Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1880-01-02
HAPPY NEW YEAR
HISTORICAL RECOLLECTIONS By
THE "GLOBE" FIEND.
How 1t Was Observed In st. Paul--.A SUI
the Order of the Day-Col. Aliens Splen-
did Feast--The Multitude Thropg to See
Him--The Day Elsewhere.

Like true courtier the year 1880 made its
smiling. Paradoxical as it may seem, every
new performance of the resistless magician,
and every notch scored by the great an
nihilator on the mile board of time Is re-
ceived with manifestations of delight the
world over. At any rate the first morning
of the new year dawned on st. Paul bright
and beautiful. Like the offspring of so VEN
cradle and honored father, the latest pro-
geny of Time conducted itself in the most
decorous and seemly manner.
Without awaiting the pretentious develop
ments that may lie in the chrysalis of the year
that was born'ou yesterday, the blushing
cherub of Time was received by humanity
with open arms, much in the same manner
as bride is accepted at the altar, for better
or for worse. In point of weather, a more
perfect day than yesterday could not be de-
sirable. Not the least notable feature of the
day was the crowning manner in which old
Sol conducted himself, who did his level
best to make the day success.
The sun shone resplendently and the air
was sweet, crisp and almost as balmy as
June.
A layer of we'll packed snow made the best
OF sleighing, and this species of delightful
recreation was enjoyed by an unusually large
number of citizens. The time honored Gus
tom of observing the advent of the new year
can be traced back to the earliest practices of
civilization.
In the days of the Roman empire the
commencement of the new year WAS made
time for special rejoicing. Sumptuous feasts
were spread, and in honor of the old super
stitions, it was the custom for every Roman
to propitiate his guiding genius by offerings
of frankincsIse and costly gifts. The favors
of Juno, the naughty goddess of the day,
were carried by unusual sacrifices, which
usually consisted of the offering up of a
steer.
The day was marked by one of the prin-
oipal events in the Roman government, the
installation of the consuls, who took their
seats on this day amidst the most profound
and elaborate ceremonies. By some of the
more corrupt emperors the day was signal
IL ed by the exaction of rich and costly gifts,
and the courtler who made the most valu-
able presents was accorded the first place in
the esteem of the sovereign.
In Japan the advent of the New Year is
observed with unusual ceremonies. 1t is
the custom to propitiate the evil and guard
ing geniuses, and various are the means EN-
ployed to accomplish this laudable purpose,
which is frequently accomplished by no less
an offering than crawfsh.
In Siam and other heather countries the
inhabitants flee into their houses on New
Years, remaining indoors for three days,
the superstition being that by 30 doing
they avoid contact with the spirit of evil,
which ia supposed to be rampant for the
period mentioned.
The wassail-bowl and mistletoe celebra
tions of Scotland and Merry England arc
too we'll known to require detailed men
ton, while on this day all Paris is absorbed
in perfect mania for gift-making. The
day is perfect bonanza for the confection-
ers, who reap rich harvest of shekels
from the sale of bon bons, in the giving of
which there is manifested perfect frenzy.
AS to America, everybody knows how the
New Year is observed in this country. Ev
erybody calls on everyone else, and all arc
supposed to have good time generally. 1t
is made the special occasion to form new &C
quaintances, and most of all, to perpetuate
old friendship. Like many other features of
modern times, however, the custom has de-
generated, and while it has grown in extent,
it has lost many of its charming features by
assuming the form of stilted and common
place conventionality.
Once was, when the gallant of continental
times, in making his rounds on this day,
was accorded the privilege of saluting his
lady acquaintance with kiss, but things
have changed since the days of the Knicker
bockers, and modern society does things
different.
In st. Paul on yesterday the fashion of
making calls was observed throughout the
city. st. Paul bellies are famous for their
matchless charm in entertaining The
clatter of hoofs and rush of vehicles kept up
a pleasant din in all the resident thorough
fares, and troops of gentlemen callers might
have Been seen intently scanning their list of
lady callers as published in yesterdays issue
of the GLOBE. The pernicious, not to say
beastly, custom of offering wines and other
strong drinks was honored more in the breach
than the observance, thanks to the good
sense of those receiving. The day and ap-
pointments were simply perfect, and every
one seemed to make the best of the oppor-
tunity.
CoT AIIpn,s Essf;ruI