The Fargo forum and daily republican. [volume] (Fargo, N.D.) 1894-1957, 1911-12-16

from the mountains to Naples and
Rome. saluting the shrine of the Vir-
gin with their wild music, under the
poetical idea OF cheering her until the
birth of the Divine child. Raphael has
introduced this idea into his famous
picture of the Nativity. The shepherds
are portrayed playing musical instru-
ments at the door of the Virgins home.
A famous crib is made every Christ
mas in the Bascilica Of the Santa Bam-
bino, throughout the octave Of the
feast little children preach or recite
little poems in front of 1t. The child
rem who are of tender years, ranging
from to 10 years DID, emphasize their
words with graceful gestures and tell
how they heard that the angels ac-
companied the shepherds to the crib
and looked upon the Divine infant. They
ask the Santa Bambino (holy child
not to cry for they will console him by
being good. The little ones have the
potent charm of childhood, the lack Of
self consciousness and go through
their task without the slightest embar-
rassment. The church is crowded with
delighted spectators.
In Early Days.
In earlier times 1t was customary
for the Pope to celebrate three masses
on Christmas morning. The first mass
on Christmas day at st. Mary Major,
the second at ST, Anastasia's and the
third in st. Peters. In all the Cath
olic churches throughout the world
this custom is carried out by the
priests. every priest having the privi-
Iege of celebrating three masses on
Christmas morning. The custom dates
from the sixth century
Christmas in the Catholic church has
always been considered in the double
light of a holy commemoration and a
cheerful festival During the middle
ages It was celebrated by dramatic
plays, the performers wearing masks
and grotesque costumes The bishops
and clergy often Joined in the singing
with the populace. hence the canticles.
Hence rose the idea OF carols. The
songs were enlivened ty dancing to the
music Of tamborines. guitars, violins
and organs. A pretty custom was
carrying a lighted taper, each dancer
being provided with one. The mediev-
al carols were originated by the people.
Many collections have been made OF
these quaint rhymes. Christmas carols
are sung to this day. In New York
the children dress in masks and gro
tesque costumes and play pranks at the
doors OF the neighbors houses. In the
country spots 1t is carried even to a
greater extent and the little folks have
joyous time of 1t. Thus do the me-
dieval customs survive the lapse Of
ages.
In Germany and the north of Europe
Christmas is called the chfIdrens' fes-
toval. Living tableaus are portrayed
by the little ones OF the household rep
resentative OF the Divine nativity. The
children are dressed as angels watch
ing over the crib where the little baby
brother is placed to represent the
Christ child. The true spirit Of devo-
ton is thus fostered by the people.
The Dutch settlers have introduced
Santa Claus-St. Nicholas in New
York and indeed all over the world.
Santa Claus as we know him is a jolly
old fellow with rudy face and a long
white beard carrying a pack on his
back filled with toys for good little
boys and girls--a figure the children
love. The lesson Santa Claus teaches
of bringing gifts is. lesson Of charity,
one that St Nicholas practiced when
he was little boy and which he has
made popular everywhere.
In Ireland the feast Of Christmas IL
full OF holy memories to the people.
In the country districts the inhabi-
tants win walk miles IN the worst
weather over bog and moorIand in or
der to be present at the midnight mass.
The Soggarth Aroon-dear priests in
waiting and the solemn ceremony Is
celebrated. 1t is very different
scene to the gorgeous churches scat
tered over the continent but not less
impressive and awe inspiring to watch
the humble congregation kneeling per-
haps on an earthen door-the women
IN their long blue cloaks and the men
in their home-spun suits as they bow
their heads In alteration Of the God
made Man. After mass the day IS
given over to innocent msrriment and
the dinner. usually roast goose or tur-
key. Ii enjoyed. In the principal cities
of Ireland the festival is celebrated
much as in the American cities.
splendid churches and homes are dec
GRATED. In the principal cities amuse-
ment places are open during the day.
IN Ireland and Germany the tradition
that the OK and the ass fell on their
knees in alteration OF the Dicine child
Iii flrnnly believed BY the little children
who urge their parents 70 allow thcm
to SIT up and witness the miracle.
Among the saints who love the fes-
tivaI on Christmas and have preached
and dwelt on 1t inpressively are: st.
Leo. st Chrysostona, St. Bernard. st.