Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1881-12-23
Christmaa Ola and Nov.

IL IS interesting to study the history OF
Christmas observanees. Until the middle of
the fourth century the date of Christ's birth
was subject of constant controversy. The
Eastern and Western churches disagreed
about it. for it was so completely lost in the
obscurity of the past that it was impossi-
BILE to arrive at any definite conclusion. Pope
Julius l. created q commission of inquiry
which, after the most laborious and prolong-
ed research, fixed on the 25th Of December,
which date was accepted as the most fitting
for the celebration Of the nativity both by
the Roman and Greek churches. The date
may not be the correct one-indeed, it is
more than probable that it is not-but that is
a matter of very little consequence. The i'm
portance 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 respon-
sibilities of the one and comprehend the glo-
ries of the other. The season chosen by the
commission of Julius is certainly an eminent
ly fit one for general rejoicing. The short
est days are over, the harvests 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 coming summer
In the old Roman days this season of the
year was marked by peculiar ceremonies. 1t
was time of national rejoicing and merry
making All business was suspended, houses
were gayly decked with laurel and evergreen,
tokens of affection were interchanged and all
imaginable games and amusements enjoyed.
The iron barriers of caste were temporarily
thrown down and slaves and freemen were
for a brief period equals. When Christianity
took possession of the people it found it an
aagiar faaH N nhonna THAR aObaF thinking
than to change their pleasures. 1t could
break the craven images to pieces with CON-
parative impunity, but it could not and never
did uproot this season of national amusement.
With great sagacity, therefore, it adopted 1t
as fitting time for the great festival of the
Church, pruning it of its obnoxious features
and environing it with higher and holier as
sociations.
The general reverence for the day has dec
GRATED it with thousand mystic legends. IL
used to be believed that on the night preced-
ing Christmas cocks crew all night long, in
consequence of which evil spirits were afraid
to walk abroad. They were free to work
their will at all other times but on this partic-
ular night there was a magic spell in the air
and their allurements were powerless. IL
was also believed, before what is called "ad-
vanced thought reduced everything to the
monotony of law, banished every miracle and
every high hope and organized despair into
popular religion, that on the anniversary Of
the Saviour's birth the cattle all kneeled at
midnight in reverence to Him who was the
friend of beast as well as of man.
In later ages certain national customs were
significant of the estimation in which the day
was held In England the great yule log
was brought from the forest, and as the peas
ant passed it he lifted his hat, as token Of
gratitude for the idea which it represented,
and perhaps of equal gratitude for the holi-
day which he anticipated. When it was
thrown into the large fireplace it was kindled
by brand saved from the fre of the last
Christmas. The children were taught that
Kris Kringle, corruption of the words
Christ Andlein, or the Christ child, came in
| TO every household bearing an armful Of pres
ents for those who had been good, and that
| Nicholas, clothed in fur, also made his ap-
pearance, bringing q suggestive willow rod
for those who had been dsobedient
The evergreens which decorated the houses
were carefully chosen. The holly, the bay,
the rosemary and the laurel were much sought
and used as being most suitable to the ooca-
| sion. II was not considered legitimate TO
decorate with ivy, for that plant had in the
olden time been sacred to Bacohus and was
used in the orgies held in honor of that god.
Neither was it considered In good taste or in
accordance with the general rejoicing 10 use
the cypress, which has always been consider
ed the emblem of mourning and sorrow.
With brightly burning yule log, with a
| banquet garnished with boars head, and q
peacock covered with gold foil, with games
and amusements in which knights aud barons
mingled with the poorest peasants of the
estate, the day became associated with every
thing delightful and desirable. Old friend
ships were renewed and old feuds which had
embittered dneighborly intercourse were healed.
| The church was filled in the morning and the
people were uplifted by sermon and music,
and the rest of the day was given up 10 gem
eral rejoicing at the banquet, the game and
the dance.
The day is not forgotten yet. 1t has the
same significance as of old. We can do with
out the yule log and the boars head, but we
acknowledge the real purport Of the season
as willingly and as gratefully as our faith
ers did, and can stand as reverently at the
manger and present the offering of nations
alteration to the Graded revelation AS to
them, so to us, it is the brightest day Of the
year, both on account of the new spirit which
infuses into this life and on account of the
unspeakable possibilities which it reveals for
the future.
|