http://www.whychristmas.com/customs/carols_stories.shtml
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Good_King_Wenceslas
http://www.knowledgequestmaps.com/wenceslas%20bio.pdf Biography of King Wenceslas
ALL:
Good King Wenceslas looked out,
upon the Feast of Stephen,
when the snow lay round about,
deep and crisp and even:
brightly shone the moon that night,t
hough the frost was cruel,
when a poor man came in sight,
gathering winter fuel.
KING:
Hither page and stand by me!
I you know it telling:
yonder man who is he,
where and what his dwelling?
PAGE:
Sir he lives a good way hence,
underneath the mountain;
right against the forest fence,
by Saint Agnes' fountain:
KING:
Bring me food and bring me wine,
bring me pine logs hither:
you and I will see him dine,
when we take them thither.
ALL:
Page and monarch forth they went,
forth they went together,
through the wild wind's loud lament,
and the bitter weather.
PAGE:
Sir the night is darker now,
and the wind grows stronger;
fails my heart - I know not how,
I can go no longer.
KING:
Mark my footsteps well my page,f
ollow in them boldly:
you shall find the winter's rage,
chills your blood less coldly.
ALL:
In his masters steps he trod,
where the snow lay even,
strong to do the will of God,
in the hope of Heaven:
therefore Christians all be sure,
grace and wealth possessing,
you that now will bless the poor,
shall yourselves find blessing.
The words of “Good King Wenceslas” were written in Victorian Britain by John Mason Neale, and set to a traditional folk tune, "Tempus Adest Floridum" ("It is Time for Flowering"), a 13th-century spring carol tune. In the carol, a story is told about the King of Bohemia, which is an area in Central Europe which is now part of the Czech Republic, set over 1000 years ago. On Boxing Day (December 26), he left his castle and took alms (food and wood) to a poor peasant. The legend is based on the life of the historical Saint Wenceslaus I, Duke of Bohemia (907-935), who was known in the Czech language as Svatý Václav. The story in the carol was probably completely made up.
Mr. Neale followed in the footsteps of his minister father, and was active in charitable Christian outreach during the Industrial Revolution, when many people needed to be ministered to. He is well known as a hymn writer and translator. He enriched English hymnody by translating many ancient and mediaeval hymns from their original language. English-speaking congregations were then able to sing and enjoy centuries-old traditional Latin, Greek, Russian, and Syrian hymns. His translations include:
- All Glory, Laud, and Honour
- Sing, My Tongue, the Glorious Battle
- To Thee Before the Close of Day
- O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
He is most widely known for his contributions to the Christmas repertoire, most notably "Good Christian Men, Rejoice" and, of course, "Good King Wenceslas". Much of the translation of the Advent hymn "O come, O come, Emmanuel" was also his work.
Craft: feast, Yule log, forest/snow scene, footprint
http://crafts.kaboose.com/toothpick-snowflake-ornament.html
http://www.craftbits.com/viewProject.do?projectID=627
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1 comment:
Your site caught my eye this morning because of the passing reference to John Mason Neale's translation of "All Glory, Laud and Honour." And yes, the incident described in Neale's carol about Wenceslas is likely made up, but from what we know of the man it is typical, and could well have happened.
If you enjoy learning about the history of our traditional hymns and their authors, I invite you to check out my daily blog on the subject, Wordwise Hymns. I know a number of home schoolers use it for teaching on this subject in their curriculum.
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