Author Archives: Maria Grace

Regency Christmas Traditions: Ringing in the New Year

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A number of traditions formed for celebrating the new year. Some varied by region or county. Family traditions for good luck prevailed over general social convention.  Some families gathered whomever was in the house in a circle before midnight. At the stroke of midnight, the head of the family would open the door and usher out the old and welcome the new. Some who held to old superstitions went further, removing ashes, rags, scraps and anything … Continue reading →

Regency Traditions Video: Pantos

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Though modern, this video depicts much of the traditional flavor of Christmas pantos.   12 Days Of Christmas Song   Read more about pantos here. Read a scene of Darcy attending a panto here. If you enjoyed this post you might also enjoy:  

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Darcy and the Harlequin

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An invitation from Bingley to attend the pantomime might not go entirely as expected. December 30, 1811 Darcy laid his newspaper aside. Miss Bingley should not have worried, her little dinner party hardly garnered any notice at all. A few brief words of Sir Andrew’s and Lady Elizabeth’s attendance and little more. Would she be gratified at the mention of her event, or offended that it garnered no more notice that a few brief sentences? … Continue reading →

Regency Christmas Traditions: Christmas Pantomimes

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Each year, Regency era British theaters prepared Christmas pantomimes (pantos) that would begin on Boxing Day and run as long as the audiences demanded them. These were not silent productions, but rather very verbal performances that included the audience as an extra character in plays bearing many similarities to modern burlesque. The Pantomime Tradition The tradition of pantomimes and the pantomime characters in England traces back to medieval theater. Broadbent (1901) notes: A sketch of … Continue reading →