Question

What ind of shows were popular just before the Christmas time in the Middle Ages?

Answer 1

Ответ:

In 16-19 centuries in England has been a popular one game: in wide capacity poured hot brandy, set on fire and thrown into the liquid the raisins, and the guests had to pull him out, risking to get burned. It was believed that the one who pulled the most raisins out of the fire would meet his love in the new year. Gifts to the rich. ... The staging of the plays were a popular form of entertainment for medieval viewers for the Christmas holidays. Actors, usually clerics, acted out scenes from the Bible, and it was not necessarily the story of the birth of Christ. ... In the middle ages, gambling was an integral part of the merry feasts during the Christmas holidays.

Объяснение:

В 16-19 веках в Англии была популярна одна забава: в широкую емкость наливали горячий бренди, поджигали и бросали в жидкость изюм, а гости вечера должны были вытащить его оттуда, рискуя обжечься. Считалось, что тот, кто вытащат из огня больше всего изюминок, встретит в новом году свою любовь. Подарки богатым. ... Постановка пьес была популярной формой развлечений для средневековых зрителей на рождественские праздники. Актеры, обычно священнослужители, разыгрывали сцены из Библии, и необязательно это была история рождения Христа. ... В средние века азартные игры были неотъемлемой частью веселых пирушек во время рождественских праздников.

Answer 2

During the Middle Ages, which spanned from the 5th to the 15th century, forms of entertainment were quite different from what we have today. The concept of "shows" in the modern sense, such as television programs, did not exist during this time period. However, there were various forms of popular entertainment and festivities that took place around Christmas time, reflecting the cultural and social practices of the era. Here are some examples:

1. Mystery Plays: Mystery plays were religious dramas that depicted scenes from the Bible, especially focusing on the nativity story surrounding the birth of Jesus. These plays were performed by traveling acting troupes or by guilds and were commonly presented during religious festivals, including Christmas.

2. Mummers Plays: Mummers plays were traditional folk plays with elements of comedy, mystery, and symbolism. They often featured masked performers who would go from house to house, performing short plays, songs, and dances. These performances were common during the Christmas season and often included themes of death and resurrection.

3. Feasts and Banquets: Christmas was a time of celebration and feasting in the Middle Ages. Nobility and wealthy households would hold grand feasts, often lasting for several days, with music, dancing, and entertainment provided by jesters, minstrels, and troubadours.

4. Caroling: The tradition of Christmas caroling dates back to the Middle Ages. Groups of singers, often from the local community or church, would go door-to-door singing festive songs and spreading good cheer during the Christmas season.

5. Yule Logs and Festive Decorations: Yule logs, large wooden logs, were ceremoniously burned in the hearth during Christmas festivities. Various festive decorations, such as holly, ivy, and mistletoe, were used to adorn homes and churches during the holiday season.

6. Wassailing: Wassailing was a popular medieval tradition where people would go from house to house, singing and offering good wishes for health and prosperity in the coming year. The term "wassail" also referred to a spiced ale or mulled wine, often consumed during these gatherings.

7. Feast of Fools: The Feast of Fools was a subversive and rowdy festival celebrated around Christmas and the New Year. It involved role reversals, where lower-ranking members of society would temporarily take on the roles of authority figures, indulging in merrymaking and satire.

It's important to note that the popularity and nature of these festivities varied across different regions and social classes in the Middle Ages. Entertainment during this time was deeply rooted in religious and cultural traditions, and it played a significant role in bringing communities together during the Christmas season.