Wauwatosa news. [volume] (Wauwatosa, Wis.) 1900-1948, 1901-12-28
How the Christmas
Tree First Came Into Use.

The first authentic account of tho
Christmas trees in Il manuscript found i'm
the Strasbug Library. dated i60S.
PREVIOUS 10 this time. there had been
great controversy regarding the correct
| date of the birth of Christ.
In the year 337, Poppe Julian had an
Investigation made by ST Cyril. and de-
cIded that the 10Th of December wss tha
correct date. But there were some who
were not satisfied with this decision. MS
they said the shepherds would not be out
watching their tlocks LII December Bur
the date was SO established in the
ROmlsh Church, and before the end of
the fourth century it was universally
accepted.
This date was that of the great festival
of the winter solStiee. called the Satur-
MALTA. 1t was celebrated in all parts of
the world from December - to January
e. At that season houses, temples
shrineS and trees were decorated with
cYergreenS, holly and laurel. No mistle-
toe was used in the decorations. on az
count of The Druidical superstitions re-
sarding its peculiar and dangerous
power. But one of these Superstitions
has become the heritage of all ages and
Is familiar to the boys and girls at our
day and is often repeated.
In the Saturnalia they had the yule
log, the candles. gifts, and the tinsei-
emonials to-day. One of the principal
features OF the Saturnalia was the sing
ing Of hymns of praise 10 the gods, Sa-
turn and BacchuS. and the composers
were richly rewarded Our Christmas
carol was originally hymn to Saturn.
But the early Christmas eliminated the
objectional features of the pagan festival
tof the. Saturnalia from the real Christ
Mass which was celebrated upon the
10Th of December.
In Holland Christmas eve is celebrated
with great pomp and ceremony. At mid
night the people in all the towns and viii
lagos assemble i'll the public squares.
dressed in varied costumes. chanting the
Gloria in EXcelsis." One of the mum
Der is chosen TO he the ''star-bearer." A
large star. iii which are several lighted
candles. is mounted on one end of a long
pole. This star is symbolical of the star
that guided the three wise men to Beth
iehem, The effect of its light in the
dark and winding streets, at the head of
the long procession of men. slowly march
ing to the music of the Gloria in Excel
sis is deeply impressive. 4 supper is
served after the deyotions are ended, and
thus Christmas day is begun.
In Russia the Christmas eve celebra-
ton begins in the early afternoon.
Groups of peasants sing carols in front
Of nohlemen's houses. where they assem-
bic to gather the coins which are gener-
ously thrown out ut the windows for
them at the Christmastide This is
called the "HOlendu." and always pre-
cedeS the masquerade when the peasants
dress themselves to represent different
animals, commemorative Of the Savior
having been born in 4 stable When the
evening star rises Il supper is served,
where Christmas trees are resolendent
with lights, ornaments and presents.
The origin of the christmas tree has
ever been Il mystery. Many countries
claim the honor. Some have given ii
Egyptian origin, others that its nrogeni-
tor is one of the famous trees of the
Nosseland, which has an unspeakable
name. 1t was adopted in England
through Queen Fictoria's marriage with
the German, Prince Albert" when Sc
many German customs We're introduced
Holland is said to be indebted to Queen
Caroline for the tree in 1880.
The Duchesse Helene introduced the
first Christmas tree i'll France ut the
''Tuilleries." The Empress Eugene
gave it a right royal welcome
1t was the German element who first
brought the Christmas tree to America.
l-Pittsburg Dispatch.