National Republican., 1883-12-24
THE CHINESE CHRISTMAS.

How tho Inhabitants OF the "Flowery
Kingdom" Celebrate the Winter SOL
stice,
The Chinese Christmas was celebrated on Satur-
day in all parts of the world where Cinnamon re-
side. This festival in China is great national
holiday. 1t is known as the winter solstice. The
ceremony of the day, as witnessed by n RErUBLt-
CAN reporter at the several places in this city, in
Guiding the Chinese legation, were Of n strangely
interesting nature. Every, Chinaman, from the
minister himself down to the man who does odd
Jobs around the laundries, was enthusiastic and
full Of celebration. OF course the representa-
uves Of royalty at the legation observed the day
in quite different manner from tho laundryman
the latter, however, entered into the spirit OF the
day in a hearty and enthusiastic manner
''Ylas, dis belly blig dlay for Chinamau. 1t
allie snmee as Mclean mau Christmas"
The speaker was one of the most prosperous
lnundrymen of the city and recognizcd,leader
among his class. He had evidently eoen oele-
brating the day in true "outside barbarian style,
as his surroundings were pervaded by strong
,'Weil, how do you celebrate the occaslon9" was
asked.
"sgmee like Mclean man; eat, dlinE, and gilt
dunk"
to initiate the reporter, and led the way to down
town laundry. Here was found motley gather
ing of Celestinls, who were in the midst OF their
the s dire director, had taken an an elevated posi-.
bing his head up, and down and chant
ing weird song, This was Chong Flu, the
orator Of the day. At the conclusion Of the chant
the Cinnamon, who stood around In semi circle,
raised their hands implorlngly, at the same time
casting their eyes upward, aud repeated their
prayers of which phonetic report produced this
jargon "oui-we kin-sin. sin-oni mGh-wah-
ky-boZza." The meaning of this is plain. The
ceremony just described, however IS known as
"worshiping heaven" When the prayer had
ceased and all pnrtaken of rice, which was handed
around by an attendant chong, Flu descended
from his improysed platform, and led the way to
an inner room. Here Q sumptuous banquet was
spread consisting Of all The Chinese dSicscies
;asplciogs looking bottles, ~, labeled =, IL n
iIqSid began TO circulate The banquet room
was gaily decorated for the occasion. The prin-
cipal feature was cabinet representing the firma
ment 1t was a skeleton frame covered with sky
blue tissue paper, the latter being perforated
Through these perforations the light from several
candles beaned forth, making the whole scene
| that Of the sky on starry night: On top of the
cabinet were several candles, which threw din
yellow light oyer the groleSque scene; Az @ tn'
before the cabinet and offered series Of prayers
| When this service was finished the whole party
| In single file, proceeded to the roof, where the!
tions.
A visit was subsequently paid to the Chinese le
CATION, and the secretary, Mr.. Chiu. was seem. Ht
| said that their Christmas had been celebrated by
| the ambassador and attaches of the legation IN
| grand style. The ceremony consisted In worship
| ing heaven, and was much more dignifed pro
| ceeding than that previously described 1t in
| cluded prlnoely banquet The menu embraced
| many oriental delicaoies, which were importe'
| from the flowery kingdom for the occasion, Tn
| wine consumed by the celestial celebrants was Q
the rarest and choicest vintage, A devout mem
ber of the legation acted as high priest, and con
| Quoted the devotional exercises The evening
| was given up to indiscriminate enjoyment, anC
Christmas was happily ended.
The New Years celebration will be observed o,
the twenty eighth of January, and is a much NOR
| impressive occasion Already preparations ar
| being made for 1t. The religious ceremony oil
that festival will be different from that Of Christ
| mas in many ways.