The Cordova daily times., 1914-12-19

the saint appeared the nobleman cam, forward and asked why so good an ac lshould be performed in stealth. Ther the patron saint of the children enun ciated the great truth that the best acts are those done for the joy of do ing. not the hope of praise or reward ! Thus. centuries ago was proclaimed what is the best sentiment of Christ mas giving.
 The idea of St Nicholas was SC beautiful that it took place among the great beliefs of the children, and in different forms it Is found in nearly every country. Both his name and his form differ, but everywhere his labor is the same.
 In France, Germany, Russia and the Netherlands he is the embodiment of an essentially religious idea. but in England and the United States his office is a more secular one. France Ialways represents Noel as the infant Jesus. and in Germany, too. the name Krist Krindel, corrupted into Kris Kringle, means literally the Christ child. In France, the little benefac- tor, who is believed to slip into the homes of all good children on Christ mas eve and leave good gifts, is dear | ly loved by the children. On Christ mas day they go with their parents to the church to worship the infant Jesus. In the great cathedral, by the s cps of the altar in the transcept IIchapel, will be found a rude wooden structure filled with hay, represent ing the manager in which the Savior vas born in Bethlehem. In this man. ger lies a beautiful doll, with wide, smiling eyes, representing the Holy Babe, and around it gathers the wor- shippers, while the wonted gloom of I'thc cathedral is illuminated by numer- ous burning tapers. This visit of worship once a year makes a great impression upon the minds of the children of France, who think of | Christmas as associated with the | Christ child. The children of Italy observe Christmas in a similar man. ner. the babe in the manager being the central thought during the Christmas llseason.
 There is no St. Nicholas in Spain. Instead of the usual idea of that pa tron saint and his kindness. the chil- dren place their shoes in the windows when they retire to sleep on Christ mas eve, as the wise kings of the east are believed to be journeying by night to Bethlehem, bearing gifts and lhomage to the Christ Child, and as they pass they will. out of the abun- dance of their gifts, drop some in the Eshoes of each good child.
 The children of Belgium also make use of their little shoes on Christmas eve, but in a different way. They think that St Nicholas comes on a little white horse. and not with rein deers, as we are taught in America and they polish their little shoes and leave in them carrots and hay and boats, so that the horse can be re freshed as he pauses ever and amor for brief minutes rest In centra Europe, where the Christ Child Is be lieved to come with gifts for the lit tie ones, he is dressed like maiden carrying a silver bell, lighted tapers and wearing a crown. St. Nicholai carries the same name ia Holland
 that he does here-Santa Claus. Il Switzerland they call him Sama Claus
 and in Heligoland, Sonner Klaus. He is Niklo or Niglo in Austria and boasts the luxury of an attend
 ant, who assists him in carrying al his bundles. This assistant to San
 ta Claus is known as Krampus, an,
 with the children is only a shade les
 popular than his chief.
 Holy Fan" is the respectful tern
 by which the patron saint is know
 in the Tyrol, and here. too. he ha
 help, being accompanied by the Chris Child and St Lucy. The Chris
 Child himself comes in Alsaee Ey en Japan has Santa Claus. simila in most respects to the Santa Clau of the occident. He is known as tn l Sage of Long Life"
 I In this country everybody recoe