20. Another important person was the master of ceremonies and planner of mischief for the evening, who went by which name?
From Quiz On the Twelfth Day of Christmas
Answer:
The Lord of Misrule
"First of all, the wilde heades of the parish flocking togither, chuse them a graund captaine of mischiefe, whom they innoble with the title of Lord of Misrule; and him they crowne with great solemnity, and adopt for their king. ... This done, they tie aboute either legge twentie or fourtie belles, with riche handkerchiefes in their handes, and sometimes laide acrosse over their shoulders and neckes, borrowed, for the most part, of their pretie mopsies and loving Bessies. Thus all thinges set in order, then have they their hobby horses, their dragons, and other antiques, together with their baudie pipers, and thundring drummers, to strike up the devil's daunce with all." (Source : "The Anatomy of Abuses" by Philip Stubbs, 1586)
Note the references to pipers and drummers who are, of course, found at the end of the traditional song, "The Twelve Days of Christmas". The Lord was appointed either for the day of Twelfth Night or for the twelve days of Christmas, or in an older custom, for the entire period from All Saints Day (November 1st) to Twelfth Night. His alternative titles include Abbot of Unreason, Prince des Sots and Christmas Prince.