CHRISTMAS . -by M.C.Martin, Captain 7th •Infantry .
Christmas is the season in which the birth of Jesus is commemorated»
Christinas Day is the supposed actual anniversary of the nativity of Christ and is
now celebrated the world over on December 25th*. The early church had no fixed tiro
set aside as Christmas; it being observed by some in May, some in January and others
concurrently with Epiphany (Feat of Baptism), The gospels are not agreed as to the
exact date of the birth of Jesus and upon their data contradictory arguments are
based* The church adopted Christrra9 much later than Epiphany and before the 5th
century it was a question of whether January 6th«, March 25th, or December 25th, i-s
was the correct date for the Ffcast of Nativity. The selection of the latter date
wa3 likely due to the recognition that the winter solstice was the turning point
of the year; preparation for fresh period of life and activity after the winter
sleep* The Celtic and German tribes held the Christmas season in veneration long
before the Christian era and Norsemen beleived that from December 25th. to January
6th. their Norse deities were present and active on earth. Many beliefs and customs
anent this period have been handed down to our time and have crept into Christian
usage. The custom of presenting friends with gifts at Christmas dates back to the
"Roman Boxing Day" at which time the contents of offering boxes were distributed to
the poor and needy. The Christmas tree, a young spruce tree, dates back to the
Roman Saturnalia and was intrduced into England from Germany during the reign of
Queen Victoria. The story of Santa Claus, the mysterious Christmas benefactor has
a parallel in' every European country. He is variously.'identified as , St. Nicholas
Robin Goodfellow, Knecht Ruprect and Bonhomme Noalv^-The singing of Christmas carols
originated in the Middle Ages and the placing of a lighted candle in the window on
Christmas Eve had it's origin in the same period. . In Datin countries the general
time for giving presents is New .Year’s Day instead of-Christmas Day. (Authorities
for the above information: The Brittanica; Everyman's Encyclopeadias)
ALASKA LOCALISE . - by 1st .Lt .Clyde Grady, 7th.Inf.
Malamute. (Name of an Alaskan Indian tribe). A local name for the Eskimo
dog, apparently used in Alaska. (Century). Most authorities are in accord concern
ing the origin of this particular type of dog, that is it is of Siberian origin, r nd
they all agree that he is a deeeendent of the wolf.
Husky. (A corruption of Eskimo). An Eskimo; also the Eskimo language; also
an Eskimo dog. (Century). This animal appears to be the wolf domesticated. Those
interested in the fine distinctions between these two dogs should read an article
in the November issue of The Field and Stream entitled "Malamute, Husky or wolf".
Overflow. Water flowing over the top of ice.
Klootchman. (Chinook jargon; Nootka tlotama, woman) A wonan particularly
an Indian woman. (Century).
Potlatch* An Indian word meaning a gift. Also it is an Indian feast often
lasting several days, given to the tribe by a member who aspires to a position of
honor, and whose reputation is estimated by the number and value of the gifts given
away at the feast. At some of these celebrations a native will give away all his
possessions. This custom among the Indians of giving great feasts is really in vogue
among white. people • Some one will give a great party or dinner, and then someone
else will have one and try to excel the other in brilliancy and cost.
Pemraican. (Cree pimmikkan, a bag of grease and pounded meat). Originally, a
preparation made by the North American Indians, consisting of the lean parts of
venison, dried by the sun or wind, and then pounded into paste, with melted fat,
and tightly pressed into cakes, a few service berries being sometimes added to im
prove the flavor. It is now made of beef, especially for use in arctic expeditions
being an easily preserved food, which keeps for a long time and contains the largest
amount of nutriment in the smallest space. Pemmican is similar in character to the
tassago of South America and the biltong of southern Africa.
MISCELLANEOUS FIGURES.
The number of Post children together with those who live in Haines but whose
parents are members of the Post total 37.
4000 acres of forest are required for the daily consumption of American newsparu
It costs Uncle Sam 1.7 cents to print a paper bill and 1 cent to stamp a silver
dollar. — There are 109,269 Japanese in Hawaiin population of 255,912,