The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1932-12-29

,l "a sunk in antiquity. Let us
8%s= glance down the centuries
toward some of the first
stunts in which the populace INDUCED
and see if we aren't inclined to draw
a breath of relief as we eXclaim, Glow
times have changed"
Long, long ago, before the dawn of
civilized stomachs, it was a good old
pagan custom for the people to cele-
brate the New Year by gathering in
the open where they circled around
two wild boars that tore each other to
bits. The meat of the dead animals
was then divided between the people
to feast upon, the best pieces being
reserved for those highest in author
ity. It's far cry from the midnight
supper of today with its carefully
chosen hors doeuvres to stimulate the
tagging appetites Of guests whose
Stomachs revolt at the sight of spilled
blood.
In old Scotland more savOry diet
was enjoyed on New Years eve when
ppople thronged through the streets
between twelve and one o'clock at
night bearing steaming kettles of
spiced ale known in that day as the
wassail bowl. AS they passed each
other on the way to visit neighbors,
they stopped to give and take sips, so
that their spirits were mounting high
when they arrived. to be generously
FED on buns and cheese. This pleas
ant custom persisted for many years
until it was abused by the wild youth
OF the land who took advantage of the
occasion for the commission of law
less acts.
At one time the New Year was cele-
brated by the giving Of presents just
as Christmas is today. Gloves were
popular contribution to lady's
wardrobe because of their rarity. If
the gentleman was hesitant in select
ing the gloves in person. it was per-
fectly proper for him to give money
for their purchase. which was known
as glove money"
When pins were first invented, about
the beginning of the Sixteenth cen
fury, they were an even more accept
able gift in feminine circles. They
were rough handmade pins, but were
considered rare pieces Of workman
ship compared with the skewers OF
bone and wood then in use. If money
was given for their purchase, it was
known as "pin-mOney." phrase which
has chung to the language, and con-
notes money used for any extras, pins
or other.
In early America the New Year was
celebrated with the simplicity that
was part of the times. With no steam
cars, motor cars or telephones, pe0-
pie had to depend On stage coaches
and OK teams for transportation. 1t
was said that it was of no use to sit
up and watch the old year out as the
"clocks did so vary that they knew
very little of the crossing" So the
settlers celebrated by making multi
tudinous calls the next day, jingling
merry sleigh bells and shaking off
snow on the door step. Refreshments
consisted Of great slices Of cake,
dOughnuts, coffee and cider. The GUS
tom of making wholesale New Years
calls persisted for many years. Only
a short time ago it was still the fash
ion for families to hold open house.
The Chinese are said to celebrate
New Years in the most unusual fash
ion of all. They actually feel COM
PEELED to pay off their debts before
tEcy can be at peace with the world.
OF all the customs of various nations,
this is perhaps the one most worthy Of
Observation-Disclosures News.