The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1882-12-27

THE CONFEDERATION of the birth Of
the Saviour of Mankind is beautiful
sentiment. ' is-' Go ~rn- eprl D." # all
Christmas is not obligatory on Chris
tians, for the Scriptures are silent with
regard to it. 81 A.. -.,,. an a@,, ~
Not only SO: the early church knew
nothing of it. The festival of Easter was
observed in the early part of the second
century; the festival of Christmas was
unknown until the middle of the fourth.
Clement of Alexandria (who died A. D.
220) shows that the date of Christ's birth
was unknown in his day. Some in that
day affirmed that he was born on the
Goth of May; others, on the 10th or Goth
of April. 1t will be remembered that
the shepherds were watching their focks
in the open air, by night, which is a
strong presumption against the events
having occurred in the winter. $50 ~ -
The origin of Christmas is easily traced
to that artistic religious impulse which
produced the whole church year-and
the wonder is that it should have been
preceded by, rather than have followed,
the feast of the Epiphany.
AS the festivals multiplied in the
Christian Church, it was inevitable that a
day should be set apart to commemorate
the nativity. Towards the end of De-
cember the Romans celebrated certain
festivals in honor of Saturnus-the we'll
known Satatrmalia, Sigillaria, JatvenoZSa,
Brun'elia the clergy of that day,
doubtless with the object of drawing
away the Christians from all participation
in the pagan festivals, appropriated and
accommodated the festivities and license
which prevailed then into commemora-
ton of the birth of the Sun of Righte-
BUSINESS, in the place of the pagan birth
festival of the unconquered sun" which,
crossing the winter-solstice on the 25th
of December, breaks the power of dark
ness, and enters anew upon his victorious
course. This accounts for many features
which attached to the celebration of
Christmasin medieval Europe, and even
at present such as the giving OF pres
ents to children, the Lighting of candles
the exhibition of images and puppets, as
we'll as the feasting, rioting, and gaming
All ranks under the Empire celebrated
the Sotouma5a, devoting themselves to
feasting and mirth, exchanging presents.
and thronging the streets, shouting 10
Sdtmmola, while sacrifices were offered
with uncovered head from conviction
that no ill-omened sight would interrupt
the rites Of such happy day. Gambling
was allowed by the ediles, just as in the
days of our ancestors in England the
most rigid were wont to countenance card
playing on Christmas eve. One of the
amusements was the election of mock
king, which at once recalls the character
istic ceremony of Twelfth Night. The
merry making lasted for seven days. and
was closed with the Sgillario, so called
from the little earthenware figures ex-
posed for sale at this season, and given as
toys to children.
Christmas, if observed as a religious
festival in a Christian way, is beautiful
conception, and we do not wonder at the
hold which it has taken on many poetic
and degout minds. But, if observed in
this way, it ought to be observed, in a
very strict manner, as holy day-as a
Sunday.
Christmas as Satmmayio is an abom-
ination and an offence, not only no com
memoration of the nativity of the Prince
of Peace, but exceedingly mischievous in
its effects on society, as well as torment
ing to all quiet people.
Christmas, with US in the towns of the
Southern United States, is essentially the
Saturnalia Of the junior element Of the
colored race.