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Show V V i' ' ' ;A peal or the big bell In the steeple atnounces that tbe doors are open toi those1 aho have been waiting in thel drk, and the pews fill rapialy. So do the aisles and every hit of available space Members of the congregation Luca Della Ribtia an Singing efen camp on be stairs leading to the ortr.ia pflpit and fill the pntor's room in the lor I3u)b' wascsrtl nrver risked In port-- t l..ri, but i The alt-icovered with flow-eion It is row on the wall of the rpar. Ea-tone old T acd azaleas, pro, pains row gallery of art. In Flitrvitw, aid the odor ot lilies hangs heavy in lt.ly ) tje big rectangular auditorium as the cowd awaits in wiionco the coming of In the (treat hall, once n prison. Carved in marble wnite and pure. mDiMers. Stand these ch Mere a vision shnll endure. (Outside stand in an orderly mass That through In the shadow sau.t and altar tie disappointed ones who came too az retreat. From the careless Idte to g'.ln admittance. But these singers never falter. At length Shut from out the noisy street. tlj three joung ministers, dressed in black, mour t the platform, the Sing, tdng on your exutatlon, In the old Bargello rholr old rich organ burst out in some Far and wide yout congregation cjlssic melody. Then tbe service be- Clash your cymbals str.ke the lyre. for Christ Is ilsen. Sing Chant the angelic roundelay. ;The minister with outstretched rraa Bing Where once v.aa darkest prison. Death and sorrow flee away. motions the congregation to its feet Bols. Du Gussle Packard fThe Lord is risen, he chants with V-V-v- - - li. .av'JK S- nr -- s v w r s, er te In every av the orM has known Some hard felt moitdio Earth pean over winter Rone,aing Her welcome to l.ie The mysteries of the Easter-thougTo all manaind belong. No tlne the peifeet light bath brought. y ht No race the final song Tet art thou blessed, Palestine, Among the land of earth1 For thee a holy light did shine, A glorious aong find birth He Is the worlds, that martyr-sou- l. Divine aa heroes are' A beacon, when death's waves shall rotk The Galilean s star! We deem not that the flesh o'ercamo The grave s obscurity . We trust the soul's immortal flame Hath touched on deity. W will not hall the Christ alone, tje The solitary way; Cod doth a thousand prophets own This happy Easter day n We feel their power Around us and above. We learn fiom springtime bird and flower The truths of lae and love. One with the Christ who oonquereth. One In the hope they bring. Ore in their victory over death. The first wild flowers of spring. with the Cmar-flowln- si-- clastic source. -- It is music which, from it complexify, would he imposdhle for any other congregation but the Moravians havbeen brought up on it. Even the children In the Sunday school have mastered sacred music adapted from Bethlehem, Penosyl vania's little Moravian city, swarms with visitors Easter Sunday. Some of the visitors are themselves Moothers are at-bravians, traded curiosity, but all arc drawn there to witness or take part in an Easter service unlike any other in the laud. The place of worship is a massive structure situated at the top of a hill, in a commanding position, looming up majestically before one who climbs. toward it tip one of the steep little bills, of which there are many In Bethlehem. Architecturally it w simple, vyltb its plain sides and wide approaches, but there is an air of stability about it and its round, cupolalike steeple seems to dominate the city around it The church is old, but the customs and observances followed by Its congregation are far older. They came from the old country with the first founders of. Bethlehem, havtng been handed down from generation to generation with but little alteration and have become hallowed 'by tradition. Such is the Easter service which fill th church at daybreak every year and leaves thousands, crowded out through lack of accommodations, standing in la the streets outrespectful silence ' side. - To outsiders this Easter service ia quajnt and, in war, dramatic, but it is not intended to be so. The Moravians are simply following an old custom, as their forefathers did and as Moravians in Europe still da The traditional Easter service begins in the church at daybreak and ia the Same, never varying year after year. It would inspire an unbeliever, but to the Moravian it is doubly impressive because every day during Holy week services have been held In the church preparatory to the Easter observance. At 3 o'clock In the morning, before a sign of dawn has appeared behind the hills over beyond South Bethlehem, alx or eight men gather on a corOld sines! Then, sing we, for all nature Sing Christ, and bird, and flower! with world for the gladness ring Sing! And life and love have power! Alexander F. Chamberlain, In the Open Court. y The Easter Egg How It Came to Be the Symbol of the Resurrection residences they are presented with Easter eggs. In smaller towns ana villages it Is the custom for the school children to walk In long processions through the streets, singing the Easter choral, and when they return to the schoolhcuse they are presented with scords of eggs, which the Inhabitants of the place have sent for them in a big basket. Very often when these children pass houses, people come out and join them in, the chorus. It is a fashion that all ministers, especially those in the country places, are presented with many eggs by the members of their " .congregations. These eggs are then given away again by the clergymen to the poor people of the parish: Bat the greatest festival for children In Germany is the Eiersuchen (seeking for eggs) on Easter morning after church service. It can be said as a fact that there la no family in the whole of Germany where this Eiersuchen does not take place if there are children in tbe home. The eggs are all hard boiled, and colored in bright colors. If the weather is good, tbe mothers hide dozens and dozens of these eggs, putting them in different places in the grass, In bushes and flowers In tbe garden. If the weather is bad, the parlor ia used for the Eiersuchen. It is one of German childrens greatest pleasures to find these eggs, and each one found is welcomed with a loud hurrah. Very often there are added egga . made of candy and chocolate, For "grown-u- p .young folka, also, egg parties are given, at which "Eiersuchen takes place. Then girls and orruptlbtTTty, boys exchange their eggs they have In accordance with the traditions found, making love to each other. of the Persians, the world was hatched from one egg in the begin Observances During Lent illtig. at the season of the year which are many old custom of givTheer vorresponds with the yernal equinox, for which reason eggs are popularly ing or scattering money or bread and cake at some time during Lent. In presented a New Year gifts by the some places on Palm Sunday cakes It was from this modern . Persians. the steeples of parish custom that the northern nations were cast came to regard the' paschal eggs as churches to he scrambled for by small emblematical of creation,' or the re- boys, to the amusement of the bycreation of spring at the vernal standers. Says an old writer: "Then cakes must be caste out of the steeple, equinox. that alt the ,boyg In the parish must the When Christianity usurped lie scrambling together by the earea, the of pagan rites and observances W the parish falleth a tyl inlaughing." Saxons, the paschal eggs were Vlil ordered that the carryHenry namenew a with vested significance, ing of palms should net be discontinly, that of the resurrection of Christ. ued ,,but this was soon left to 'peoThese eggs were at first colored red, aa a voluntary service, and only ple the shed blood for to the allusion jnsalvation of men. the more or less secular customs connected with it were continued. Young custom Easter-egthe .Gradually people in certain parts of England world over the has become universal even to on the gtf thlady Millions of people eat their Eastef before Palm Saturday and in celeSuuday, festival on this great day, egga certain rural churches of England brated in remembrance .of resurrecslips of the willow branches with the tion, hut only a very few are acquaint- willow buds, which the American child The custom. the of ed with the origin calls "pusriee (pusses), are stuck up. eggs are not now painted red only, but they are dyed all possible bright Easter Sunday. Colors. Also, mottoes are written The popular understanding of thd .on the sheila. In European countries .hundreds of artists are occupied pre- determination of Easter is that It it shells for isle. the first Sunday after the first full paring Easter-eg- g These shells show on their outside moon after the vernal equinox. This, .paintings of landscapes, figures and although the theory, must be taken even portraits. Imitation eggs are with" modification in actual practice, fixes now manufactured, which are to be because ecclesiastical dictum opened, and which lovers present to the vernal equinox Invariably on the each other, having made them more 21st of March, though this may not tc. be the astronomical fact; because the precious by putting in jewelry, And when a couple is emarried at full moon Is fixed at the 14th day and Eastertide,-iGermany, the wedding because the beginning of the Paschal rings are presented in the sheila of moon is determined by the table of epacts, which only approximate the Easter egga. In most of the German cities bands facLfc. Usually the astronomical and of musicians walk through the streets ecclesiastical calculations sgree suffthe "Easter iciently that the day Is the stme, but perform! u When they stop In front of the contrary has happened. music. Ever since tbe time of tlie ancient Egyptians eggs have been regarded This eas the symbols of idea originated among the subjects of the Pharaohs, from their close observance of the habits of the scarabs, or sacred beetle, which buried its hall in" the grave it had made for itself, in the hope, as they thought, of a speedy resurrection, it never occurred them that the pellets contained , to eggs, which in the fullness of time were brought to maturity by the , warmth of the un. When the in-- ' sect appeared once more among them, they were contented to believe it was the original one they had seen bury itself in the same spot, now brought to life again by the sun god. So the beetle was reverenced by them as a sacred thing, because it gave them hope of a similar resurrection of their mummified bodies. Among the ancient Egyptians every soldier was compelled to wear a ring, upon which a scarab, or sacred beetle, was engraved. Thp object of this was to make him valorous In battle, the scarab being the symbol of regeneration or resurrection. By the Jews the egg was looked : upon as a symbol of the duration of the human race, and of their succesIt entered into all sive generations. the mysterious ceremonies called apocalyptic,' and occupied a prominent position on the household table during the paschal season. Tbe only food laid before mourners on Returning to the home aftera funeral con'"eggs 'nd salt, sisted of (hard-bolle- the symbols of regeneration and in . d Cjlx. k a song, that swayed U aechoed in (he ir A murmur from a holy maid Who blent it with her prayer; She crooned shove the surges low A melody so pure . That while the ages come and go It ever hn endure. ... he 13y tf flThe waxen Momom. angel white. Are as the faith of her Who bossed her head ia sorrow's night, A humble worshiper. The golden gUrt the chalice shows Is but a little part Of 11 the trust sublime that glows Within the mother heart. The - , The glory oi each tender hoe Its gold, and white, and green-- " Is as tbe love that rues hue. An perfect and serene. Tbe li'y is song, made up Oi prayers, smites, and tear It And hcfjds deep ia its gketMug cup The worship of the 1 j ' be lay b a song That live Forever and for aye. Acd by its beauty beads and give A blessing to the day. A stately wine a kingly i A sang that shall endure I Theugh aU the years aod ages tong The aortg oi hope mark suit. j - ministers follow with readings Lltary of the Moravians The Child and the Organist Bald the Child, turning on tbe Organist two grave eye looking disproportionately targe In hla small, pale face: "Please, do you need any new choir boys? A certain paiho in the cbildlsu face touched the Organist's heart, but the Irritation of a long, tedloua choir practice had not altogether subsided, and there was a touch of it in his voice as he replied: J; No, bo! We're rushed to death v t iv 4 rZ f with Easter work. Cant be bothered with a new boy. Anyhow, you're too T. young. Slowly,, without a word the Child turned away from tbe big organ. As he wet down tbe long aisle the choir master noticed teat he wa slightly f Th Trombones In th Belfry, crippled. Hi, quick ear caught tbe t hick is also a creed, and part of it sound of a smothered sob. Come back, boy, he caUed. "Ill re chanted by tbe choir. Two ruorp try "your voice, now you re here. II hymns and the congregation leaves th you when we Church. Tbe organ gives forth more It suits. Ill remember need new voices. . glorious music as the ministers and The Child came back, tbe hot. blood liusiclana take the bead of the procession that has formed and then atari surging over his face, and stood with eyea while the Organist ran ip the hill to the burying ground expectant where the remainder of the service la bis finger over the key. "Here, take this note, he 'said In a held. second. , ,, , The crowd which ha been 'handing Child took the it Ay with a exactly, patiently outside the church, joins In the procession and moves silently In full, rich tone, he looked- at him quickNow strike this," he said, runly. the gray light of dawn. ning bis finger up and down the scale, The Moravians believe that no man's "and this. memory should be exalted above an.. Tce Organlst made no comment, buf other' by the ' surroundings df his' he asked eagerly; "Can you aing a grave, since all men are equal In the for instance? hymn, the sight of God. So there are no "Father taught me Rock of Age high monuments lp the cemetery; only . will that aor plain rectangular stones laid flat on head tbe bent listenWith Organist the graves, which are low and In very ed to the tiny singer until the last straight rows. In the center of the graveyard stand note was reached; then, throwing hla be exclaimed excitthe clergymen near them are the choir arm round him, edly: and the trombone players, and in a "Why, your voice Is perfect Harry hollow square around them stand nearone of the choir boya ia alck; Grant, ly 4,000 persona. There the htany is you can have bia o!o on Easter completed, and hymns are sting again. morning! "And keep ns in everlasting fellow' Not unnaturally, there wa a puaxled ship with those of our brethren and sisters who, since last Easter day, hav entered into the joy of their lord, and . with the - whole Church Triumphant let us rest together In Thy presence from our labors, chnts the ' minister. Another-hymand the benediction, an4 the early morning service Is ..I II , n -- over. Such ia the observance which tbe Moravians have followed for, more than a century. time-honore- ' Easter - Bethlehem Moravian Church. child, or by still another that of a married woman; but on Easter Sunday their innes, for the only time in the tcgr. are raised in gladness.- - Then in window after window gbts appear, people begin to appear on the streets, climbing up toward the ehurch from the South Bethlehem side or walking riownjrora the went' They appear early.1 If they are wise, for past experience shows that though' the church seals I.SflO and allow J.fiop 4o he crowded within its doors, three time that number will stand outside unable to pet Jn when the service begin t 6 o'rlnek -- picked a - sheet up from a pile of music and handed It to the Child. "Well pay you well for this," he added, "arid after Easter engage' you - permanently." Said the Child with solemn gaze fixed upon him: 1 wouldn't like to take money for singing. Mother said the other day that perhaps if I could sing In church on Easter God would let the angels . carry the aong to father "Your father" began the Organist, f - - softly. I dead, air, finished the Chili, rJ the teare rushing to hla eyes. "That' y why I had to come here by my- aelt And youll let me sing without t . money? "My dear boy." the Organist said, , drawing him toward him, you can give your services If you wish; but would It be wise? All the boys are paid; its tbe way many of them get tbelr clothe, isn't there something you want money for? "Lets," answered thq Child wletful But most of I. I want a song to ly. go to fether. The Child was duly entered as a chorister on the choirmaster' book. and opposite his name were written the words, "Services free." The other boys liked the little fek low. In spite of being a cripple, or perhaps because of It, he was brave and good tempered. They never dreamed of Inflicting on him the trick generally tried on newcomer. Even the' roughest boy there would . have been the ehin-.pioof "the little chorister -- as they callej him. had there been occasion. , Well, Easter came at last. The Child was too excited to eat any break-fa-and ho started for church early. It a as a bitter disappointment to him tbit his mother was ill and unable to go with him. It seemed to him that the time before service would- never pass. He felt ill, weak. IIU head hurt The boye were beginning to robe; so he, too, slipped the whit cotta over hla head and stood with the rest The choristers reached their stalls, and the service began a long aervlce, and a long eeruon. Mora than once the Childs golden head nodded. He bad only a confused Idea of the marble altar, bright with it myriad of can- dies and exquisita with Itt multitude of flowers.' Somehow it all formed , i part of a distant a very distant picture. Had It not been for the Organist the Child could never have held out Often to-da- from the - -- n I Badt ner near the church bearing trombones, and a' moment later the Instruments blare a joyous chorus announcing that Easter is dawning. Their notes arouse in the. neighborhood. The musician go tor another corner and 11181- again, so on through the city they mark the beginning of the days observance. .The music of the trombones is familiar to dwellers In Bethlehem. By their notes have the deaths of Moravians been told to the city from tbe belfry of the church. Usually their music Is that df sadness, as by one air they announce tbe death of an old man, by another hymn tbe passing of a te g I x Moravians One with the sermon ora the mount The birds' sweet melody, g from the eternal fount Of God's own charity. d? choir. "The I ord is risen. Indeed! answer te congregation. Then follows a hymn, the music of wtich Is pvriais hv Handel5 perhaps b Bach a choir and a 'selected corus, trailed and familiar with the incate n.une lead the singing and many of he members of the congrega-tlpjoin In. and the tmnUoncs help opt with the'r chcius. Phe nid'- - is most Impressive and iyrfrato C-- miorent German love fpr it v h ! is ore of the characterise ties of the Voimin 'Congregation. Tey love tie .v .rhs of the old mas-t4rNone if she lighter rhythmic hynrrs icnr.es them, and the music to which the g verses of praise is, in most cates, afaj ted from some ala daring the next two weeks I know you can manage this anthem." H In the Tyrol- - Unique In Character arid remote from the magnificence of religious demonstration. Is the apeient and custom which still, prevails In the village of the Tyfo! mountain. in their national costume of and garment hats, trimmed with fresh, living flowers, on this occasion the Swiss peasant begin at nn eariy hour op Easter morning to go about the lane and highways and through the neighboring town, singing tbe old Easier anthems, to the accompaniment of tbetr guitars. They liflger outside tbe homes of the people In a ort of er-- c iade, and the inmates come out to the doors and join them in singing the choruses. They are welcomed and treated -- with - hospitality everywhere ud continue on their gentle Journeying until far into the night, when they are accompanied by broad-brimme- d -- Do' you need any new choir boy?" expression in the Child's face; he did not understand the choirmasters joy. But. above all. there was a delighted expression. may I "Really he half breathed really sin In your choir? Ah, I should think so!" assured the Organist vehemently, laying bit hand on the golden head. "You'll he a great addition to the choir, my boy. And If yon Pome regularly to robeare-- r Her marvelous voice rang out the man glanced from his seat at the organ toward the Child, and always the look brought encouragement with it At last came the offertory, Softly and low the organ gave out tbe prelude. Then n voice broke on tbe hush of the vast church a childs voice, sweet and distinct: "O TVathf where tv thy utlngT O Grave wner t thy victory?" Breathlessly the congregation listen-- ' fid. The tittle chorister stood with Uplifted head, a deathlike paleness on vay of sunlight-fro- m hi, face,- - while one window illumined the high yellow his pure brow and beautiful hair. Now came the Interlude. A horrible faintness blinded him. In a moment tbe interlude would be over, and he must sing the second part of the anthem. "Dear God," be whispered, pull- ing himself together, '"help me t sing." Again the marveioug roice rang out; on th carved on, on, floating"'-ou- t arches, where the , marble angel touched their silent harps to the groined root Ah! who knows how .much further on it floated? Perhaps even to the blue vault ovur all, where , the living angels dwell. Many head were bowed many eye wet One mother aobbed aloud. More than one heart in that fashionable, worldly congregation was softened and raised to higher things by that childish voice singing the note of triumph over the grave and death. A silence followed. With the solemn word. --"LeturpTay, tbe- - congrcga tion dropped omits knees. When th organ played the recessional hymn they could not rouse the Child to march out with them. The Util chorister was dead. 1 -- , Old English Customs. The strangest of ancient English customs were those of lifting or heaving ijhich the women did one day., Easter Monday, and then men on th next And strangely enough it was supposed to represent the resurrection. In the heaving a chair wa used, sometimes elaborately decorated, and the victim was raised above tbe beads of those lifting. In the lifting the man or woman was seized by the legs and arms and lifted up vertically. So tar were these tit for tat., performances carried that It is said that men used to whip their wives oa Easter Sunday and the wives returned the compliment on Monday. |