The state rights democrat. [volume] (Albany, Linn County, Oregon) 1865-1900, 1881-12-30
INV rekas DAv.

Il isa religious event. A blt
Of It's history is interesting. Il was
among the Romans and was
made anevent ofmuch social rejoicing
and tho occasion on which to bestow
presents. These features characterized
the day until Claudius by decree
put q stop to the custom OF bestowing
presents. But this did not last long.
The Romans appeared In the streets
exchanging kindly salutatlons, and
gave to each other presents consist
Ing of gilt dates, figs, honey cakes,
and copper coins, having on ono side
the double head Of james, ,on the other
a ship. Notwithstanding the decree
of this emperor tho early christian
emperors continued this custom,
which has come down through the
ages with especial interest. The
Drulds distributed branches OF the
sacred mlstletoe, cut With peculiar
ceremonies, as New Years gifts
among the people. The Saxons OBJ
served the day with more tl0n or
dinary jollIty and feastlng, and by
sending gifts. This custom was OBJ
served In England at an early day,
and continues much modified to the
present time. An orange stuck with
clover, or q gilt nutmeg was popular
gift. Ladies received presents OF
golves or pins, or, In lieu thereof, 9
composition In money, whence the
terms "glove money" and "pin
meney". Many OF the old customs
have declined In many parts oi
Europe. In England 1t may be said
the only open demonstration now
made is the ringing In Of the day
from the church belfrles. The Ger
mans retain many ceremonies de-
rived from old superssitiona BuS
all over Europe New Years Is uni
versal holiday. Everybody enjoys II
after his desire or custom. In New
York city the day is made the oc
easion of social visits by gentlemen
This custom was inaugerated by the
Dutch settlers of the town, and hai
grown with 1t, and the custom hai
been initiated by almost II not every
lefty or town In the United States
This custom amsng the Dutch was
very social affair. Tables vert
spread and refreshments. wines
coffee, tea, ale, and other breverage'
were offered to the guests. The
proper manner Of visiting was BY 70
cording the name. This was rels
RiousIy observed 10 most families
A book was prepared and each yeai
the visitor entered bis name In hi.
Iown hand writing. This book wa
kept as a sacred moraento, and each
year comparisons were made in ordsI
to see who were among those whs
came years before. The Interest
taken In the name was more striking
because written by the party him
self. This custom, and the only
proper one, was observed by thos-
who tosk In the day and its intend
ment. No one can go to the house
of such old residents as Henry Ward
Beecher even, on New Years day
without recording his name In bis
book of callers. But this practice Ia
other parts Of the nation is corrupted
into almost species of buffoonery.
Cards are given with all manner ei
ridiculous devices made upon them.
They are printed. This Is devia-
ton from the etiquette Of the occasion.
liza book Is not offered, gentleman
should present the lady of the house,
or ladies present, his card with his
nsme written upon 1t BY himself.
This il the genuine c,nplinenG
Of the season. Many calls are made
to the disgust of those called on by
parties who would never think Of
observing the day fthis proper rule
was observed. As we are progress
ing now it would not BET wonder to
see callers handing in shingles with
their names marked on them with
the aid of marking pot. Gentle
men should return to the proper OBJ
servance of the etiquette due 10
ladies on this occasion. We wish
all our patrons Happy New Year.