The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1895-12-01

tention Of the police by falling TO make
some sort Of q show of festiVity during
the period Of NATIONAL JOY.
For months past the young cZarina and
the ladies' Of her court have been prepar-
ing for the ellborate ceremonies which
always surround the birth Of a royal baby
in Russia. OF all these ceremonies the
most magnificent and imposing is the
christening according to the ritual OF the
Greek church. The christening always
takes place as soon after the birth Of the
royal youngster as its general health VIII
permit.
The haby's christening robes are mar
wells Of the needleworker's art. The first
godfather. who IS always a high and
mighty person. gives the child a gold
cross inlaid with jewels, and the god
mother provides the little white shirt
which is used before the ceremony IS
completed. The occasion brings gifts from
all persons connected with the court. These
Gifts are often the TOYS most likely 10
amuse a tiny infant, although many are
suitable for a grown child. other gifts
may he lands or jewels.
At the christening the child is carried
IN the arms Of it's godmother to the church
or chapel. Royalty and nobility. glitter
ing in brilliant uniforms and gala toilets.
fill the body Of the church and stand
grouped around the font. The priests
wear magnificent robes embroidered with
gold crosses. and sacred banners are borne
before them. Two deacons carry a por-
trait Of Christ and the Virgin Mary.
The godfatherS give the high priest min
wax candles. which are lighted and fas-
tened across the font. The priest in
censes the godfathers and godmothers and
consecrates the water with many Cere-
monies. Then a procession is formed
round the font bv those taking part in
the ceremony. each one bearing 4 lighted
IN e- -e---
in writing 10 the priest. who puts the
psrer on an image which he holds on
the child's breast, meanwhile saying a
PRAYER.
When the priest asks If the child for
sakes the devil and his works the god
parents turn Their hacks 70 the font 70
show their horror and aversion - the
question and answer yes" They again
face the font and the priest takes the
child. which IS quite naked. and holding
q hy the head 50 his thumb and finger
stop the ears dips It three times in the
water. p-ronouncing the words: Il hap
ttze thee in the name Of the Father and
81 the son and Of the Holy Ghost"
The chrism. or baptlsmal JUNCTION. which
IS called the seal Of the gift Of the Holy
Ghost. Immediately follows baptism. In
performing tbs ceremony the priest an
uoiuts the child viii holy oil; on the
ewes IN order that L may see only good:
on the ears. that these may admit only
what is pure: on the mouth. that ID may
sneak as becomes a Christian; on the
hand. that IL unv do n wrong. and on the
feet. that n may tread only in paths =
virtue. ~ the era II this ceremony. the
shirt. which the godmother has provided.
i= pvt On the child by the priest. who
saws. Thou art as clean and as clear
from original SIN as this shirt, thou at
baptized. thou art sanctjGe1, thou art
washed IN the name Of the Trinity
The cross. which has been given hy tho
godfather. the child IS under obligations
n wear all IFS life. II this cross oe not
found uron the child az death. the priest
saws 70 the Eodnarents. the child NAV not
have Christian burial. even though he no
the son % a hundred kings. a particular
saint is also asslEue5 % the child, whose
image he Is charged 10 cherish with special
devotion.
Holy oh. o- ch~sm. which IS used ~
rovsl ha0tisms. cor7nattors and C7nsecr4-
ton ~ churches. Is prepared VIII slaho--
ate ceremony. There IS q copper vase.
ove-l1id Win pearl and called al+taste~.
C-o0zf7utnaple when Carstis1.tv vas m
t-7tuoad into Russia. a few drops are
taken 70 prepare the 0hrsm and are re-
placed W IN at-er al. 50 che quantity never
decreases Wine. roses lavender. h8}sams
ans specs are mixed vita the oil.
Forty DAYS after the birth o. the child.
its mother. the empress Is ~churehe1 +"
and the infant S received vis.hly suto
Cnrfsts church hy the giving ~ ifs hr=t
earrtwert When Tire ruSsl gates are
opened duvirE mass. the deacon 1ppears
with the cbaIce The baby IS carried 20
t-a steps. and. tne priest 1m.nE forward.
nuts a drop ~ w.ne luco .fs mouth With
a <p,or. saving THE servant Of God
r--wmunt~ates Ia tho name ~ the Father.
the SON and the Holy Ghost"
There - ~ ceremony corresponding -
~-,re-naticu lr tne Russian church. hut
the crla continues 20 receive the sacra-
r-ent from SIS hspt sm. twice a year. az
E1ste- and or iIs saints dsy. until Is is
seven wears aiE when Is Is brought %
me confession on Coed FRIDAY
The social functions attendant upon 4