By Karen L. Hayden
Settling into winter quarters doesnât mean you have to give up this crazy hobby. In fact, many people see it as an excuse for some extra fun. If you can gather a few of them together, youâve got a jolly revel.
For the few deprived souls who may not have actually read anything written by Beth Gilgun, you missed a real treat with her current article, âWinter Holidays,â in Muzzleloader (Nov./Dec. 1996). Beth has taken the opportunity to share her research on holiday celebration and tradition.
Thanksgiving was number one in New England from the 1750s. Part of the dayâs festivities included turkey shoots, childrenâs games, and frolicks. This holiday was really a âharvest feastâ â not tied to religion and carried over from England. Since the growing season is longer down south, this tradition was left behind.
Since Puritans who âdeclared Christmas a day of penance, not feastingâ in 1647 settled New England, their thoughts on âcelebratingâ Christmas dominated. Massachusetts was actually forced to rescind its anti-Christmas law in 1681, but things changed slowly. It wasnât until the 19th Century that New Englanders embraced the holiday.
Anglicans, Roman Catholics, and Dutch Reformists who settled in the middle and southern colonies brought Christmas with them. Some other religious groups ignored it. Apparently at Colonel William Fitzhughâs house near Fredericksburg, VA, they did not. According to a guest in 1680, there were âthree fiddlers, a jester, a tight-rope walker, and an acrobat who tumbled aroundâ (Frost). Other wealthy people celebrated with balls and fox hunts.
The Catholics by far had the best celebration, according to Peter Kalm. In 1750, he describes the papist services. âThree sermons were preached there, and that which contributed most to the splendor of the ceremony was the beautiful music heard today.â He also describes the English and Quaker observances. Beth covers emerging traditions such as Christmas trees and gift giving in her article.
If you canât get your hands on Muzzleloader, you can always pull out your copy of Tidings from the 18th Century. (What? You donât have one? Perhaps you should sit on Father Christmasâs lap and suitable, humbly, ask for one if youâve been good this year!) The article, âA Party in Winter,â describes all the preparations for a feast for 45 people! Between their guests dressed in appropriate attire and their cooking fireplace and oven, the Gilguns were really able to capture the spirit of an 18th Century revel.
Another thing adding to the atmosphere is music. The Gilguns were fortunate enough to have R. P. Hale attend with instruments (including harpsichord) in tow. Sometimes, we are lucky enough to have our wonderful musician friends to play for us, but even if we donât, we can still find appropriate music â on tapes or CDs. Weâve found just playing it in the background adds to the mood.
Holiday music played on authentic instruments is a real treat. It can transport you into the past â into that romantic ideal we have for what Christmas should be. One of my favorites is âNew England Christmastide.â It was produced by North Star Records, Inc. (1-800-346-2706). Some of the carols on this recording are songs that you wonât find anywhere else, like âHerrickâs Carol,â âGreen Groweth the Holly,â and âMy Dancing Day.â The last one features hurdy-gurdy and makes you want to get up and dance!
Another one to get you into the spirit is âSing We All Merrily â A Colonial Christmasâ by Linda Russell & Company. This album has been around since 1986, and if you canât find it anywhere, check with Flying Fish Records, Chicago, IL, for the nearest distributor. Linda harmonizes with some other artists accapella on âAll You That Are Good Fellows,â a light-hearted romp in comparison to the more somber âThe Old Year Now Away Is Fled,â sung to the tune of âGreensleeves.â âThe Cherry Tree Carolâ is one of the most imaginative looks into the relationship between Mary and Joseph. When Mary tells Joseph she is with child, he reacts with anger until a small miracle convinces him to accept the news. Not your everyday common âJingle Bellsâ!
If you want something magical, there is âCrystal Carolsâ played on the glass armonica by Dean Shostak. This instrument was invented in 1761 by Ben Franklin. There is something about âAve Mariaâ played in this fashion that sends chills down my spine. Dean is joined by a pianist and harpist on some pieces. Other featured pieces are âGreensleeves,â âCarol of the Bells,â and âSilent Night.â This recording is available by writing to Dean Shostak at P.O. Box 465, Williamsburg, VA 23187 or perhaps at your favorite sutler.
The holidays are my favorite time of year. I hope that you had a great time with your family â blood and re-enactor!