Henry's Holidays: A Merry Medieval Christmas Quiz

Answer: Mistletoe, ivy, holly

Medieval castles are adorned with whatever greenery is available, such as holly, ivy, or mistletoe. While we helped My Lady, the Countess of Warwick, decorate the castle, she told us pages that the evergreen has long been a symbol of everlasting life and renewal; it was used by pagans to celebrate the winter solstice long before England was converted to Christianity. Holly symbolizes to us the crown of thorns that Christ wore when he was crucified; the red berries remind us of the blood he shed. Because ivy clings to support itself as it grows, it reminds us that we need to cling to God.

While laurel symbolizes victory of God over Satan, mistletoe is believed to bring good luck to the household.

Answer: Yule Log

My Lady told us that it is believed that the Yule Log tradition dates back to the Northmen, who lived in parts of England long ago, and the exact custom varies from place to place, even in England. Led by Lord Richard, a group of men on the manor select the largest oak tree they can find (that will fit in the fireplace!) and bring it into the castle.

The entire tree is placed on the iron dogs in the huge fireplace in the Great Hall. Lord Richard used the remains of last year's log to kindle the fire, which will burn during the entire Christmas season, bringing good luck to us all. My Lady also burns a Yule Candle on the high table.

Answer: We toast each other's health.

The large wassail bowl is filled with warm ale, cider, or wine, spiced and sweetened, and has little red apples floating on the surface. My lady says that the "Wassail!" salute dates back to Saxon times, and means "To your health". As it is passed around, other guests respond, "Drinkhaile".

There is a crust of bread at the bottom of the wassail bowl (origin of today's toast) that is presented to the most important person at the celebration; of course, that would be Lord Richard! We also call wassail "Lamb's Wool" because it is frothy and looks a bit like, well, lamb's wool!

Answer: Lord of Misrule

My Lady told us that the tradition of the Lord of Misrule dates back to ancient Roman times, and that customs vary from place to place. At our castle, the men at the banquet will draw lots to see who will be the Master of Ceremonies. The chosen one will then be dressed in a colorful costume that is decorated with bells.

It is his job to go around making jokes, playing games, and seeing that everyone is having a good time.

Answer: Raisins

Raisins are put in a large dish; brandy is then poured over them and ignited. Everyone tries to pull a raisin out of the fire and pop it into their mouth. Also called flapdragon, this game can also be used with other treats, like almonds or grapes, and any spirit that is flammable. My Lady says that whoever can pick up the most treats will find their true love within a year. I'm not sure I want to spend a lot of time playing this game!

Answer: Mummers

Mummers travel from castle to castle, wearing costumes and singing, dancing and spreading cheer. I am excited to see their play, "St. George and the Dragon", but I especially enjoy their sword dancing. The end of the dance, when the mummers lock their swords to form a star, is amazing!

Answer: Boy Bishop

The "responsibility" of the Boy Bishop varies from place to place, but there is a Boy Bishop of London who leads a parade around the city in order to bless it. The Boy Bishop on our manor remains in "office" from December 6-28, leading processions, collecting money for the church, and even preaching sermons, but not performing the holy Mass. I have heard some say that the Boy Bishop may even perform wedding ceremonies, however, the "marriage" only lasts one day!

Answer: Caroling at Christmas can be synonymous with carousing!

Sometimes Christmas caroling can get a bit out of hand. With the wassail, snapdragons, and other drinking, the celebrations can become - well, lively! Some of the adults do not behave well. They dance around while they sing. My Lady says that this is reminiscent of the ancient pagans in England, who considered the singing and dancing to be part of a fertility rite. I don't know what she is talking about! I just want to run around with my friends and have fun! (It was against the law in England from 1558 and 1829 to practice some of the Catholic Christmas traditions, but that is way after Henry's time!)

Answer: True

My Lord Richard, the Earl of Warwick, opens the gates of Warwick Castle, and everyone, including his friends, vassals, and peasants are invited in. I have heard that on some estates the lord of the manor gives the peasants each a loaf of bread and a dish of meat, and other small gifts; on others, the peasants are allowed to eat the leftovers of the lord's meal. Our Lord Richard treats everyone the same, however, and no one has to eat humble pie on Christmas in his castle.

Answer: Twelve

Christmas celebrations continue until January 6, which is Twelfth Night. Each of the twelve days of Christmas celebrate important Church events. For example, Day One is, of course, the birth of Christ, and Day Four is the Feast of the Holy Innocents, representing the slaughter of the male children by King Herod. Each day has its own special significance. January 6 is the Day of Epiphany, or the day the wise men came to visit Christ, and it is also the day that Christians believe Christ was baptized as an adult. My Lady teaches us these lessons as part of our studies as pages.