Port Tobacco times, and Charles County advertiser., 1883-12-21
CHRfSTMAST1DE.

Next Tuesday, being the 25th of Decem-
Der, will be the festival of Christmas
This feast is generally observed through
out christendom, for with all the minor
variations of creed and doctrine which
distinguish the various secs and demon
inaiions of Christians, all agree upon one
fundamental doctrine, that salvation to the
world was derived through the birth Of
Christ, the Savior. Hence all denomina-
tions of Christians concur in the celebra-
ton, with varying pomp and ceremony, of
of Christ.
This festival dates back to the first cen
tury of the christian era, having been es-
tablished, according to the deere al letters
by Pope Telesphorus who died A. D. 1873
There was at one time some confusion as
to the proper anniversary of the nativity
of Christ, but by an inves igation made by
a number of learned theologians in the
fourth century, the 25th of December was
ascertained to be the day upon which the
Savior was born. This day has been since
that time uniformly recognized and cele-
braed as the proper feast of the nativity.
The common custom of decorating the
houses and churches at Christmas with
evergreens is derived from ancient druid
practices. 1t was an old belief that sylvan
spirits might flock to the evergreens and
remain unnipped by irosts till SPRING
The holly. ivy, rosemary, laurel and mis-
tletoe were formerly the favorite trimming
in England, and some of them are still US
ed in that country and the United States
The custom of Chris mas trees" origi-
mated with the Germans, and was import,
ed by them into this country, where it is
now pretty generally recognized, especial
ly in the larger cities. Santa Claus" (St
Nicholas) originally introduced by the
Dutch settlers of New York, is the Amer
ican representation of the German 'knecht
Rupert" He is made to do the importan,
part in the good work of delighting the
little ones hearts at this season, in which
he seems to be indefatigab'e and omnipre-
sent.
From the earlier ages Christmas has
been as much social as religious festi-
val. In addition to the religious csremo'
nies which commemorate the birth of the
Savior, the most pious Christians have
been accustomed on this occasion to join
with the more worldly sinners in much
revelry and merriment. In Eng and in the
earlier ages the revels used 10 begin on
Christmas eve and continue until Candle
mas day, every day being a holiday until
twelfth night. In the homes OF the mobiles
"lord of misrule" used to Le appointed
whose Office was "to make the rarest pas
times to delight the beholder." At the
prese 1t day however, the Christmas cele.
bra'ions in England have lost much Of The
primI'ive Goisterous character, The gam.
bols and carols are dispsed. and family re-
unions and evergreen trimmings are near
ly all that remain of the various rough
merrimen's that used to mark the festival
In this country Christmas is in most o.
the States legal holiday. Business is
generally suspended, and the feast unirer
sally celebrated by all classes and religion,
denominations. The giving of Christina:
presents at this season obtains moSe gen
orally in this country than anywh! else
and is pretty and appropriate Sdstom
when not carried to excess.
The TINES sends is most kindly greet
ings to all its patrons and friends and
wishes them all manner of good things
and every pleasure and enjoyment during
the festive season.