Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1881-12-28
Christmas Old and New.

1t is interesting TO study the history oI
Chrlstmrs observances. Until the middle
OF the fourth century the date of Cbrist,s
birth was subject of constant controversy,
The eastern and western churches disa
greed about 1t, for it was so completely
iost In the obscurity OF the past that it was
impossible TO arrive at any definite con
clusion. Pope Julius created com.
mission OF inquiry which, after most labo.
rlous and prolonged research, fixed on the
10Th of December, which date was accented
as The most fitting for the celebration of
the nativity both by Roman and Greek
churches. The date may not be the correct
one-indeed it is more probable it is NOT
put That IS a matter of very little conse-
quence. The importance of the occasion
does not in the least depend on an exact
historic date, but wholly on the fact that
the worlds gratitude should at some fixed
time be expressed at an event which has
brought life and immortality into such
clear light that we can read the RESPONSE
bllitles OF the one and comprehend the
glories OF the other. The season chosen
by the commission of Julius is certainly
an eminently fit one for general rel i,icng
Inc shortest days are over, the hatvests of
the year have all been gathered, and we
are looking forward to the enjoyment of
what the ground has produced and to the
opening spring and the colning summer.
In the old Roman days this season of
the year was mar ked by peculiar ceremo-
MES. 1t was time of national rejoicing
and merry making. All business was
suspended, houses were gaiy decked with
laurel and evergreen, tokens of affection
were interchanged and all imaginable
games and amusements enioyed. The
iron barriers of caste were temporarily
thrown down and slaves and freemen
were for brief period equals. When
christianity took possession of the people
1t found 1t an easier task to change their
sober timing than to change their
pleasures. 1t could break the craven i'm
ages to pieces with comparative impunitv,
but 1t could not and never did uproot this
season OF national amusement. With
great sagacity, therefore it adopted it as
hitting time for the great festival of the
church, pruning it of obnoxious features
and environing it with higher and holier
The general reverence for the day has
decorated it with thousand mystic leg
ends. 1t used to be believed that on the |
night preceding Christmas cocks crew all |
night long, in consequence of which evil |
spirits were afraid to walk abroad. They |
were tree to work their will at other times. |
out on this particular night there was a |
magic spell in the air and their allure i
ments were poweress. 1t was also beiev-
a. before what is called advanced
thought reduced everything to the mo-
notony OF the law. banshed every miracle
md every high hope and organized DESPAIR
into popular religion, that on the ami.
Versary of the Savior's birth the cattle all
Sneeled at midnight in reverence to Him
VINO was the friend of beast as we'll rs of
nan
In later ages certain national customs
we're significant of the estimation in which
he day was held. In England the great
'ule log was brought from the forest, and
IS the peasant passed it he lifted his hat,
IS token of gratitude for the idea which
represented, and perhaps of equal graft.
Ilde for the holiday which he anticipated,
" hen 1t was thrown into the large fire.
'lace 1T was kindled by brand saved /
rom the fire of last Christmas. The chill G
fen were taught that Kris Kringle. a d
orruption of the words Christ kindlein, or s
he Christ child, came into every household +
earring an armful OF presents for those t
1ho had been good, and that Nicholas, s
lothed in fur, also made his appearance. L
ringing suggestive willow rod for those q
gho had been disobedient n
The evergreens which decorated the &
ouSe were carefully chosen. The bolly. a
ne bay, the rosemary and the laureI ware N
iuch sought and used as being most s
nitable to the occasion. 1t was not con. u
Idered legitimate to decorate with ivy. 4
Or that plant had in the olden time been @
acred to Bacchus and was used in the @
rsies held in honor of that god. Neither o
'as it considered In good taste or in IL
ccordance with the general rejoicing to d
Sc the cypress, which has always been n
onsldered the emblem of mourning and "
prov. 4