Prometheus with fire, skaters with mittens, Rockefeller Center

"There was an effort to have the guests take part in having a good time,

so a Lord of Misrule was appointed. Sometimes he was called Abbot of Misrule

or Master of Merry Disports. A variation and revival of the Roman Saturnalia,

this officer was appointed by many kings in England and the noblemen followed

their examples and had their masters of revels. In 1348 Edward III furnished his

guests as Guilford with eight tunics of buckram of varied colors, a large number

of masks, mantles with embroidered dragons, and tunics with the heads and wings

of peacocks. From the eve of October 31, All-Hallow's Eve, to February 3, Day of

Purification, this Lord of Misrule led the masques, sports, dances, and games. He

looked upon all infringements of his authority as being worthy of ridiculous punishments."

-- from 1001 Christmas Facts and Fancies by Alfred Carl Hottes

'Then was I born of a virgin pure,

Of her I took fleshly substance;

Thus was I knit to man's nature,

To call my true love to my dance...

In a manger laid and wrapped I was,

So very poor, this was my chance,

Betwixt an ox and a silly poor ass,

To call my true love to my dance.

Sing O my love, O my love, my love, my love,

This have I done for my true love.'

from My Dancing Day

The Oxford Book of Carols, 1928

  Days Until Christmas