published in the Belfast Newsletter 26 Dec. 1888 Yule-Tide
It has been said that analysis is the death of sentiment. And certainly there are many among us who do not find our enjoyment of the Christmas festival enhanced by the knowledge that the present date was not definitely settled upon, until the middle of the 4th century after the event, it was supposed to chronicle. Then there are those who, like Puritan Prynne, condemn the pagan origin of our best-beloved customs, thinking those things, which of a surety sprang from sun and fire worship little fitting to so Christian an occasion. That we have received our Christmas traditions largely from heathen sources, no one can debate. The yule-log, once chiefest among, our merry ceremonials is undoubtedly a remnant of the glad-some rites with which the pagan world was wont to welcome the first lengthening of days when the sun was born again to the earth. Our very word "yule" is thought to be a modification of the old Norse festival of 'Jol' or 'Jul' which occurred at the winter-solstice. With still greater authority it is derived from the Gothic 'giul' or 'huil' the supposed origin of our word 'wheel'. And it has been well noted that in the old almanacs a wheel was the approved symbol of Yuletide: probably because it suggested the annual revolution, at which time our remote ancestors delighted to kindle huge bonfires to their god, Thor. But if the yule-log, directly traceable to paganism, so also were the Mummers and the custom of appointing a "Lord of Misrule.' both which are an inheritance bequeathed by the Roman Saturnalia festivals, likewise belonging to the joyously welcomed winter-solstice. At one time the office of mock royalty was thought to be highly honourable. These were all relics of a time when the heathen world made itself merry after the fashion of the credulous child it was. But we hope few would be found to condemn them solely on that account. For the matter of that, mirth itself, is older than any creed we know of. Is it, then, unchristian? We think the good fathers of the Church did a wise thing when they entwined the old heathen festivals with Christian memories, thus separating from them, for our benefit, that portion which might fitly adorn the most blessed event we celebrate. After all we do not keep the date in honoured remembrance, so much as the event. In one thing we may profitably imitate the Bosnian peasant. who settles all possible debts on the 3rd day before Christmas. When he cannot do this he gives to his creditors a full explanation of the cause. This is done. we are told, "so that all may be able to give one another the 'kiss of peace.'" Ay! peace and good-will; these constitute the incarnation of Divine love afresh each year in human hearts. It need, therefore, disturb no sensitive conscience that the observances of Yule-tide are many of them the offspring of a time that knew not the Lord. They are also rich in hallowed traditions of family affection and "good-will to all." As such we cherish our Christmas with whatever of yule warmth and brightness we can kindle in our own and other hearts. Now all our neighhours chimneys smoke, And Christmas blocks are burning: Their ovens they with baked meat choke, And all their spits are turning. Though other's purses be more fat. Why should we pine or grieve at that? Hang sorrow! care will kill a cat. And therefore, let's be merry. 26 Dec. 1888 The Belfast Newsletter Transcribed by Teena and please note, this article was edited by not keeping a few lines, it was certainly not edited by changing anything! Best wishes -- www.cotyrone.com http://lists.cotyrone.com/mailman/listinfo/ulsterancestry https://www.facebook.com/groups/CoTyroneIrelandGenealogy/
_______________________________________________ [email protected] UlsterAncestry Mailing List Searchable Archives: https://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/ http://lists.cotyrone.com/mailman/listinfo/ulsterancestry Website: https://cotyrone.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/CoTyroneIrelandGenealogy/
