[Top image found here. Other images and captions found at Shorpy.]
Of Christmas Past
Month: December 2016
For Calo
The Feast Of The Bean Kings
Fest des Bohnenkönigs (Feast of The Bean Kings)
Jakob Jordaens (ca. 1640-45)
The functionary with the above whimsical title played an important part in the festivities of Christmas in the olden time. His duties were to lead and direct the multifarious revels of the season, or, as we should say at the present day, to act as Master of the Ceremonies. The following account of him is given by Stow:
‘In the feast of Christmas, there was in the king’s house, wheresoever he lodged, a Lord of Misrule, or Master of Merry Disports, and the like had ye in the house of every nobleman of honour or good worship, were he spiritual or temporal. The Mayor of London, and either of the Sheriffs, had their several Lords of Misrule, ever contending, without quarrel or offence, who should make the rarest pastime to delight the beholders. These lords beginning their rule at Allhallond Eve, continued the same till the morrow after the Feast of the Purification, commonly called Candlemas Day, in which space there were fine and subtle disguising, masks and mummeries, with playing at cards for counters, nayles and points, in every house, more for pastimes than for game.’
If that description is correct, the Fest des Bohnenkönigs was a celebration that ran for three months every year starting at Halloween, and there’s probably a good reason why the Feast was banned… twice. Click on the link, then zoom, scroll and enjoy the debauchery.
Somewhat related was the British tradition of “The Bean Feast.”
[Top image and description found here.]
Another Great Gift Idea: Tiny Little Big Boy Underwear
[Found here.]
Bob & Jean’s Driveway, Hazard, Nebraska
Traditional Christmas celebration. I love it.
[Images with unedited captions found here.]
It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Hot Links
NOEL is LEON spelled backwards, so here is Mr. Redbone (with Dr. John) from the album “Christmas Island.”
Nice list of Christmas Carols organized by language.
Here’s a great title from 1553: “Un Flambeau, Jeannette, Isabelle” (“Bring a Torch, Jennette, Isabelle.”) Basically, two girls are directed to create a fire hazard in a stable, someone bangs on the door to deliver cakes, but there’s a sleeping newborn so everyone better shut up.
The medieval Christmas carol, “Entre le bœuf et l’âne gris” (“Between the Ox and the Grey Ass”) as performed on 10 Theramins.
Q: What’s the oldest Christmas carol?
A: I dunno, but here’s a start.
Every Christmas Tree needs a Jingle Pug.
(That one’s for you Ms. Oops.)
The missus showed me a coupon that included a turkey stuffing recipe using White Castle Sliders yesterday. Wow.
Every rock band has a Christmas song, including The Ramones.
Los Angeles Ex-Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, aka Tony Villar, grunts “Jingle Bells” [via The John and Ken Show AM640KFI].
Pah-Rumpa-Pum-Pum indeed. This is the best version ever.
Ever hear anyone say, “Now, bring us some figgy pudding?” Neither have I, but if someone does, this is what you gotta do.
Saturday Matinee – Vi Hart’s Eggs, Steel Forge, Tom Waits & The Magic Piano
What a fun Singalong [via].
This fascinates me. No idea what they’re making, but it needs a Tom Waits soundtrack, like this:
Wow. Christmas is only week away, so we need a nice happy video. So many to choose from, and so many sappy ones that I don’t want to post, so here’s one that always makes me smile:
Such a simple brilliant fun idea. I wish there were more clips or an uncut version, but I haven’t found them… yet.
Have a great weekend, folks, and enjoy the holidays.
The .GIF Friday Post No. 464 – Turtle Jerks, Pavlov’s Cats & Penguin Splats
Accident Prone Woman
Each shot ‘tells’ about worn out characters who, as if a sudden black-out of mind and body took over, let themselves crash with no attempt to save themselves, unable, because of the fatigue of the everyday ‘representation’ of living, oppressed by ‘appearance’ instead of simply ‘existing’. –Sandro Giordano
Done: Christmas Tree Time Saving Hint
[Found here.]
Tacky Raccoons 