The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-12-24
MEN, WOMEN
 A ND T HIN c s

The heart of Birmingham beats in tune 10 the Christmas spirit as is evidenced by the huge municipal Christmas tree which stands in Woodrow Wilson park at the head of Twen- tieth stret; and at D. the Boys Industrial school band will give concert and at p. Tn. thousands of children will be made happy through gifts taken from it's spreading branches.
 The decorations are in keeping with the fes- tival, and it is appropriate that large electric star will adorn it, as it will bring to mind the journey of the wise men of the east who nearly two thousand years ago followed the Star If Bethlehem and found the infant Jesus in the manager
 "Oh, little town of Bethlehem
 How still we thee lie!
 Above thy deep and dreamless sleep
 The silent stars go by;
 Yet in thy darkest streets shneth
 The everlasting light:
 The hopes and fears of all the years
 Are met in thee tonight
 As this is written Friday night it is impos- sible to forecast the weather but many will hope and pray for the "kdes' !" sake, for Christmas eve to ope nwarm and clear. In olden as well as modern times keen anxiety was
  as now, much of the holiday rejoicing was out on the streets and in the parks.
 More Christmas trees have been on safe in the downtown district this year than ever before Not only are they offered from coun- try wagons and trucks at street corners, but several large vacant stores have been filled with them. There is a difference of opinion about the origin of the Christmas tree Some credit it to the ancient Egyptian practice of decking houses at the time of the winter sol stice with branches of the date palm, the sym bol of life triumphant over death, and there fore of perennial life in the renewal of each bounteous year.
 The Egyptians regarded the date palm as the emblem not-only of immortality, but also of the starlit Armament. A Scandinavian myth of great antiquity speaks of Service tree" sprung from the blood drenched soil where two lovers had been killed by violence. At certain nights in the Christmas season mysterious lights were seen flaming in it's branches, that no wind could extinguish. It is well known too that about this time the Jews celebrated their feast of lights, known also as the feast of dedication of which lighted candles are a fea- ture.
 As a regular institution, however, it can only be traced back to the sixteenth century think one of the prettiest stories of all is the tale which describes Martin Luther's attempt to explain to his wife and children the beauty of snow-covered forest under the gittering star besprinked sky. Going out into the gar den, he cut off little fir tree. and dragging it into the nursery, put some candles on the branches and lighted them.
 It is good to note that of recent years in our land the beautiful custom is spreading, of hav- ing community Christmas tree. New York took up the custom in 1910, but was only fol lowing the lead of some of the smaller cities. And now Birmingham has set up one 50 feet high, wonderfully decorated and brilliantly lit. This afternoon it will be for the children, but Sunday night at 80 much will be made of it by the grown ups in the band concert, carol singing and speaking.