Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1883-12-19

ligious ceremony. It is a custom n
most Catholic families to sit up i'll
midnight on Christmas Eve, IN order
10 Join in the devotions at that hour.
We agree with Gerald Griffin that
few ceremonies Of religion have
more splendid and imposing effect
than the morning mass, which, in cit
les, is celebrated soon alter the hour
alluded 10, and long before dayhreak.
On this eve a candle called theUhrist-
mas light previously blessed) is light
cd at sunset Griffin alludedto 1t:
"The Christmas light is burning bright
In many a llage pane, 80,
And manga cottage rinse tonight
With many merry strain,
1t is considered kind Of impiety
to touch. snuff or use this Christmas
light for aught save religious purposes,
after. On Christmas day the Irish
people exchaneeChristmas boxes-any
Gift being termed box-but deriving
the title from little boxes Of turned
wood stained red, which are given to
young people and dependents, with q
coin to rattle in il:
"Gladly the boy, with Christmas box IN hand
throughout the town his devious route prr'
sues;
And OF his masters customers implores
The yearly mite; often bis cash he shaker
The which perchanee Of eoppers lew con
whose dulc,, j:ts,.,sIls his little soul with
joyiS
Tho houses are decked with holly
branch s interviewed with ivy leaves.
The holly has come down to us from
the remote past as afavorite among
the evergreens, and as being allego'
REALLY typical ofthe Redeemor's mis-
sion.l
All the relatives Of an Irish family
assemble at the house Of the head,
or sometimes that of the most we'll
TODD" member, and keep up the time
with wit aud wassail, congratulahon.
on the successes OF the year, and
words Of comfort to those who have
fallen in fortune; while the young ex'
hibit their gifts aud boxes sing
dance and smuse themselves with
healthy hilarity.
In Germany, Christmas is the most
joyous period Of the year, the popula'
ton entering into its celebra-
ton with serious care, as well
as zest and humor. Active prepare
tons commence as early as the
first OF December, and supply the sub
jsct Of gossip aud gay anticipation up
to Christmas Day. At the beginning
Of the month the Christ Market, fair
for the sale of toys, gifts, Christina!
trees and wax candles. is opened--th'
booths presenting bright and fairy like
appearances, being handsomely illumi
mated aud dressed with the greer
boughs of the fir and pine. BayarC
Taylor, who gives pleasant deserip
ton OF the customs as he enjoyed then
| in bis fresh youth, thinks the Christ
mas celebration the most beautiful
and interesting Of all German testi
walls.
On Christmas Eve the children g
about singing rhyme to this effect:
"Oh, tomorrow is a glorious day.
How happy we ehall be;
The Christ child Is not far away
Wen see the Christmas tree"
On the day Of the festival, an inter
change of gifts is general. Their
are great and anxious expectations 70
the sounding OF Christkindchen
bell in the assembled families. Harl
it ringsl the darling Christkindchen
bell The expectant troops run, leal
tumble over each other to the roou
where, amid a blaze Of light, an
surrounded with flowers and wreatl
/ and sWeetmeats and gilded nuts, Il
offerings and rewards are arrange
The children now run shouting arout
the tables, seeking their gifts, VIII
older persons betray not less snxiou
even.i il less demonstrative pleasure
, the same pursuit. As each one flo
the gilt intended, be or she seeks al
! embraces the giver.-LChieago Tel
gram.