Wednesday, October 28, 2015

The 12 Days of Christmas

For the last couple of years (3 or 4 … I cannot remember!), we have been counting down the days (weeks) until Christmas and showing off our talents and abilities and selling a lot of handmade goodies and vintage gifts to families all over the world. Catherine of ShadowDogDesigns has taken to posting a weekly rendition of this enormously popular Christmas carol – much to all of our delight, so it’s only natural that we should take a look-see at this particular ditty and answer the question – “Just what are the 12 days of Christmas?”

It started out as a rhyme or a game in England in 1780 with roots thought to be French. Over it’s lifetime, it has had a number of tunes associated with it, but the one that we sing today has been around since 1909 and with that change in tune, we got the five gold rings. It also introduced the word “On” into the mix because the original “The first day … “ did not fit the tune. Oh, and originally, my true love sent me the gifts and not gave me the gifts. Why? Was he with his wife? Was he at war? Was he a pretend boyfriend?

Four colly birds was in the 1780 version, which were black birds in some part of England, and they tried on canary birds, curley birds, corley birds and colour’d birds for good measure. 1909 made them calling birds and ya’ll stop changing the words.

Back to those gold rings. This one’s on us, North America. We couldn’t sing five gold rings, nope, we had to draaaag it out and make it golden rings. There was an extra beat in there that bugged the heck out of us.

For really good fun, the last four days may be in different orders depending on where you’re singing the carol. You may have nine pipers and eleven maids.

By far, my favorite version is the Sharp version in 1905 that got all the lyrics “wrong”.


My true Love sent to me
Goldie ring, and the part of a June apple tree
Turtle doves, and the part of a mistletoe bough
French hens
Colley birds
Goldie rings
Geese a-laying
Swans a-swimming
Boys a-singing
Ladies dancing
Asses racing
Bulls a-beating
Bells a-ringing

I am sorry that I missed the ass race. I do see that they got the running of the bulls in there. 

The 12 days represent the 12 days that start with Christmas and are celebrated in some cultures, as we found out in our Christmas Around the World series. The 12th Night is January 5th, and it is considered the last day of Christmas. Originally, this was a repeating game played with children. You sang a verse, and they repeated it, then you added to it, and they repeated it again. So on until someone goofed and was eliminated from the game. It was a “memories and forfeits” game. Like a non-mechanical version of the electronic game Simon. It was played on the 12th Night and right before eating mince pies (naturally, something that the Puritans detested and the Catholics called idolatry) and twelfth cake (which was a Danish with a baby Jesus baked inside of it.)

There are a lot of meanings associated with the the gifts themselves, and everyone has their own interpretation. They are too numerous to put into this one post, so suffice it to say, we are not going to look into each day’s meaning, but enjoy the song for what it is. For fun, the next time you are all standing around the grand piano in your front room singing Christmas carols (wait, maybe that was in a movie) you sing the 1905 version about asses racing and bulls a-beating – whatever THAT is and see if you can convert your family to the 1905 version.

Until then, you can enjoy some of the wonderful gifts that you can buy for the 12 days of Christmas. Buy 12 and we will sing about you!

Bright Blue Lapis Pearl Dangles

PrettyGonzo 

Bright Blue Lapis Pearl Dangles, Yellow Czech Picasso Glass, Swarovski, Aquamarine Crystals, Sterling Silver Ear Hooks, Handmade Earrings

Blue Aventurine Netted Bracelet

TheGemmedGiraffe

Blue Aventurine Netted Bracelet

Hand Dyed Rope Basket Dyed For Your Kitchen Bath Projects Or Display

Wyverndesigns

Hand Dyed Rope Basket  Dyed For Your Kitchen Bath  Projects Or Display

Headband Ear Warmer Cabled Headband Head wrap in blue

tricotetcuivre

Knitted Headband ,mitts and neck warmer set,Headband Ear Warmer Cabled Headband Head wrap in blue

Square Bright Blue and Purple Cufflinks

ResetarGlassArt

Square Bright Blue and Purple Cufflinks, Fused Dichroic Glass, Guy Husband or Best Man Gift

Lovely Let It Snow Hanging Dish Towel With Hand Knit Topper and Ties

Hollyknittercreation

Lovely Let It Snow Hanging Dish Towel With Hand Knit Topper and Ties

Sapphire Victorian Earrings

TreasuresofJewels 

Sapphire Victorian Earrings,Dangle Earrings,Feather Earrings,Gypsy Jewelry,Victorian Jewelry,Blue Earrings

Opaque Dark Sky Blue Handmade Lampwork Glass Beads 228 Shiny

Covergirlbeads 

Opaque Dark Sky Blue Handmade Lampwork Glass Beads 228 Silver Etched

Outer Space Centerpieces for Kids Birthday Party

AdorebyNat 

Blue Ruffle Scarf Hand Knit

CathyCreates 

Faux Turquoise on a Chain with Swarovski Crystals Dangles Handmade Polymer Clay Bead Chunky Necklace

bluemorningexpressions 

Sparkling Teal Dichroic Glass Cabochon Pendant and Dangle Earrings Set with Red and Black Streaks

Umeboshi 

Teal dichroic glass pendant with red and black streaks

Statement necklace 18 inch choker Turquoise Pendant Bead OOAK non tarnish copper wire wrap

Watercolorsnmore 

Statement necklace 18 inch choker Turquoise Pendant Bead OOAK  non tarnish copper wire wrap

Czech Turquoise Glass Bead & Antique Brass Chandelier Earrings

KatsAllThat 

Czech Turquoise Glass Bead & Antique Brass Chandelier Earrings

Turquoise Blue Czech Glass Handmade Earrings

ShadowDogDesigns

One of a kind turquoise blue Czech glass earrings with Swarovski crystals

March Madness Mini Basketballs Collar Slipcover or Scrunchie Bandana

SewAmazin

March Madness Mini Basketballs Collar Slipcover or Scrunchie Bandana

Bracelet Handmade Bangle and Earrings Blue Gemstone Pearl Amethyst silver jewelry

Jazzitupwithdesignsbynancy 

Bracelet Handmade Bangle and Earrings Blue Gemstone Pearl Amethyst silver jewelr

 

Basset Hound Christmas Tree Ornament Handmade From Poplar Wood, Hound Dog

KevsKrafts 

Basset Hound Christmas Tree Ornament Handmade From Poplar Wood, Hound Dog

Blue Glass Bead Mix Variety of Shapes Sizes Set of 18

BeadSouk

 

See something you just cannot live without or that would make a great gift for someone on your gift list? Buy it now because handmade, artisan jewelry is HOT, HOT, HOT and sells fast!

Enjoy all of these goodies, and if you don’t see what you’re looking for, you can find more at: 
Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Week 4
Week 5
Week 6

 

Here We Come A’Wassailing
Deck the Halls
God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen
Good King Wenceslas
I Saw Three Ships

All of these handmade designers are ready to make something for you. Just ask them!

Enjoy,

Julie and Blu

Wednesday, October 21, 2015

I Saw Three Ships

This traditional Christmas carol is a slight derivative of Greensleeves and was originally printed in the 17th century. It is a well-loved English tune that tells the story of ships sailing into Bethlehem. Apparently, it was written by someone geographically challenged since the nearest body of water to Bethlehem would be the Dead Sea, and that is around 20 miles away. The best guess is that the three ships are a reference to the three ships that were supposed to have brought the relics of the magi to the Cologne Cathedral sometime in the 12th century. The other guesses include the coat of arms of Wencelaus, who was wearing azure three galleys argent. Another guess is the three kings. Regardless, it is a catchy tune and a delightful song that fits the season.

 

I saw three ships

I saw three ships come sailing in
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day;
I saw three ships come sailing in
On Christmas Day in the morning.


And what was in those ships all three,
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day?
And what was in those ships all three,
On Christmas Day in the morning?


The Virgin Mary and Christ were there,
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day;
The Virgin Mary and Christ were there,
On Christmas Day in the morning.


Pray, wither sailed those ships all three,
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day;
Pray, wither sailed those ships all three,
On Christmas Day in the morning?


O they sailed into Bethlehem,
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day;
O they sailed into Bethlehem,
On Christmas Day in the morning.


And all the bells on earth shall ring,
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day;
And all the bells on earth shall ring,
On Christmas Day in the morning.


And all the Angels in Heaven shall sing,
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day;
And all the Angels in Heaven shall sing,
On Christmas Day in the morning.


And all the souls on earth shall sing,
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day;
And all the souls on earth shall sing,
On Christmas Day in the morning.


Then let us all rejoice again,
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day;
Then let us all rejoice again,
On Christmas Day in the morning.

 

Know what else is delightful? All of these wonderful handmade goodies that make your holiday shopping so much easier!

Denim Lined Half Apron

SimpleEmbroiderySew

Denim Lined Half Apron - Teacher - Waitress - Gardner - Vendor

Handmade Agate Pendant and Purple and Silver Beaded Necklace

CathyCreates 

Jewel tone sundress

SweetpeadesignsbyDee

Jewel tone sundress, girls purple dress, birthday dress, flowered dress , toddler dress, flutter sleeve dress, jumper,

Cotton Hand Knit Purple Flowerpot Dish Cloth or Wash Cloth

HollyknitterCreation

Cotton Hand Knit Purple Flowerpot Dish Cloth or Wash Cloth

Metallic Iridescent Fused Glass Pendant in Purple

ResetarGlassArt

Metallic Iridescent Fused Glass Pendant in Purple, Gold and Teal Green, Gunmetal Necklace

Purple Flower Celtic Woven Mat - Irish Crochet Art

RSSDesignsinFiber 

Hawaiian Jade Green Sea Glass Beachcombed Gold Wire Wrap Heart Crystal

LuckySeaGlassJewelry

Hawaiian Jade Green Sea Glass Beachcombed Gold Wire Wrap Heart Crystal Genuine Lucky Sea Glass Jewelry Beach Glass pendant

Cheerleaders Christmas Ornament Handmade From Birch Wood

KevsKrafts 

Cheerleaders Christmas Ornament Handmade From Birch Wood

Purple Mercury Classic Car HotRod Mouse Pad

julielcleveland

Merc Mercury Hotrod Mouse Pad Purple Flames Rodder

 

Rose Bronze Celtic Heart Necklace

AllAboutTheButtons

Rose Bronze Celtic Heart Necklace

 

U-Lee-Lah Spring at Dupree Garden - Tampa Florida Vintage Linen Postcard

PostcardsintheAttic

 

U-Lee-Lah Spring at Dupree Garden - Tampa Florida Vintage Linen Postcard

Pink Polkadot Owl with Turquoise Wing Stickers, Personalized

AdorebyNat

Pink Polkadot Owl with Turquoise Wing Stickers, Personalized

 

Fuchsia Pink and Black Fused Dichroic Glass Jewelry Set Pendant and Earrings

Umeboshi 

Orchid, pink feminine fused dichroic glass jewelry set

Purple and White Brazilian Banded Agate Faceted Gemstone Necklace

KatsAllThat 

Purple and White Brazilian Banded Agate Faceted Gemstone Necklace

Purple Brass Fan Lampwork Handmade Earrings, Swarovski Crystal Boho Dangle Jewelry

ShadowDogDesigns 

Beautiful purple fan, boho style handmade earrings.

Blackberry Pearl Earrings Swarovski Crystals Sterling Silver Handmade

PrettyGonzo 

Blackberry Pearl Earrings Swarovski Crystals Sterling Silver Handmade

Purple Flower Scarf Penguin Gift Card Money Holder Key Ring

SewAmazin

Purple Flower Scarf Penguin Gift Card Money Holder Key Ring

Bangle Handmade Beaded Purple Mosaic Glass Pink Rose Decorative Silver

Jazzitupwithdesignsbynancy

 

Bangle Handmade Beaded Purple Mosaic Glass Pink Rose Decorative Silver

Shiny Violet Purple Handmade Lampwork Beads Opaque Glass Round 272g

CovergirlBeads 

Shiny Violet Purple Handmade Lampwork Beads Opaque Glass Round 272g

Small Size Plum Purple Bracelet Puff Round Stone Sea Sediment Jasper

TheSingingBeader 

Plum Purple Bracelet Puff Round Stone Sea Sediment Jasper Medium Large

Purple Fluorite Gemstone Fuchsia Crystal Sterling Boho Bracelet Large

DianesDangles

Purple Fluorite Gemstone Fuchsia Crystal Sterling Boho Bracelet Large

See something you just cannot live without or that would make a great gift for someone on your gift list? Buy it now because handmade, artisan jewelry is HOT, HOT, HOT and sells fast!

Enjoy all of these goodies, and if you don’t see what you’re looking for, you can find more at: 
Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Week4
Week5


Here We Come A’Wassailing
Deck the Halls
God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen
Good King Wenceslas

All of these handmade designers are ready to make something for you. Just ask them!

Enjoy,

Julie and Blu

Wednesday, October 14, 2015

Good King Wenceslas

This is a Christmas tale about a king who is traveling to give alms to the poor. The weather is horrid, harsh, blizzard conditions and deadly, and his poor page is ready to curl up and die because he is struggling to follow along. The only way that he can make it is to follow directly behind the king and put his feet in the king’s footprints. He follows him step by step. It is the telling of the legend of Saint Wenceslas who was a martyr and later elevated to king after his death. He was well known for his goodness, and it would not have been unusual for him to trek through the snow with his bare feet. Like all legends, it was embellished with every telling.

What we do know is that he was born in 907 and assassinated by his brother in 935. He was the Czechoslovakian duke of Bohemian, and his brother was rightly called Boleslav the Cruel. Boleslav went on to become the next duke of Bohemia.

After Wenceslas’ death, there grew a cult-like following of his legacy that focused around the good deeds he did and his pious nature. In 1853, the song was a tribute written about him for the Feast of Stephen and set to the music of "Tempus adest floridum" ("The time is near for flowering"), which was a Finnish song from 1582. While many carolers do not include this song in their repertoire, some of us had to learn it when they were taking piano lessons.

There are various takes on the lyrics, and it really depends upon the translation, but it  was  Elizabeth Poston, who in the Penguin Book of Christmas Carols, referred to it as the "product of an unnatural marriage between Victorian whimsy and the thirteenth-century dance carol". She goes on to detail how Neale's "ponderous moral doggerel" does not fit the light-hearted dance measure of the original tune, and that if performed in the correct manner "sounds ridiculous to pseudo-religious words. Good heavens, Lizzy, lighten up, it’s not that bad of a song!

 

This is the one we are most familiar with:

Good King Wenceslas looked out, on the Feast of Stephen,   
When the snow lay round about, deep and crisp and even;
Brightly shone the moon that night, tho' the frost was cruel,
When a poor man came in sight, gath'ring winter fuel.

"Hither, page, and stand by me, if thou know'st it, telling,
Yonder peasant, who is he? Where and what his dwelling?"
"Sire, he lives a good league hence, underneath the mountain;
Right against the forest fence, by Saint Agnes' fountain."

"Bring me flesh, and bring me wine, bring me pine logs hither:
Thou and I shall see him dine, when we bear them thither. "
Page and monarch, forth they went, forth they went together;
Through the rude wind's wild lament and the bitter weather.

"Sire, the night is darker now, and the wind blows stronger;
Fails my heart, I know not how; I can go no longer."
"Mark my footsteps, good my page. Tread thou in them boldly
Thou shalt find the winter's rage freeze thy blood less coldly."

In his master's steps he trod, where the snow lay dinted;
Heat was in the very sod which the saint had printed.
Therefore, Christian men, be sure, wealth or rank possessing,
Ye who now will bless the poor, shall yourselves find blessing.

Another translation of this carol is here:

Now comes the time of flowers, and the blossoms appear;
now in all things comes the transformation of Spring.
What the cold harmed, the warmth repairs,
as we see by all these colors.

The fields in which we play are full of flowers.
Maidens and clerks, let us go out together,
let us play for the love of Venus,
that we may teach the other maidens.

“O my chosen one, why dost thou shun me?
Dost thou not know, dearest, how much thou art loved?
If thou wert Helen, I would be Paris.
So great is our love that it can be so.”

 

Not exactly a crowd pleaser, but not the worse thing that could be sung. Most carolers don’t get past the first verse…

But, here are some real crowd pleasers!

Peach Freshwater Pearl Dangles, Swarovski Crystals

PrettyGonzo 

Peach Freshwater Pearl Dangles, Swarovski Crystals, Sterling Silver Hooks, Sweet and Elegant Earrings, Handmade Beaded Jewelry

Pink Malaysia Jade Earrings in Sterling Silver

ElunaJewelry

Pink Malaysia Jade Earrings in Sterling Silver

Rose Pink Evening Primrose Bloom Filet Crochet Art Décor

RSSDesignsinFiber 

Petal Pink Eyelet Shell

Cathycreates 

Red and White Frosty Snowman Pendant

ResetarGlassArt

Red and White Frosty Snowman Pendant, Fused Glass Necklace, 1 Inch Square

Exotic Wood Pendant Box Elder Red Flame Necklace

watercolorsnmore 

Exotic Wood Pendant Box Elder Red Flame Necklace Antique copper non tarnish wire Handcrafted repurposed ecofriendly.

Gorgeous Grandma's Goodies Hand Knit Cotton Dish Towel Oven Hanger

HollyknitterCreation

Gorgeous Grandma's Goodies Hand Knit Cotton Dish Towel Oven Hanger

Have Snow Much Fun With This Snowman Handcrafted Christmas Card

CardsbyLibe

Handcrafted Snowman Greeting Card For The Holidays Red And Vanilla

Spaniel Christmas Tree Ornament Handmade From Poplar Wood

KevsKrafts

Spaniel Christmas Tree Ornament Handmade From Poplar Wood

Beautiful Vintage Pink Rose on Gold Background

ButterflyintheAttic

Beautiful  Vintage Pink Rose on Gold Background 600 DPI Digital Hand Designed Art Scrapbooking, Card Making  + Craft PRINTABLE DOWNLOAD

Paris Party Stickers

AdorebyNat

Paris Inspired Party Stickers, Personalized

Pink Plaid Westies Tri-fold Wallet, Fabric Clutch

SewAmazin

Pink Plaid Westies Tri-fold Wallet, Fabric Clutch | SewAmazin

Peach Aventurine and Blush Quartz Gemstone Handmade Gold OOAK Necklace

KatsAllThat 

Peach Aventurine and Blush Quartz Gemstone Handmade Gold OOAK Necklace

Women's Embroidered Pink Shirt

SimpleEmbroiderySew

Women's Embroidered Pink Shirt

Fuchsia Sugar Plum Earrings - Dichroic Handmade Glass Jewelry with Swarovski Crystal

2GlassThumbs

Fuchsia Sugar Plum Earrings - Dichroic Handmade Glass Jewelry with Swarovski Crystal

Natural Copper Cuff Bracelet, Handcrafted, 1″ x 6″

Solanakaidesigns 

Victorian Watch Bracelet, Silver Watch Bracelet

TreasuresofJewels 

Victorian Watch Bracelet, Silver Watch Bracelet, Victorian Pearl Bracelet,Victorian Jewelry,Edwardian Jewelry

Spanish Cross Handmade Necklace, Coral Turquoise Pearls Gemstone Artisan Jewelry

Shadowdogdesigns 

Spanish Cross Handmade Necklace, Coral Turquoise Pearls Gemstone Artisan Jewelry

Handmade Bracelet Stack Wrap Pink Cats eye Swarovski Crystal Pearl

Jazzitupwithdesignsbynancy 

Handmade Bracelet Stack Wrap Pink Cats eye Swarovski Crystal Pearl

Etched Light Pastel Pink Lampwork Glass Beads Fine Silver Matte

Covergirlbeads 

 

Etched Light Pastel Pink Lampwork Glass Beads Fine Silver Matte - Click Image to Close

Swarovski Pink Crystal Pearl Three Strand Prom Necklace Chain Attached

ThesingingBeader 

Pink Pearl And Crystal Three Strand Necklace With Chain Attachment

Pink Rhodonite Sterling Arrow Head Pendant

DianesDangles

See something you just cannot live without or that would make a great gift for someone on your gift list? Buy it now because handmade, artisan jewelry is HOT, HOT, HOT and sells fast!

Enjoy all of these goodies, and if you don’t see what you’re looking for, you can find more at: 
Week 1
Week 2

Week 3

Week4
Here We Come A’Wassailing

Deck the Halls

God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen


All of these handmade designers are ready to make something for you. Just ask them!

Enjoy,

Julie and Blu