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Show Christinas Superstitions I in Homes of Our Allies 1 -r' OF the new world and .' t'le modern customs are al- , f ways deeply interested in j 4iV-'5 -Vii' au-r quaint beliefs or un-1 un-1 r usual mannerisms of the countries across the ocean. Particularly have the habits of Eng land and France held us; the former because she is our mother country, the latter because of the unquenchable dear memory of Lafayette, and more recently because of that same spirit so gloriously upheld today by France's noble sons. And this holiday time finds us with our eyes turned thitherward thither-ward for a more poignant reason for there aren't many homes who cannot claim a father, a son or a brother "over there." And it is well to know some of the homely, sweet little superstitions which prevail among the people of our allies. In England and in Scotland the saying say-ing goes that it is unlucky for anybody but a brunette to'first cross the threshold thresh-old on Christmas morning. To bake bread on Christmas day is praiseworthy, and loaves baked then will never grow moldy. In these times of scarcity of flour, the poor loaves do not stand half a chance to mold ! Woe to the housewife who on this day turns a mattress. It bodes 111 luck for the whole year. A superstition which had its origin in Devonshire tells us that It is bad form and ill luck indeed not to wish the bees good murning and the compliments compli-ments of "the season. On Christmas eve the hives are decorated with springs of green and a bit of red ribbon. 'Tis also said that bees sing all night on Christmas eve. But bees are rather perpetual singers, anyway. The graceful traditions prevail, in northern England and Wales, that the birds and beasts have some mystic connection with the Nativity. Hence, the farmers and landowners purchase sheaves of oats from little boys who sell them as our boys sell holly. These bundles are placed In convenient high places In trees and fences, that the birds may partake. The cattle, sheep, goats, and even the pigs, are all given double the amount of feedings on Christmas morning. In Lyons, France, at the Foundling hospital, a very pretty custom Is to welcome the first baby that arrives with special honors a beribboned cradle, padded basket, soft clothing. Solicitude and a bestowal of gifts, and careful attention. This Is dune in expiation ex-piation of tbe poor w. "ome given to a Wee Child of P.ethleh.-m 20 centuries ago, and a beautiful thought it Is. In some provinces in France It Is considered bad luck to cross a strange threshold on Christmas day. |