“ The Romans also made this a holiday, and dedicated it to Janus with rich and numerous sacrifices; the newly elected magistrates entered upon their duties on this day; the people made each other presents of gilt dates, figs, and plums; and even the emperors received from their subjects New Year's gifts, which at a later period it became compulsory to bestow. From the Romans the custom of making presents on New Year's Day was borrowed by the Christians, by whom it was long retained; but even in those countries where it has lingered longest, it is falling rapidly into desuetude. ”