Humanities & Science
Humanities: On the Feast of Stephen
Course overview
The 26th of December, Boxing Day, is also St Stephen’s Day. So, quite apart from wondering about “Boxing”, who was Stephen? And since we know him mainly because “the Feast of Stephen” is when Good King Wenceslas looked out, who was Wenceslas? What other myths and legends are associated with this day: in particular, what does the Wren have to do with it?
A light-hearted look at the traditions of the day, suitable for relaxing with a mince pie and a turkey sandwich.
Course description
A look at the traditions associated with this day, including:
· “Boxing” Day – what is it, and why don’t Americans have it too?
· St Stephen – who was he?
· How is the day celebrated in other countries? Catalonia seems to have some nice recipes…
· Good King Wenceslas – what’s the story of the carol, and of the King? (Singing is not compulsory.)
· Speaking of carols, it’s also the Second Day of Christmas, and what did my True Love bring?
· On a rather melancholy note, today is the Hunting of the Wren. (Please don’t try the original at home, but the Irish version might well be fun.)
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