Part 7 (1/2)
If the log, the _cosse de Nau_, is of oak and felled at midnight, it is supposed to be much more efficacious, therefore all who can do so procure an oaken log, at least. In some families where the Yule-log is lighted, it is the custom to have it brought into the room by the oldest and youngest members of the family. The oldest member is expected to pour three libations of wine upon the log while voicing an invocation in behalf of wealth, health, and general good-fortune for the household, after which the youngest member, be he a few days or a few months old, drinks to the newly lighted fire,--the emblem of the new light of another year. Each member present follows the example set by the youngest, and drinks to the new light.
Yule-tide in France begins on St. Barbar's Day, December fourth, when it is customary to plant grain in little dishes of earth for this saint's use as a means of informing her devotees what manner of crops to expect during the forthcoming year. If the grain comes up and is flouris.h.i.+ng at Christmas, the crops will be abundant. Each dish of fresh, green grain is used for a centerpiece on the dinner-table.
For several days previous to Christmas, children go into the woods and fields to gather laurel, holly, bright berries, and pretty lichens with which to build the _creche_, their tribute in commemoration of the birth of Christ. It is a representation of the Holy Manger, which the little folks build on a table in the corner of the living-room.
With bits of stones they form a hill, partly covering the rocky surface with green and sometimes sprinkling it with flour to produce the effect of snow. On and about the hill they arrange tiny figures of men and beasts, and above the summit they suspend a bright star, a white dove, or a gilded figure of Jehovah.
[Ill.u.s.tration: A CHRISTMAS TREE IN PARIS.]
After the ceremony of lighting the Yule-log on Christmas Eve, the children light up the _creche_ with small candles, often tri-colored in honor of the Trinity. Throughout the work of gathering the material and making and lighting the _creche_, they sing carols in praise of the Little Jesus. In fact young and old accompany their Yule-tide labors with carols, such as their parents and grandparents sang before them,--the famous Noels of the country.
The children continue to light their _creche_ each night until Epiphany, the family gathering around and joining in singing one or more of the well-known Noels, for
”Shepherds at the grange, Where the Babe was born, Sang, with many a change, Christmas carols until morn.
Let us by the fire Ever higher Sing them till the night expires.”
On the eve of Epiphany the children all march forth to meet the Magi, who are yearly expected, but who yearly disappoint the waiting ones.
The custom of hanging sheaves of wheat to the eaves of the houses for the birds' Christmas, so commonly observed throughout the cooler countries, is also observed by the children of France, and the animals are given especial care and attention at this joyous season. Each house-cat is given all it can eat on Christmas Eve for if, by any chance, it mews, bad luck is sure to follow. Of course a great deal is done for the poorer cla.s.s at Christmas; food, clothing, and useful gifts are liberally bestowed, and so far as it is possible, the season is one of good will and good cheer for all.
If the French still hold to many of the Christmas customs bequeathed them by their Aryan ancestors, New Year's Day shows the influence of their Roman conquerors, for a combination of Northern and Southern customs is noticeable on that occasion. Each public official takes his seat of office on that day, after the manner of the Romans. Family feasting, exchanging of gifts among friends, and merrymaking are features of New Year's Day rather than of Christmas in France, although children delight in placing their _sabots_, or shoes, on the hearth for the Christ-child to fill with gifts on Christmas Eve.
In early times New Year's Day was the occasion of the Festival of Fools, when the wildest hilarity prevailed, and for upward of two hundred and forty years that custom continued in favor. Now Christmas is essentially the church festival; New Year's Day is the social festival, and Epiphany is the oldest festival observed during Yule-tide in France.
The latter festival is derived from the Roman Saturnalia, the main feature of the celebration being lawlessness and wild fun. Many of the features of former times are no longer in vogue, but the Twelfth-Night supper still continues in favor, when songs, toasts, and a general good time finishes the holiday season.
December is really the month of song in France. From the first to the last every one who can utter a sound is singing, singing, singing.
Strolling musicians go from house to house playing and singing Noels, and old and young of all cla.s.ses in society, at home and abroad, on their way to church or to market, at work or at play, may be heard singing these fascinating carols.
Noel signifies ”good news,” and it has been the greeting of the season since the earliest observance of Christmas. The word is on every tongue; salutations, invocations, and songs begin and end with it.
Carols peculiarly adapted to the day or season in time came to be known as Noels, and these songs are to be heard everywhere in France during the holidays of Yule-tide.
CHRISTMAS SONG
”Our Psalm of joy to G.o.d ascending Filleth our souls with Holy fame.
This day the Saviour Child was born, Dark was the night that now is ending, But on the dawn were angels tending.
Hail! Christmas, Hail! Christmas morn.
”In faith we see thee, Virgin Mother, Still clasp thy Son, and in His eyes Seek Heaven's own light that in them lies.
Though narrow shed His might confineth, Though low in manger He reclineth, Bright on His brow a glory s.h.i.+neth.
”Oh, Saviour King! Hear when we call Thee, Oh, Lord of Angels, glorious the song, The song Thy ransom'd people raise, Would that our hearts from sin and sorrow And earthly bondage now might sever.
With Thee, Lord, reign forever and ever.”
CHAPTER VII.
[Ill.u.s.tration]