MEETING - Wednesday 18 November 2009
Dr David Bostwick : "DECK THE HALL" - Yuletide Customs and Traditions - preceded by the AGM at 9.45amChristmas, as a time of celebration, has a very long pedigree. The great mid-winter festival, known to the Romans as Saturnalia, is still greeted with feasting and drinking throughout the 12 days of Christmas. Wassail bowls and bobs, boars’ heads stuck with apples, carolling and mumming, riotous games in the hall, all presided over by the Lord of Misrule. Twelfth Night signalled an end to the merry anarchy, with great pies and rich fruit cakes concealing a bean and a pea. Using contemporary illustrations, this lecture explores the sources and significance of these ancient customs and traditions.
Biographical details:
Dr David Bostwick is an expert on the cultural history of the Mediaeval, Tudor and Stuart periods
Former Keeper of Social History Collections at Sheffield City Museums
Specialist adviser on 16th and 17th century decorative plasterwork, woodwork and furniture.
Consultant on historic buildings and their interpretation to the National Trust, English Heritage and Historic Scotland.
Visiting lecturer at the University of Glasgow.
Tour leader for ACE Study Tours, Cambridge.
Lecturer to NADFAS, NACF, The National Trust, Antiques and Garden Societies.
Publications include articles in Apollo, Furniture History, Folk Life and Country Life.