But who was Wenceslaus and when is the feast of Stephen?
Saint
Stephen's day is today - 26th of December, or 27th for the Eastern
churches. He was a Christian martyr and in earlier times his day was a
holiday feast celebrated during the full twelves days of Christmas that
ran from 25th December to the Feast of the Epiphany (when the three wise
men found the baby Jesus) on the 6th of January. In the olden days all
twelve days were spent in various religious observances, parties, gift
giving and feasting.We've lost out in modern times!
And
King Wenceslaus? Well... he was a real person, but he wasn't a king. He
was the Duke of Bohemia, born around 907and died around 935, so he was
actually a fairly young man. Legends vary, but it seems his father was
Christian and his mother probably Pagan, but Wenceslaus grew up Christian
and was famous in his homeland and England for being a kind and pious
man.
Wikipedia states that the chronicler Cosmas of Prague wrote this about him:
But his deeds I think you know better than I could tell you; for, as is read in his Passion, no one doubts that, rising every night from his noble bed, with bare feet and only one chamberlain, he went around to God’s churches and gave alms generously to widows, orphans, those in prison and afflicted by every difficulty, so much so that he was considered, not a prince, but the father of all the wretched.
According to some legends, after Wenceslaus was murdered by his evil brother his faithful servant, Podevin, avenged his death by killing one of those who helped murder his master. I wonder if Podevin is the page in the Christmas Carol?
THANKS for sharing, M! I've actually never heard the song, so I don't know anything about St. Stephen nor Wenceslaus. Interesting! :-D
ReplyDeleteWe sang it in junior school. I think it's very English. I don't think Americans sing it, but I might be wrong.
ReplyDeleteAt school the girls sung the Page's voice and the boys sung Wenceslaus. Then the whole school sung the chorus bits. It was good fun. :-)
<< I don't think Americans sing it, but I might be wrong.>>
ReplyDeleteNot quite the Barbarians we appear to be, yes we do sing it here in the States, but I doubt many know its history any more than the Wassailing Song. I hope your Christmas was full of delightful memories and that new ones were created. Have a Happy New Year, pal! I promise I will do my share to see that you do. :D
LOL
ReplyDeleteThanks for letting me know, Den... my dear colonial barbarian friend. :-D
I'll be holding you to that new year resultion! ;-)