THE WEST SHORE.
December, 1879
356
ting New Year's day easily found access
into all the civilized nations of Europe.
Although the papal authorities took a
vigorous stand against it, the festival
has continued to grow in favor and
popularity, and now, this anniver
sary, throughout England and most
of the continental states as well as
in America, has become a fixed institu
tion, firmly rooted and grounded in the
hearts and affections of the people. The
custom of bestowing and exchanging
gifts on this dav is likewise peculiar to
the Romans, and when Ji (sn
invaded Hritain, the practice was car
ried over there along with many other
cherished heir-looms and took firm hold
in the character of the new composite
race that was destined to arise. This
fact is abundantly attested in the his
tory of the early sovereigns of Eng
land. It is said of Henry III., that he
went so far as to extort large sumi of
monev from flip million..;-... -
realm on this day. Certain it is that the
greater portion of Queen Elizabeth's
wardrobe and jewels was made up of
New Year's gifts; and so late as 1692,
the King of England was accustomed
to receive a purse of gold on each recur
ring New Year's morning. Noble la
dies, too, received as presents, from their
courtly admirers, elaborately embroid-
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SNOQCALM1E FALLS, W. T. Vh.Mo by Carl Miuimtr