaii,y. In each house, at this season, the CRATES