Page:Vol 6 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/617

Rh Then there were ascension day, Whitsunday or pentecost, and corpus christi. The virgin de los Remedios and the virgin de Guadalupe have always been objects of the highest regard, and gorgeous ceremonies have been dedicated to them by all classes. Unfortunately, these feasts were made occasions for speculation by both the clergy and laymen in the sale of images, and for excesses, drinking, and gambling especially. The fact is, that so much devoutness, so much time devoted to religious festivals and ceremonies, did not appear to have a beneficial effect on the masses, not over-virtuous at best, and still less so when the occasions for the public indulging of vice came round. Christmas eve has been every year made much of by all classes: by the educated with attendance in church, and suppers at their homes; by the lower classes with debauchery, winked at by the authorities at times, and not infrequent crime. The government has in late years made great efforts to check all such excesses. Christmas is in Mexico, as it is in almost every Christian country, a day of universal rejoicing, giving and receiving of presents, and family reunions. In connection with it, the people have a custom of commemorating at their homes during nine consecutive nights, under the name of las posadas, Mary's eight days' journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem. The feast of all saints and the commemoration of all souls are also observed with appropriate devotion as well as honors.

To the festivals above named, we must add the patron saints of the nation, states, and towns, of high officials or public benefactors, and of members of families. It will thus be seen that the Mexicans have never lacked for opportunities to devote their time and earnings to the church.