The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-12-25

ing under the mistletoe The Christmas din
ner is never complete without plum pud-
ding in which Is ring, the symbol Of mar
rage, a coin, the symbol Of riches, a. button
and thimble the symbols of bachelorhood
and of the spinster. Gifts are exchanged on
Christmas day in England just they are
with us in families. but Boxing day, the day
following Christmas, Is the one on which
gifts are given 10 servants, tradespeople and
poStmen. Another feature of the holiday
times observed at all the big estates and
hotels in England is the servants ball. II
is a custom Of long standing, and crowds
OF people gather to look on.
In Germany Christmas would be incom-
plete without the Christmas tree and family
reunion. Different customs prevail in differ
ent provinces; fer instance. in German
Switzerland Christmas day man in
cased in a cardboard donkey fern goes
through the streets distributing candies TO
the children. In Hungary. Bohemia and
Austria all of the children are gathered to-
gether to see Santa Claus come lie knocks,
IS admitted and gives candy TO the good
children upon the others he froWnS and
makes a sign TO his servant, who advances
with whips and branches of holly. Another
custom observed in Hungary Is that four
prominent men of the town call at the homes
where there are young girls They are
asked for but dare not come. Their mothers
finally bring them by force. Two of the
men then strike them gently on the shout
tears. but extend their hands with red
apple, in return for which they are given a
little switch to keep for their hances. In
Sweden the first of the year lasts until the
18th of January. Christmas presents are
called "lulklapper" After their Christmas
dinner the children, singing and carrying
star, go from house to house to receive their
gifts.
In Norway great mystery surrounds
from their tombs. If. during the meal. some
one sneeZeS, 1T means death to the young
est person present Several shots are fired
outside the houses to ward off evil spirits.
Another superstition is that certain guam
tity of food. called "jubgroden," must be
placed outside so that the imp. 'Nissen."
who is half bad. half good. may partake
thereof. AS to "Huedren," the witch of the
woods, the door is left unlocked that she
may come in and take whatever pleases
her. Also, if, after the midnight mass, one
leaves piece of money on the table beside
a lighted candle it will surely increase. In
Denmark four days are observed, Christ
mas eve. Christmas day and the two days
following, which are called second and third
Christmas days. Christmas eve is the day
upon which gifts are exchanged. The people
attend church in the afternoon and in the
evening have a dinner at which, according
TO custom, they have rice. apples and roast
goose. There Is also a Christmas tree, but
instead of Santa Claus they have a Christ
tie peaked cap. The holidays in Spain begin
on the evening of the 24th Of December.
BILE for the 'noche buena' supper. This
supper, which consists principally of almond
cream, generally ends in a tumult. There
are, after it, few hours for repose then
follows what is called the ''navidad." The
principal food of this meal is turkey. Every
one wishes you happy new year. Your
you the new years greetings, which they
recite in verse.
Christmas is the day most observed among
the Belgians, New Years day being of
minor Importance. In Holland they observe
the custom of Santa Claus, or as they call
him, Sinter Claus. coming down the CHM
ney On Christmas evening. in Servia, the
head of the house cuts a young and an old
oak tree, which he has burned. They call it
'badniack.' In Montenegro the reigning
prince always cuts the Christmas log him.
self In Bulgaria they have Christmas
chimes rung all day.
In PARKWAY China the year begins with
the first days of February, and great is the
vance, houses are painted and bills paid.
The household god is feted and as the SUI
perStition is that 1t is at this time of the
year that he makes his annual visit to heav-
EN- to render account of the evil deeds of
some, the hardheadedness, injustice or cru
pare very sweet things for him, that his
lips may be sealed and he will be unable to
tell tales. The holidays last ten days. All
official offices, schools, etc, are closed for
it's. The greetings are such as May you be
rich" May you live long" Visiting cards,
with hand-painted pictures, are exchanged;
for an heir a picture is drawn of child
beside a swan. On the last night of the year
in Japan the people do not sleep If they
chance to meet on the street they stop, bow
low, put their hands on their knees and re-
peat together the words. "Ome deto.' The
Emperor of Japan holds an official reception
at his palace on New Years day; the court
and all foreign officials call. 1t is a source
of regret to many that with us the delight
full custom of keeping open house on New
Years day should, of late years. have fallen
into dsfavor, and it is to be hoped that at
some early period it may again hold sway.
ROWENA M. NEW.