CELEBRATIONS IN ITALY.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 56, Issue 64, 27 December 1935, Page 5

CELEBRATIONS IN ITALY.

THE POPE’S BUSY DAY. NEW YORK, December 25. The Rome correspondent of the “New York Times” says that sanctions, war privations, and anxieties were forgotten by Italians to-day as they celebrated Christmas in the good old style of Italian tradition. Some families, to be sure, passed a tragic Christmas because of bereavements in Eritrea, and an unusually large number of people were praying in the churches. The feeling that great, and possibly decisive, events are imminent, is weighing on the land. , . One noted omission from the festivities this year was the Christmas tree, which in recent years, especially with the fashion set by the Qqeen, had become popular. This year it was stamped by the Fascist party as un-Italian. The Pope, instead of passing the day in rest and relaxation, was even busier than nprmally, granting audiences to diplomatic representatives " r and other prominent personages. Signor Mussolini for once did not go to his office in the Palazzo Venezia, but spent the day in his family circle at home. The King and Que.en celebrated the holiday at their country estate of San Rossore. News from Asmara told, of a quiet day without much celebration. Masses were said in all camps. The Duke of Spoleto, who arrived at Asmara yesterday, took command of the Red Sea light naval units.