| Share page |
|
478 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games |
||
|
finery—if gaudy, so much the better—are welcome for the burlesque imitation of the ancient custom.
Old "Father Christmas" is the charlatan and "Master of the Revels." He leads the van, wearing a ruff, short cloak and peaked hat, and in his train come "Dame Plum-Pudding," "Sir Loin-of-Beef" or "Robin Hood" and his followers. They should carry tin horns and toy drums, and after noisy demonstrations, dance a gay dance, called "The Hobby-Horse." It resembles an old-fashioned quadrille, danced with the "steps" and "pigeon-wings" in favour among our great grandparents, while each man bestrides a stick with a toy horse's head at the end.
"Hippocras" should be served, a beverage so like our modern "cup" that it may well masquerade undei the old-time name. Of course, music must not be lacking—a harpist and an old fiddler would furnish the ideal accompaniment to the dancing. A "Sir Roger de Coverley"—better known among us as the Virginia reel —in which all take part, always makes a merry ending.
Edward German's charming music of the "Shepherd's Dance," the "Morris Dances," etc., of Henry VIII.'s time, would be most pleasing and appropriate. All should join in singing a carol before parting for the night—as a fitting close to the great festival of Christendom. |
||