A Forgotten New Year's Tradition: The Feast of Fools
A HISTORICAL FICTION MORSEL: THE FEAST OF FOOLS
Celebrated on January 1st, the Feast of Fools began in medieval Fran
ce and spread to most of Europe. Dating back to the Roman festival of Saturnalia, this once-popular holiday turned the table on those in power.
Peasants dressed up and lampooned the gentry. Serfs could criticize their lords without punishment. Cross-dressing and lewd behavior along with drinking and gambling were the order of the day. In some regions, a mock pope held ecclesiastical court.
Not surprisingly, as the Feast of Fools celebrations grew, so did the official backlash. In fact, most of what we know about this tradition comes from the writing of clerics and lords criticizing the holiday.
Some say the silly hats, noise makers and revelry of our present-day New Year’s festivities are an echo of the Feast of Fools. Bottoms up to that.
In my novel KING ROBIN, protagonist Robert Webber (eventually known as Robin Hood) uses the Feast of Fools celebration in London to remain incognito from Prince John’s spies.
You can read a free preview of KING ROBIN using the Look Inside feature here: tinyurl.com/KingRobinPreview
Celebrated on January 1st, the Feast of Fools began in medieval Fran
ce and spread to most of Europe. Dating back to the Roman festival of Saturnalia, this once-popular holiday turned the table on those in power.Peasants dressed up and lampooned the gentry. Serfs could criticize their lords without punishment. Cross-dressing and lewd behavior along with drinking and gambling were the order of the day. In some regions, a mock pope held ecclesiastical court.
Not surprisingly, as the Feast of Fools celebrations grew, so did the official backlash. In fact, most of what we know about this tradition comes from the writing of clerics and lords criticizing the holiday.
Some say the silly hats, noise makers and revelry of our present-day New Year’s festivities are an echo of the Feast of Fools. Bottoms up to that.
In my novel KING ROBIN, protagonist Robert Webber (eventually known as Robin Hood) uses the Feast of Fools celebration in London to remain incognito from Prince John’s spies.
You can read a free preview of KING ROBIN using the Look Inside feature here: tinyurl.com/KingRobinPreview
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