The day after Christmas in England is called Boxing Day.
Traditionally it was a time when people gave gifts
of food, clothing, and money to their employees and to
those in domestic service, as well as distributed
alms to the poor and needy.
December 26th is also the Feast of Saint Stephen.
Stephen was the first Christian martyr.
This is a public holiday is observed in many nations in Europe
including Ireland, Italy, Austria, Czech Republic,
Wales, Germany, Poland, Spain, and Switzerland.
"Good King Wenceslas" tells the story of a Bohemian king
traveling during harsh winter weather in order to give alms to
the poor on the Feast of Saint Stephen, the Second Day of Christmas.
Antique biscuit container with the lyrics from the carol
"Good King Wenceslas"
(circa. 1913)
Victoria and Albert Museum
London, England
Good King Wenceslas looked out
On the Feast of Stephen
When the snow lay round about
Deep and crisp and even
Brightly shone the moon that night
Though the frost was cruel
When a poor man came in sight
Gathering winter fuel.
Hither, page, and stand by me,
If thou knowst it, telling
Yonder peasant who is he?
Where and what his dwelling?
Sire, he lives a good league hence,
Underneath the mountain
Right against the forest fence
By Saint Agnes fountain.
Bring me flesh and bring me wine
Bring me pine logs hither
Thou and I shall see him dine
When we bear them thither.
Page and monarch, forth they went
Forth they went together
Through the rude winds wild lament
And the bitter weather.
Sire, the night is darker now
And the wind blows stronger
Fails my heart, I know not how
I can go no longer.
Mark my footsteps, good my page
Tread thou in them boldly
Thou shall find the winters rage
Freeze thy blood less coldly.
In his masters steps he trod
Where the snow lay dinted
Heat was in the very sod
Which the Saint had printed
Therefore Christian men be sure
Wealth or rank possessing
Ye who now will bless the poor
Shall yourselves find blessing.
"Good King Wenceslas"
Lyrics written by
John Mason Neale
(1818-1866)
Anglican priest, scholar, hymn writer
No comments:
Post a Comment