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88 THE ATHENAEUM THE ORIGIN OF CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION Bty I. P. Perry, *25 Cristes Mases is the English name for the season in which the birth of Christ is commemorated. Just when this festival originate is a matter of uncertainty, but references to it occur as early as the third century. It is apparent, however, that a festival was celebrated at this season long before it was held sacred as the birthday of Jesus of Nazareth. The Saturnalia of the Romans and the Winter festival of the heathen Britons were both celebrated about Dec. 25, and later, the Roman festival in honor of the Sun-God, Mithra (instituted 273 A- D.). From the latter the day came to be known as the “Birthday of the unconquered Sun,” and after its adoption by the Christian church in the fourth century as the anniversary of Christ s birth, this name was given a symbolic interpretation. A study of the customs associated with this period also reveals a heathen, if not invariably a solar origin. The! lighting of the yule log on Christmas-eve, once a wide-spread European custom, is or was a function of such predominant importance among the Lithuanians and Letts that their words for Christmas eve literally signify ‘Log Evening.* The sports of the “Lords of Misrule” in England are thought to be an inheritance from the Saturnalia. The decoration of churches with the once sacred mistletoe and holly is a pagan survival. Other illustrations might be .cited, such as the sending of Christmas presents, analogies of which are found in the yule gifts of Northern Europe and Ancient Rome. Most of the ancient customs associated with the Winter Solstice are now obsolete; but a sentimental interest in them was revived during the 19th century, chiefly by the writings of Washington Irv ing and Charles Dickens. In the United States, England and other countries business is commonly suspended, although in Scotland this is only partially the case. The custom of making presents at Christmas is derived from usage, as stated above; but it has become consecrated by ages, and contributes greatly to make this festival an interesting event to families and friends. The Christmas card, now an almost universal vehicle for the conveyance of seasonable wishes, dates from 1869, when J. C. Hosle, designed a card at the suggestion of Sir. Henry Cale, The Christmas tree has been traced back to the Romans. It went from Germany to Great Britain, and is almost universal in the United States, where the custom of so many Nationalities meet and gradu ally blend into common usage.