|
|
|
Structure
Interesting Questions, Facts and Information
- There are a total of 20 general entries.
Special Topics
|
 Interesting Questions, Facts, and Information
 Twelve Days of Christmas
| Candlemas is the Festival of Lights and a time when people are hoping for the return of spring and sunshine. In Greek mythology, this fertility goddess was abducted by Hades and taken to the Underworld. Her mother searched the world with the goddess Hecate, both bearing torches. Her return brought light and fertility back to the Earth. By what name is she known in the Greek pantheon?
| Last Guild Day of Christmas - Candlemas
|
Persephone. Persephone and her mother Demeter are fertility goddesses. Persephone is quite often pictured holding a sheaf of grain and a flaming torch. She was abducted by Hades and taken to the Underworld. Because she had eaten several pomegranate seeds, she was required to spend one season every year with Hades and the rest of the year on Earth. Because she was a fertility goddess, the time she spent in the Underworld was reflected in the changing of the seasons to winter, and spring signified her return.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Socalmiguel authored all the odd questions in this Candlemas quiz (perhaps because he's even more odd than I am?) *teehee*
SilverMoonsong authored all the even questions (because they were the only ones left). ;)
We hope you've enjoyed all of these Guild Christmas Quizzes as much as we have enjoyed creating them for you!
Robert Herrick. Robert Herrick (1591-1674) is identified as one of the "Sons of Ben" or "Cavalier" poets of 17th century England.
His light-hearted poetry about ordinary life stood in stark contrast to that of the "Metaphysical" poets of the era whose heavy-handed gloom manifested their puritanical zeal. His three poems dedicated to the Candlemas celebration follow below.
CEREMONY UPON CANDLEMAS EVE
Down with the rosemary, and so
Down with the bays and mistletoe;
Down with the holly, ivy, all
Wherewith ye dress'd the Christmas hall;
That so the superstitious find
No one least branch there left behind;
For look, how many leaves there be
Neglected there, maids, trust to me,
So many goblins you shall see.
CEREMONIES FOR CANDLEMAS EVE
Down with the rosemary and bays,
Down with the misletoe;
Instead of holly, now up-raise
The greener box, for show.
The holly hitherto did sway;
Let box now domineer,
Until the dancing Easter-day,
Or Easter's eve appear.
Then youthful box, which now hath grace
Your houses to renew,
Grown old, surrender must his place
Unto the crisped yew.
When yew is out, then birch comes in,
And many flowers beside,
Both of a fresh and fragrant kin,
To honour Whitsuntide.
Green rushes then, and sweetest bents,
With cooler oaken boughs,
Come in for comely ornaments,
To re-adorn the house.
Thus times do shift; each thing his turn does hold;
New things succeed, as former things grow old.
THE CEREMONIES FOR CANDLEMAS DAY
Kindle the Christmas brand, and then
Till sunset let it burn;
Which quench'd, then lay it up again,
Till Christmas next return.
Part must be kept, wherewith to teend
The Christmas log next year;
And where 'tis safely kept, the fiend
Can do no mischief there.
| In the United States, there is a well-known ceremony that takes place in Pennsylvania every year on February 2. A small animal will come out of his home and if he sees his shadow, he will scurry back inside which means another 6 weeks of winter. If he does not see his shadow, then spring will come early. What is the name of this animal?
| Last Guild Day of Christmas - Candlemas
|
Punxsutawney Phil. Punxsutawney Phil has been predicting the weather on Groundhog Day since 1887. He makes his annual appearance from his temporary home on Gobbler's Knob, which is about 2 miles outside of town. When he isn't making his prediction, he lives in the town library with his 'wife' Phyllis.
The Susquehanna River is the longest river in the northeastern US. It runs through Selinsgrove, PA, where Susquehanna University (my alma mater) is located.
Monongahela Township is a small town in southwestern Pennsylvania. The Monongahela River meets the Allegheny River in Pittsburgh and forms the Ohio River. This is where Three Rivers Stadium used to stand, former home of the Pittsburgh Steelers (NFL) and the Pittsburgh Pirates (MLB).
| The hallmark of Candlemas was the blessing and distribution of candles for use by Christian worshippers. The candles were put to immediate use on February 3rd in the ritual "blessing of throats" to protect against diseases of or injury to the neck and throat. Which Christian saint was commemorated on February 3rd?
| Last Guild Day of Christmas - Candlemas
|
St. Blaise. The legends surrounding the Christian St. Blaise portray his martyrdom in the 5th century with the instruments of his death, iron carding combs. Given the circumstances surrounding the legends of the Imbolc goddess Brigid and the Christian saint Brigid, the fact that Blaise is considered the patron saint of wool combers offers yet another indication that the Candlemas celebration and its propagation was the result of a hybridization of pagan and Christian cultures.
| As with most holidays, Candlemas is associated with a particular food. Since Candlemas is the Festival of Lights, this food was chosen because of its resemblance to the sun. What is this yummy 'golden disk?'
| Last Guild Day of Christmas - Candlemas
|
Pancakes. There are many traditions to do with pancakes - how to make them, how to cook them, how to flip it in the pan, etc.
http://www.theworldwidegourmet.com/traditions/candlemas/
Here's a recipe for some American style Buttermilk and Pecan Pancakes:
Flavors of the USA
Total time: 15 to 30 minutes
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: A few minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Chef's Note
American-style pancakes are served very hot with maple syrup and a knob of butter. Depending on the region, a few drops of vanilla may be added.
Hint: Roll the pecans in flour to prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the batter.
Ingredients
- 500 ml (2 cups) flour
- 250 ml (1 cup) buttermilk
- 65 ml (1/4 cup) sugar
- 125 ml (1/2 cup) pecans or walnuts
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 tsp. salt (very important)
- 3 tsp. baking powder
- Vegetable oil
- Butter
- Brown sugar
Method
-Place the flour in a bowl; toss 65 ml (1/4 c.) of the pecans in the flour; add the sugar, salt and baking powder; add in the liquid ingredients and stir; do not whisk the mixture;
-oil a large cast iron skillet or crêpe pan; heat it; off the heat, pour in half a ladle of the batter, immediately tilting the pan with your other hand to spread the batter evenly;
-return to the heat and cook; once the edges begin to colour and you see small bubbles appearing all over the surface, flip the pancake;
-cook for a few moments on the other side and slide onto a plate. Keep warm until all the pancakes are cooked;
-meanwhile, sauté the remaining pecans in a skillet with a little butter;
-serve hot with butter and pecans and sprinkled with brown sugar.
http://www.theworldwidegourmet.com/recipes/buttermilk-pecan-pancakes/
| Prior to the 11th century, there existed no specific "rite" or "ritual" for the blessing of candles for use by individual Christian worshippers. In the British Isles, what pagan festival may have greatly influenced the development of a new rite (the blessing of candles), centerpiece of the Candlemas observance?
| Last Guild Day of Christmas - Candlemas
|
Imbolc. The Sabbat festival Imbolc was celebrated in pre-Christian Celtic communities in the beginning of February at the point of mid-winter and in anticipation of the coming spring. The pagan goddess Brigid associated with Imbolc was manifested in sacred flame, water wells and springs, lambs, ewes and hibernating animals. From the Christian traditions, there also existed a saint named Brigid whose memorial is venerated on February 1.
The cross-cultural pagan and Christian ephemerization of the two Brigids with the much earlier observance of "The Presentation of Jesus at the Temple" may have gradually evolved from the 5th century into a hybrid observance of the 11th century and the modern celebration of Candlemas, previously unknown to either tradition.
It is interesting that the first-ever recorded rite for the blessing of candles for distribution to Christian worshippers comes from the "Benedictional" of Bishop Æthelwold of Winchester in the British Isles toward the end of the 10th century.
| When Jesus was brought to the temple 40 days after his birth, he was presented to Simeon. What is the name of the prayer Simeon said which 'prophesied the redemption of the world by Jesus?'
| Last Guild Day of Christmas - Candlemas
|
Nunc Dimittis. The Nunc Dimittis is usually sung during Vespers, or the Night Prayer Service.
Latin
Nunc dimittis servum tuum, Domine, secundum verbum tuum in pace:
Quia viderunt oculi mei salutare tuum
Quod parasti ante faciem omnium populorum:
Lumen ad revelationem gentium, et gloriam plebis tuae Israel
English (New International Version, 1973)
Lord, now you let your servant depart in peace according to your word.
For my eyes have seen your salvation,
which you have prepared before the face of all people,
a light to lighten the Gentiles and the glory of your people Israel.
'Agnus Dei' means 'Lamb of God.' It is spoken or sung as part of the Mass during the fraction of the Host.
The 'Requiem' Mass is a Mass for the dead. Many famous composers have written Requiems, including Mozart, Verdi and Fauré.
| The observance of Candlemas evolved during the 11th and 12th centuries from a much earlier Christian tradition which commemorated certain events of the infancy of Jesus. Which event was NOT celebrated by the original and ancient Candlemas?
| Last Guild Day of Christmas - Candlemas
|
The journey of the Three Wise Men to the birthplace of Jesus in Bethlehem. The earliest recorded observance of the Christian "Feast of the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple" dates from the mid-4th century. It has also become known as the "Feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary" and in the Greek Orthodox Church as the "Hypapante tou Kyriou" or "Meeting" of Jesus with Simeon and Anna at the temple in Jerusalem.
The early observances had virtually nothing to do with the blessing or distribution of candles for use by Christian worshippers which we now know as Candlemas. Candlemas evolved much later in Christian history.
It is true that the use of the "Paschal Candle" during the Easter season, begun in the earliest centuries of Christianity, may have been the result of co-opting and condemning the pagan Roman celebration of the Lupercalia. However, the Easter/Paschal observances had little in common with the ending of the Christmas season at Candlemas.
In fact, "The Presentation of Jesus at the Temple" was celebrated, in part, to definitively separate the two liturgical seasons one from another. All ritual days from the First Sunday of Advent until Candlemas are reckoned in view of their relation to Christmas; all ritual days after Candlemas are reckoned in view of their relation to Easter.
The journey of the Wise Men is the celebration of Epiphany not Candlemas.
Snowdrops. Snowdrops are usually one of the earliest blooming flowers, and some hardy varieties have been known to bloom all winter long. Gathering Snowdrops and bringing them into your house on Candlemas is said to 'purify' your home. You shouldn't bring them in before February 2, however, as this will bring bad luck.
Snowdrops and Carnations are the 'birth flower' for January babies.
| Until modern times, Candlemas Day (February 2) marked an end to the secular and religious celebrations of the Christmas season. In medieval times, which day traditionally marked the beginning of the Christmas season?
| Last Guild Day of Christmas - Candlemas
|
November 1 (Feast of All Saints). Although religious celebrations of the Christmas season began officially on the first Sunday of Advent, the secular courts of the King and his nobles began their official celebration on November 1. It was customary on November 1 for the King (followed in order by the noblemen) to announce the location of the royal castle which would house the court during the winter months. Beginning the following day, preparations began in earnest to move the King's court to its winter or Christmas location.
He bequeathed money to provide wine and cake for actors on Twelfth Night.. Baddeley's life was not without incident. He eloped with his wife Sophia (also an actor) when she was eighteen. She then left him after being involved in a succession of scandals. Baddeley was a member of David Garrick's Drury Lane company and even fought a duel (connected to his marriage break-up) with Garrick's brother. In his will, he left £3 per year to provide wine and cakes for those performing at Drury Lane on Twelfth Night.
Forgive me a small indulgence. There was a twentieth century rock group called Twelfth Night and they were/are one of my favourite acts.
Mardi Gras carnival. The Mardi Gras carnival period begins on Twelfth Night and runs through to Shrove Tuesday. One of the traditions of Mardi Gras in America is the king cake with bean inside it, although today's cakes are more likely to contain a plastic figure than a bean. The Twelfth Night tradition of choosing a queen "by bean", familiar as a European custom, was first introduced to New Orleans in 1870. That first year, however, proved a disaster when nobody could find the bean in the cake.
The carnival spirit of Mardi Gras has traditionally been seen as a precursor to the deprivation of Lent. It is as likely, though, to tap into earlier pagan festivals that celebrated the restoration of order and fertility just as the period leading up to Twelfth Night was characterised by the Lord of Misrule.
| In the Orthodox calendar, the date of Twelfth Night isn't just the ending of the Christmas season but also the eve of an important feast. Why do many Orthodox Christians jump into extremely cold rivers on this particular feast day? | On the Twelfth Day of Christmas
|
To remember the baptism of Jesus. In Western churches, January 6th is Epiphany and marks the bringing of the magi's gifts to the infant Jesus. In Orthodox churches, it is known as the feast of Theophany and commemorates the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan river, with its threefold manifestation of Father, Son and Holy Spirit. This date, of course, falls later for those churches still using the Julian calendar.
| In Ireland, a celebration known as "Little Christmas" is traditionally held on Twelfth Night or Epiphany. What is the explanation for this custom? | On the Twelfth Day of Christmas
|
It marks the date of Christmas in the Julian calendar. The Gregorian calendar was established by means of a papal bull in 1582 but not introduced in the British empire (which included Ireland and America) until 1752. On its introduction, the correction required the loss of 11 complete days, meaning that December 25th in the old Julian calendar became January 5th in the Gregorian. Another implication of the new calendar's implementation is that leap years no longer occur EVERY four years. They now fall on all years that are divisible by four except for century years where it is only those years that are divisible by 400.
One might also add, rather stereotypically, that it's just like the Irish to opt for two celebrations instead of one but they're not the only ones. Some places in America have also continued the practice, including the Outer Banks region of North Carolina. Does this mean that they have their Twelfth Night cake and eat it?
William Shakespeare. "Twelfth Night" was written to fit the spirit of the occasion with plenty of drinking, dancing and foolery and was first performed at Candlemas (February 2nd) 1602, the formal end of the Epiphany season in the church calendar.
Samuel Pepys first saw the play in September 1661 and was not impressed:
"I walking through Lincoln's Fields observed at the Opera a new play, "Twelfth Night" was acted there, and the King there; so I, against my own mind and resolution, could not forbear to go in, which did make the play seem a burthen to me, and I took no pleasure at all in it; and so after it was done went home with my mind troubled for my going thither, after my swearing to my wife that I would never go to a play without her" (Pepys' Diary, September 11th 1661).
The latter fault was put right when he saw the play again, in his wife's company, in January 1663. His opinions, though, hadn't changed much:
"So to my brother's, where Creed and I and my wife dined with Tom, and after dinner to the Duke's house, and there saw "Twelfth Night" acted well, though it be but a silly play, and not related at all to the name or day" (Pepys' Diary, January 6th 1663).
An alcoholic punch. "Next crown a bowl full
With gentle lamb's wool:
Add sugar, nutmeg and ginger,
With store of ale too;
And thus ye must do
To make the wassail a swinger."
(Source : "Twelfth Night: Or, King and Queen" by Robert Herrick)
Lamb's wool was a mixture of ale, pureed apples and spices. Twelfth Night and the drinking of alcohol were closely intertwined. Whatever the origins of the song, "The Twelve Days of Christmas", it is probable that it gained a lot of popularity as a drinking game on this occasion, with forfeits handed out to those unable to remember the words.
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.
| On which day is Twelfth Night celebrated, being the last of the twelve days of Christmas and the day before the feast of Epiphany? | On the Twelfth Day of Christmas
|
5th January. Twelfth Night is defined by the Christian calendar even though, in many ways, it is a very unchristian occasion. It falls on the twelfth day of Christmas, counting Christmas Day as the first day, and the day before Epiphany, which always falls on January 6th.
|
Play Now! 