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~ x wy > 'PAGE FOURTEEN THE DAILY TIMES-GAZETTE TUESDAY, DEZEMBER 14, 1948 kN C gle 2 lj stm salume Ae A Ba Joan Spa SE I To #Christmas Eve," by the celebrated 19th century English satiric artist, George Cruikshank, illustrates the con- Sinuance of Saturnalian associations with the occasion, which made Calvinists opponents of the observance of This is the first of a series of illustrated articles on the tradi- tions and significance of the Christmas season, prepared for Central Press and The Times- Gazette by a well-known his- torian. The series presents in- teresting facts about Santa Claus, the Christmas tree, carols, mistletoe, Christmas cards, etc. By CLARK KINNAIRD Once upon a time it was against the law to observe Christmas. On May 11, 1659, the Puritans of Massachusetts Bay colony ac- cepted with satisfaction the enact- ment of a statute, "Whosoever shall be found observing any such day as Christmas or the like, either for bearing of labor, feasting or in any way, as a festival, shall be fined five shillings." This law, which remained on the statute books for more than 20 years, reflected a feeling at that time among many peoples, includ- ing the English in the Mother country. Observance of Christmas had been outlawed by Parliament in 1644 with the approval of both adherents of the Church of Eng- land and Non-conformists. Among Christmas, the latter, the Calvinists particular- ly denounced cbservance of such days, except Sunday, as superstitious and unscriptural. In England this feeling abated before long but the opposition to Christmas remained strong in Scotland till well into the 19th century, and there were re- calcitrants still much later. This writer's Scotch grandfather never outgrew his belief that Christmas was pagan, The persistent association of Christmas with paganism in minds of many devout persons down to the 20th century came from the coincidence of the observance of the Birth of Jesus with the time of the Saturnalia in the Roman cal- endar. The Saturnalia, or festival of Saturn, was an occasion for un- bridled license and merry-making | among the Romans. Even slaves | were permitted to enjoy freedom | of speech and behavior, so work and business suspended. Dwellings and public buildings wete adecked with laurels, "open house" was held, and the streets were carnivals. Amid all pagan nations, there was a tendency to worship the sun as giver of life and light. So the winter solstice, when nights stopped getting longer and started becoming | celebration. was a natural time for In more barbaric na- tions to the north and west of Rome, the same sort of celebration took place in a different form. Special logs were burned, in a fiery tribute to Odin and Thor; mistletoe, the alien plant which grew out of the trees and which therefore seem- ed miraculous and sacred, was gathered; the trees which provided light and heat in the long months the sun was gone and thus had a special significance, were decked gaily in tribute, As Christianity spread, its mis- sionaries and ministers had difficul- ty in inducing the converts to re- frain from these well-established customs and popular amusements indulged in by their still pagan countrymen. Backsliders were most numerous at Saturnalia time. At last, partly because of the ineffec- tiveness of their arguments and de- nunciations, and partly due to the idea that the spread of Christianity might be aided, the church effected a compromise. The effect of it was to amalgamate customs of the old, pagan wership with tenets of the new religion. Heathen ceremonies of Christian festivals. The time for the observance of shorter, the Nativity was arbitrarily fixed in She seastn of ihe Saturualia Wy (the Roman Catholic Church, the 4th century, but it was in uries before there was unanimity in this observance. At ome time, April 1 denoted the beginning of the calendar year; and March 25 was Christmas. After January 1 be- came New Year's Day, the Eastern church still held its Christmas on January 6. This was the case also in England and the American col- onies until 1752, when Britain ac- cepted the Gregorian calendar. January 6 is still observed by some communicants, and the 'Armenian Church observes January 18. Al- together, Christmas has been cele- brated on at least 100 different dates in various parts of the world. -Two synonyms for Christmas, Yule and Noel, apparently came to us from pagan times. It is suggest- ed that Yule is derived from the Anglo-Saxon hweol (wheel), the Anglo-Saxons having had a con- ception of the sun moving in a circular path during its annual journey around the earth. Noel, the French term for Christmas, is said by philologists to come from the Latin "natalis," referring to the new birth of the sun's powers after the Winter solstice. Gradually the pagan associations of Christinas subsided under the influence of strict Christian dis- ciplinarians, both Roman Catholic and Protestant, At the beginning of the 18th Century, an English writer commented: "At present, Christmas-day, if somewhat shom of its ancient glories and unmarked by that boisterous jollity and ex- uberance of animal spirits which distinguished it in the time of our ancestors, is, nevertheless, still the holiday among which of all others throughout the year, all classes of English society must most general- ly participate. Partaking of a re- ligious character, the forenoon of the day is usually passed in church, and in the evening the re-united members of the family assemble round the joyous Christmas-board." So Christmas remained for an- other century in England. But a big change in the character of the season's festivities was already taking place in America, due to the influence of Dufch settlers--as will be told in this space tomorrow. Copyright, 1948, King Features Syndicate, Inc. The second of this series of articles on the traditions of Christmas will appear in The Times-Gazette tomorrow. Prospect Woman And Daughter Receive Gifts MRS. L. R. BEACOCK deeds and so, not only one's one life, but also lives of others en- circled. "We. felt that both of you have shown, in your own everyday lives, the qualities of which we have spoken and since we have scriptural authority for the word of promise; 'Cast your bread upon the waters and after many days it will return Correspondent Prospect, Dec. 14--Prospect Wom- | ocnioh as en's Association were invited | guests in the comfortable Holliday | home in Brooklin last Wednesday | afternoon. These peopie sold their | farm in the community and moved { from Prospect. At the conclusion of the pleasant meeting Mrs. Holliday and daughter Bertha, were ushered into the living room and Mrs. W. Kilpatrick read the following ad- dress; Mrs. E. Holtby and Mrs. L. Smith presented them with a table lamp, reading lamp and an all-wool green blanket: "Dear Mrs. Holliday and Bertha: | 'We are happy to be able to gather | together on this occasion for, in| addition to it being an opportunity for 'us to enjoy your friendship and hospitality in your new home, it provides us also with the chance to say a few words in tribute to the lives which you lived amongst us in ydur old home, We feel it is a good thing, in one sense at any rate, that changes occur in our of abode and occupation for al- though it does leave a vacant spot where once we found trusted friends, on the<other hand, it makes it possible for those who have bene- fitted by such friendship to express their appreciation. First, then, we would offer our congratulations upon the establishing your new home and wish yd both every en- joyment and happiness. in coming days. "It is not possible for any two people to live in a community for as long a time as you two have lived in Prospect without the effect of personality being felt by many of those whom you have shared the common tasks, the common joys, and the not uncommon occasions when the sympathetic and. under- standing heart has been the bond and. zeal of a good neighbour, "We are quite aware of the fact that we live in a world of change and sometimes in the process of change we are apt to forget the things which really ought to be re- membered. New faces, new voices, new organizations are constantly appearing, but are old-fashioned enough to cling to some of the qualities which neither time nor circumstance can change. "When these qualities belong in people we find them giving outward expression in kindly thoughts and unto you' we are confident that in- you have given unto the growth and weliare of the com- munity of which you have been so long a part, a full measure of re- | ward will be yours. Church, School and Sabbath School have all been helped by your interest and loyalty. Those who have sat in your Bible Class, Mrs. Holliday, have been aware of your careful study and pre- paration and the sincere desire to interpret well 'and effectively the s of the Good Book. The | harvest of such sowing can only be computed by the Master when He shall come 'bringing in the sheaves.' "In appreciations of your long | years of devoted service and as a | token of the respect of your friends | we would ask you to 'accept these | gifts with the wish that its light | may be, to both of you, a constant | reminder of the Light of Friendship which grows ever brighter with the | passing years." "Signed on behalf of Women's | Association of Prospect United Church." Mrs. Holliday and daughter were greatly surprised, but e their sincere thanks in a warm manner, after which lovely refresh- ments were served to all present. Special Events At Prince Albert F. E. SMITH Correspondent Prince Albert, Dec. 13--=Mrs. Gar- diner and her pupils are planning to hold their school concert on Fri- day evening 'of this week, Dec. 17, in the school. A good program is | being planned and they hope to have a good attendance. The Sunday School executive met at the home of the superintendent, Mrs. Wm, Heayn last Tuesday to make plans for a program and social {evening to be held in the Sunday | School room on Tuesday evening Dec. 21. On Thursday 'evening Mr. and Mrs. James Doupe entertained | Messrs. T. Thomas and Arthur Wil- liams and about thirty friends from | this vicinity. A social evening of cards and For a good time, it's pretty hard to beat the varicty of gay -- activity at Muskoka. On the vaca- ge Sold eveiywhere, 135 Dodds Kidner Pills tion programme: riding, steamer and launch cruises, golf, fishing, dancing, tennis, swimming-- enough to make any holiday one to remember. And from Georgian Bay's rocky shore scross to the edge of Algonquin Park--stretch- ing north from the Severn 56 miles | In Ontario we have a holiday paradise . . . let's do all we ean to encourage visitors from across the border. Published in support of the tourist busi- ness by Jolin Labatt Limited. A happy holiday crowd at Minett Good! Fier IN MUSKOKA to Novar--there's over 1,600 square miles of happy Muskoka playground. The Tourist Develop- ment Association, Box 66, Graven- hurst, Ontario, will be glad to tell you about camp sites, cabins, cottages, resorts and hotels. You can take a train, a bus, a chartered plane--or drive to Muskoka from almost anywhere in Ontario in a matter of afew hours. rE ti BREWERS SINCE (832 LET'S MAKE. THEM WANT TO COME BACKI dancing was held in the school house on Friday evening. A fair crowd attended and a pleasant time was enjoyed dancing to music sup- plied by the Manchester Orchestra. FEW CARS IN 1900 At the turn of the century, total motor vehicle production in the United States was 4.192 cars. Peron Aides, Arrested Buenos Aires, Dec. 14--(AP)--Po- lice disclosed Monday that 14 per- sons, including trusted aides of Pre- sident Juan D. Peron, have beensar- rested in connection with a newly- discovered government fraud. The amount involved may exceed 11,000,000 pesos ($2,100,000). Oscar Palma Baltran, the investigating Federal judge, said this amount been obtained as a loan and tra ferred to Italy for purchases of an aluminum plant which was found to be non-existant. The judge did not say whether this was the o transaction in- volved, but he s#fd 12,000,000, pesos worth of property had been embar- goed to cover the loss. The disclosures came following a secret investigation which started Nov. 12 after the president had be- come suspicious of two of his aides. Judge Palma Baltron said those under arrest included Herminio An- tonio Fassio, Federal police inspec- tor in charge of the presidential bodyguard. Fassio, a few months ago, was awarded the No. 1 Peronista Medal of Loyalty. Among others arrested were Lt.- Col. Juan Carlos Basso, co-ordinator of the five-year plan inth e presi- dent's office, and Horacio Colombo Ramallo, vice-president of the Ban- co Credito Industrial. Judge Palma Baltran said the al- leged fraud had been planned by three Italians who had 3,200,000 for use as bribes. One of the Italians, industrial technician Carlos An- tonio Banff, was arrested. The men who actually obtained the loan, it was disclosed, fled to Italy before the investigation uncov- ered their alleged connection with the scheme, They were named as Julio Oppi and Franco Cronda: The government will ask Italy to extra- dite them, it was learned. SAFE RECOVERED Fort Erie, Dec. 14--(CP)--A 300- pound safe, stolen during the week- end from a Fort Erie hotel, was found Monday on a sideroad three miles north of here. The door of the safe had been blown open and some $560 in cash was missing, HigherWages Will Cause Price Boost- Ot'awa, Dec, 14 = (CP) -- The Canadian Manufacturers Associa- tion said today industry cannot afford to pay another round of wage increases from its current profits. "Such increases can only be paid by the consumer in the form of higher prices," the association maintained in a brief submitted to the prices commission. "Even if profits were large endbugh--and they are not--the pay- ment of higher wages from profits would deprive Canadian industry of its largest source of funds for ex- pansion," the association said. It added: "A thorough examination of all factors leads to the conclusion that profits of Canadian corporations are reasonable." The brief maintained that rea- sonable prices and better standards of living depend on greater produc- tion, and that higher wages to fac- tory workers "should be accompan- ied b, increased physical output." It suggested that while wage in- creases were not "the sole reason" for higher prices, they. were a very important factor. "The portion of net corporation profits after taxes not paid out in dividends is vital to the growth and expansion of plants, addition of new the employment hopes of most Canadians depend," the brief said. "This portion is retained by the companiés for improvement and expansionof plants, addition of new machinery and equipment, build- ing up and maintaining inven- SHOP AT... i' Pearls "Oshawa's Leading Sportswear Shoppe" 33 Simcoe St. N. Phone 3518 10 WOULD YOU KINDLY HURRY ? | HAVE ONLY MORE CHRISTMAS SHOPPING DAYS AT CHRISTIANS tories, research into and develop- ment of new producty and increase of working' capital." Since the end of the war, the association estimated, Canadian manufacturers have spent about $1,500,000,000 on new plants, FAMILY KILLED ; Churchill, Man., Dec. 14--(CP)-- A United States Army private, wife and two: small children were burned to death early Sunday when fire destroyed their home in this northern outpost town. WARD'S Wednesday Specials All Pure Linen TABLECLOTHS 4 Just the cloth to brighten up the breakfast nook at Christ- mas. A special purchase of pure Irish linen cloths that are firmly woven, heavy, and have well-hemmed edges -- Finished with gaily woven borders in combination color borders of Red, Green or Yel- low. Size 52x52. a 4.50 value. WEDNESDAY SPECIAL| $9.98 each 52x52" Other Tablecloth Specials! 51"x51"--Rayon Damask Cloth and 6 Serviettes, Ivory color. 7.50 value. 7 pc. set ........ Floral Pattern Cloths, many colors and patterns to choose from. To 3.95 value 54"x54"--Lustrous Rayon Damask, heavy quality. Ivory shade, individually boxed. 7.95 value $2.98 $5.95 Christmas Shopping Hours! OPEN WED. ALL DAY, Dec. 15th Thursday -- Friday -- Saturday 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Mon. to Thurs., Dec. 20th to 23rd -- 9 a.m. Friday, Dec. 24th, 9 a.m. - -9 p.m, 6 p.m, Cor. Simcoe & Athol Sts, WARD'S Phone 982 How many things ade of aluminnam can you see on a street corner? UNLESS you look at the pictures on the right, you'll hardly believe there can be so many. - Yet this is only a few of them. For aluminum has so many advan- tages that you may see hundreds of other things made of it --on the streets, in store windows, almost any- where you look. This is because aluminum is so very light, and strong, does not rust and has lots of other special features. Today more than 1000 Canadian tiful articles that no track of them all. id Why is this so? Because so many people all over the world want things made of aluminum we have been able companies are making aluminum into so many kinds of useful and beau- one can keep to make more and more. Because we have been able to make more, we have been able, over the last ten years, to reduce the price of aluminum ingot by 25%: ALUMINUM COMPANY OF CANADA, Producers and Processors of Aluminum for Canadian Industry and World Markets MONTREAL » QUEBEC » TORONTO » VANCOUVER « WINDSOR Lighter te handle Easier to peddle Aluminum store fronts never need paint. ALSO, aluminum traffic lane markers, parking meters, street light brackets, direc- tion signs -- and eaves troughs, roofs, window sills, awnings, airplanes -- and " new things are being made of aluminum every day.