Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-12-27
Aunt Dorothy's Corner
Dear Children

Dear Children:
VIII 1t not interest you to know that our
celebration of New Year day is derived
from the ancient Roman festivities on that
day? The Roman Emperor Julian, who
composed our present calendar, instituted
great festivities at the beginning OF the
new year. In the fifth century the Chris
tIans in Rome connected New Year day
with the celebration of the nativity or
Christmas. and thus 1t came down to us.
The Persians celebrate the new year by
the exchange of presents of eggs. Perhaps
IL we should go carefully into the matter
We should find some connection of this
custom with us of eggs at Easter time.
In Mongolia they have a queer custom.
and one which must bring great discomfort
to it's observers. While one dinner a day
is enough for them ordinarily on the last
day of the old year they eat seven dinners
and then eat bread and other food, and
drink tea as often as they can whiie the
New Year day festivities last, which IN
some places is restricted to one day, and
in others lasts for more than week.
/ hope that you all enjoyed The Star
fiftieth anniversary number much as
did. and that each of you got number
to keep as long as you live. 1t WILL 1
think. give you much pleasure in after
years.
There are so many new contributors
coming in that we must repeat the instruc-
lions we have given before: Send only
original articles and be sure to put your
name. age and address on every sheet you
send Be very careful about this. Some
times a child will write story and send a
letter with it, signing the name to the let
ter but leaving the story without one.
Aunt Dorothy has very many letters to
read. and on opening one the first thing
she does is to find the name and write 1t
on all the sheets inclosed If it is not all
ready there. The contributions are increas-
ing so rapidly in numbers, however, that
she can no longer do this for you. and
hereafter all articles not properly signed
must find a resting place in the waste
basket. Two very good stories were de-
MED prizes this week because they had the
name only signed to them without either
age or address. and one story had not even
name. There may have been coupon
inclosed. but these are very apt to drop
out unnoticed when the envelopes are first
opened. Put in the coupons; these are used
for filing, but also put your name and
address on the article itself.
Be careful not to sGnu as original any
story or poem which you have read some
where else. Now. if you do not observe
these regulations 1 shall be obliged to think
that you do not read my letter.
1t should be understood that when a book
prize is awarded you, you do not have the
privilege of choosing particular book; the
choice belongs to the committee having
charge of this matter. Those whose names
have been published as having been
awarded prizes must have patience if they
do not reach you as soon as you expect
them to. They sent direct from the
publishers. and there is some unavoidable
delay Those who wish sunshine badges
should send self-addressed and stamped
envelopes.
SPECIAL NOTICE.
VIII all children who have received prizes,
either in money or books. please write to
Aunt Dorothy acknowledging the same. In
acknowledges a a