The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1890-12-20
TIE CHRISTMAS TREE.
Tho Origin OF tho Custom Of Hanging
Gifts on Trees,
Eli:a Il. Parker IN Farr aud Firoidt.

Eli:G Il. Parker IN Fdrm aud FircsfiS.
'ThD Christmas tree hath struck deep roots
In human hearts; Its wiutry fruits
Are sweet with love. and the BARNS believe
1t bndIcth aud Dcateih on Holy i've"
The custom OF hanging gifts on tree
10 very ancient, dating back TO the ninth
century, and probably had It's origin ye
earlier. In a recent article ON the sub
jet the author Gays:
"The first account We have OF q Christ
mas tree tells us that tho tree was hurg
by tho roots, and appeared TO 10 drop
ping its gifts downward. In French
romance Of the thirteenth century there
is an account OF Christmas tree illumi
mated with many candles, and waxen
image OF the infant Jesus. Tradition
informs us that the first Christmas tree
IN Germany was seen in 1892"
Since tho introduction OF Christianity
in the various countries, tue tree has
been dedicated to Christ, and We plant /,
IN our homes laden with gifts for all.
Whatever may he the origin OF the Gus.
tom, oil will agree that it is beautiful
one that brings joy and gladness to our
hearts, growth OF love, by which all
people aro made happier by means OF
every gilt hung upon the ou,spreading
branches, SO blessed privilege Is it !;
and still to give-to give to happy little
ones or storm.tossed, aged mariners OH
the sea OF life.
1t is the duty, and generally 4 freely
performed one, OF parents upon this
occasion 20 yield to tho demand Of the
present moment, the days demand to
make the home lilo happy and cheerful.
Then let eyrry mother try to I'll her
home upon thia occasion 80 full OF limo.
cent Joy, and make it SO happy in the
sweetness OF kind words and loving acts
that the children will look back to il in
after yeas as the bright oasis in their
lives.
Every home should not only have 4
Christmas tree, but the freshness OF
nature should be brought rs much as
possible TO the winter irpside. The
pine, the spruce, the clustering berries
OF bitter.sweet aud the waxen mistletoe
all make beautiful Christmas decorations.
and the humblest homes will bring an
odor OF Christmas joy. Let us hope, on
theGlad Christmas morning soon 10 dawn
upon US, that hundreds, nay, thousands
Of Christmas trees will grow in happy
homes, brilliant with lieh,, and typifyiur
all the resources thoughtful love and
generous friendship can suggest, inspir-
ing unbouEded gratitude aud innocent
merrimCnt, thus epgendering good feel
ing that will outiivethe passing holidays,
and bear peace and good will" far into
the new year.
10 the children the memory OF these
days will embrace the greatest blessings
that eau liuger in their minds, chasten-
ing their thoughts with sentiments and
pleasures OF innocent days, and guiding
them, perhaps, many times from errors
BY recalling the gentle mother and fond
fother in connection with whose virtues
they could not dare to think OF evil.
Yes, give your boys aud girls happy
Christians to remember. II will refresh
mind and body, and lead to every good.
De merry nil be merry all:
With holly dress the festive hall:
Prepare the song, the feast, the ball,
10 welcome merry Christmas.
When You the costly banquet deal
To guests WAC never II r,iue feel,
Oh. tptrc one lnorscl from your meal
To feed The poor At Christulas.