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In England, the Lord of Misrule – known in Scotland as the Abbot of Unreason and in France as the Prince des Sots – was an officer appointed by lot during Christmastide to preside over the Feast of Fools. The Lord of Misrule was generally a peasant or sub-deacon appointed to be in charge of Christmas revelries, which often included drunkenness and wild partying. The Catholic Church in England held a similar festival involving a boy bishop. This custom was abolished by Henry VIII in 1541, restored by the Catholic Mary I and again abolished by Protestant Elizabeth I, though here and there it lingered on for some time longer. In continental Europe, it was suppressed by the Council of Basel in 1431, but was revived in some places from time to time, even as late as the eighteenth century. In the Tudor period, the Lord of Misrule (sometimes called the Abbot of Misrule or the King of Misrule) is mentioned a number of times by contemporary documents referring to revels both at court and among the ordinary people.While mostly known as a British holiday custom, some folklorists, such as James Frazer and Mikhail Bakhtin (who is said to have borrowed the novel idea from Frazer), have claimed that the appointment of a Lord of Misrule comes from a similar custom practised during the Roman celebration of Saturnalia. In ancient Rome, from 17 to 23 December (in the Julian calendar), a man chosen to be a mock king was appointed for the feast of Saturnalia, in the guise of the Roman deity Saturn. This hypothesis has been heavily criticized by William Warde Fowler and as such, the Christmas custom of the Lord of Misrule during the Christian era and the Saturnalian custom of antiquity may have completely separate origins; the two separate customs, however, can be compared and contrasted. Many of the customs regarding the Lord of Misrule have been incorporated into modern-day Carnival and Mardi Gras celebrations. History Ancient Rome On 1 January, AD 400, the bishop Asterius of Amasea in Pontus (modern Amasya, Turkey) preached a sermon against the Feast of Calends ("this foolish and harmful delight") that describes the role of the mock king in Late Antiquity. The New Year's feast included children arriving at each doorstep, exchanging their gifts for reward: This festival teaches even the little children, artless and simple, to be greedy, and accustoms them to go from house to house and to offer novel gifts, fruits covered with silver tinsel. For these they receive, in return, gifts double their value, and thus the tender minds of the young begin to be impressed with that which is commercial and sordid. It contrasted with the Christian celebration held, not by chance, on the adjoining day: We celebrate the birth of Christ, since at this time God manifested himself in the flesh. We celebrate the Feast of Lights (Epiphany), since by the forgiveness of our sins we are led forth from the dark prison of our former life into a life of light and uprightness. Significantly, for Asterius the Christian feast was explicitly an entry from darkness into light, and although no conscious solar nature could have been expressed, it is certainly the renewed light at midwinter that was celebrated among Roman pagans, officially from the time of Aurelian, as the "festival of the birth of the Unconquered Sun". Meanwhile, throughout the city of Amasea, although entry into the temples and holy places had been forbidden by the decree of Theodosius I (391), the festival of gift-giving when "all is noise and tumult" in "a rejoicing over the new year" with a kiss and the gift of a coin, went on all around, to the intense disgust and scorn of the bishop: This is misnamed a feast, being full of annoyance; since going out-of-doors is burdensome, and staying within doors is not undisturbed. For the common vagrants and the jugglers of the stage, dividing themselves into squads and hordes, hang about every house. The gates of public officials they besiege with especial persistence, actually shouting and clapping their hands until he that is beleaguered within, exhausted, throws out to them whatever money he has and even what is not his own. And these mendicants going from door to door follow one after another, and, until late in the evening, there is no relief from this nuisance. For crowd succeeds crowd, and shout, shout, and loss, loss. Honest farmers coming into the city were likely to be jeered at, spanked and robbed. Worse, "Even our most excellent and guileless prophets, the unmistakable representatives of God, who when unhindered in their work are our faithful ministers, are treated with insolence." For the soldiers, they spend all their wages in riot and loose women, see plays perhaps, "for they learn vulgarity and the practices of actors". Their military discipline is relaxed and slackened. They make sport of the laws and the government of which they have been appointed guardians. For they ridicule and insult the august government. They mount a chariot as though upon a stage; they appoint pretended lictors and publicly act like buffoons. This is the nobler part of their ribaldry. But their other doings, how can one mention them? Does not the champion, the lion-hearted man, the man who when armed is the admiration of his friends and the terror of his foes, loose his tunic to his ankles, twine a girdle about his breast, use a woman's sandal, put a roll of hair on his head in feminine fashion, and ply the distaff full of wool, and with that right hand which once bore the trophy, draw out the thread, and changing the tone of his voice utter his words in the sharper feminine treble? In The Golden Bough, James Frazer cites a Greek martyrology which claims that during Saturnalia in Durostorum on the Danube (modern Silistra), Roman soldiers would choose a man from among themselves to be a ceremonial "temporary king" for thirty days. At the end of that term, this soldier was to cut his own throat on the altar of Saturn. The Christian Saint Dasius was supposedly chosen for this ritual, but refused to participate, and was martyred as a result. Frazer speculated that a similar ritual of human sacrifice could be the origin of the British Lord of Misrule. Tudor England In the Tudor period, John Stow in his Survey of London, published in 1603, gives a description of the Lord of Misrule: [I]n the feaste of Christmas, there was in the kinges house, wheresoeuer hee was lodged, a Lord of Misrule, or Maister of merry disports, and the like had yee in the house of euery noble man, of honor, or good worshippe, were he spirituall or temporall. Amongst the which the Mayor of London, and eyther of the shiriffes had their seuerall Lordes of Misrule, euer contending without quarrell or offence, who should make the rarest pastimes to delight the Beholders. These Lordes beginning their rule on Alhollon Eue [Halloween], continued the same till the morrow after the Feast of the Purification, commonlie called Candlemas day: In all whi.... Discover the Xist Publishing popular books. Find the top 100 most popular Xist Publishing books.
Best Seller Xist Publishing Books of 2024
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Friends are Not the Same
Cartoon SaloonRobyn and her friend Mebh are not the same. This simple story features compare and contrast words and reminds children that they can be friends with people who look, act, and live ...
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The Tale of Tom Kitten
Beatrix PotterNo kitten wants to be at a fancy party when there are adventures to be had! From the muchloved author of The Tale of Peter Rabbit. Three little kittens are dressed in their ...
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The Tale of Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle
Beatrix PotterBeatrix Potter's Classic Children's Stories in beautiful eBook editions The Tale of Mr. Jeremy Fisher is the story of a charming but accidentprone frog who sets off on a fishing a...
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Musical Instruments
Xist PublishingFoster a love of music with this new title in the Discover Series. Crisp, colorful photographs introduce children to musical instruments from around the world. Familiar...
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The Tale of Mr. Jeremy Fisher
Beatrix PotterMishaps rain down upon a frog trying to catch something to eat in this splendid story from the perennially popular author of The Tale of Peter Rabbit. The Tale of Mr. Jeremy ...
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The Borgias
Alexandre DumasThe Encyclopedia of the Famous Borgias FamilyThe Borgias by Alexandre Dumas is not necessarily a fiction novel but a history lesson with some fiction in it about the famous House o...
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Swords
Xist PublishingDo your children constantly pretend to be pirates? Knights? Are the foam and plastic swords starting to wear out and the kids are begging for fencing lessons? Thi...
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The Tailor of Gloucester
Beatrix PotterMice come to the rescue when a lowly tailor struggles to complete a very important Christmas jobfrom the author of The Tale of Peter Rabbit. A poor tailor needs help from hi...
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Snakes
Xist PublishingWhat's that creeping past? Slithering snakes fill the pages of this picture book so they don't have to invade your home. If your child has been asking for a snake as a pet or you'd...
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The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck
Beatrix PotterThe beloved author of The Tale of Peter Rabbit tells the story of a very determined duck and a doggone hero. Jemima PuddleDuck wants to hatch her own eggs, but she makes the...
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The Revolt of the Angels
Anatole FranceThe Human Spirit in His Quest for Knowledge“I sought out the laws which govern nature, solid or ethereal, and after much pondering I perceived that the Universe had not been formed...
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Birds of Prey
Xist PublishingThat bird might be giving you the evil eye, but at least you'll know its name! This simple ebook teaches children to identify common birds of prey and introduces them to some of th...
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Blucy
Julia Dweck & Erika LeBarreOnce in a blue moon, a special pet comes along. <p> When Mandy adopts the best cat at the shelter, she doesn't realize it has a big secret and an even bigger personality.
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Simple Stories of Strong Women
Lisa GravesSo many women in history spent their entire lives dedicated to a career, freedom, women’s rights, education, science, or proving they could do just about anything– from hiking Moun...
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The Tale of the Flopsy Bunnies
Beatrix PotterBenjamin Bunny’s offspring learn the perils of gluttony in this charming story from the popular author of The Tale of Peter Rabbit. In this story, Benjamin Bunny’s children,...
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Snakes 2
Xist PublishingSsssssnakes! Slithering snakes fill the pages of this second snakes picture book in the Discover Series so they don't have to invade your home. If your child has been a...
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Castles
Xist PublishingEvery princess needs a castle and every knight needs a fortress to defend. In this Discover Series book, kids can learn the proper terminology for castles and explore the crisp and...
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The Kingdom of God Is Within You
Leo TolstoyTurn the Other Cheek“Satan can never be driven out by Satan. Error can never be corrected by error, and evil cannot be vanquished by evil. ” Leo Tolstoy, The Kingdom of God is Wit...
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Sewing
Xist PublishingLove to sew? Want to share than enthusiasm with a child in your life? Images of sewing equipment with simple titles pop from each page of this picture book. Desig...
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The Story of Miss Moppet
Beatrix PotterA kitten and a mouse battle it out in this enchanting story of lighthearted play from the muchloved author of The Tale of Peter Rabbit. The Story of Miss Moppet is a classic ...
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Heavy Equipment
Xist PublishingGet ready for some rough and tumble trucks! In this Discover Series title, 28 tractors, excavators, forklifts and more are featured in big, colorful photographs on white background...
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Puppies
Xist PublishingWho wants a puppy? <br> Who wants to take care of one? <br> Whether your family is considering bringing home a new puppy or looking for a way to stave off requests of "...
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We Play
Katrina Streza & Jade GoegebuerThere are so many fun things to do outside. This beginning reader focuses on action words and encourages kids to get up and get moving. Like all Discover Reading, level 1 readers, ...
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Laloo the Red Panda
Freeman, LaurenA whimsical children's book about a red panda cub's adventures in India. Laloo the Red Panda is an interactive, coming of age tale about a red panda cub on a journey of self discov...
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The Essence of Buddhism
Various VariousWisdom In Thousands of Quotes“To feed a single good man is infinitely greater in point of merit, than attending to questions about heaven and earth, spirits and demons, such as occ...
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Big Cats
Xist PublishingHere kitty, kitty! Roar! Lions, Tigers, Cheetahs and more run free in this Discover Series picture book for children featuring big cats. Used as a jumpstart for interaction, Discov...
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Twas the Night Before Christmas
Clement C. Moore & Sofia SitaThe creatures are stirring in this perennial holiday favorite as they wait for Santa Clause to arrive. An animalcentric take on the classic. Clement C. Moore’s original poem...
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China
Xist PublishingBecome a world explorer! This Discover Series picture book brings the world to your door. Introduce your child to the beautiful art and architecture of China. Each of the 23 photos...
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Happy
August HoeftThe emoji is happy. In this Emoji Emotions Level A reader children can read simple sentences featuring their favorite emoji characters. Emoji Emotions books help young childre...
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World Landmarks
Xist PublishingWant to give your child a trip around the world but not quite ready to take a wiggly toddler on an airplane? Is your preschooler starting to ask questions about the wider world? WO...
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Cars
Xist PublishingTime to take a drive!Featuring fullcolor photographs of cars, buses, trucks and more, CARS is ideal for children who love seeing things that go. Each page features a brilliantly ph...
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Buddy Licks
Brenda PonnayWe Can Readers: Buddy Licks When friends come over to Raj's house, Buddy is ready. He is ready to lick. Buddy loves to lick and lick. Raj will make sure that Buddy stops licking. ...
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Ready for the Test
Brenda PonnayWe Can Readers: Ready for the Test It's spelling test time. Two friends know what they have to dostudy! Nat and Raj work together to learn all of their spelling words while still h...
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Trains
Xist PublishingChoo Choo! All aboard! It's time to take a ride with the Discover Series Express! The picture book book features fullcolor photographic illustrations of trains, train tracks, train...
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Skyrider
B.M. BowerA exciting western novel from B.M. Bower“Before I die, I'll ride the sky/I'll part the clouds like foam.” B. M. Bower, SkyriderSkyrider by B.M. Bower is the story of Johnny Jewel, ...
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Primates
Xist PublishingMonkey seemonkey do!This ebook features colorful photos of monkeys,apes and other primates. Babies and toddlers will love flipping through the colorful pictures and older children ...
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My Pop Pop and Me and a Recipe
Irene Smalls & Cathy Ann JohnsonA cooking story for young and old (Includes an original Recipe for Lemon Bar Cake) Pop Pop and Me and A Recipe is a delicious blend of cooking and caring. ...
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Running with the Wolves
Cartoon SaloonRobyn learns who is really living in the forest outside her town in this beginning reader based on the film, WOLFWALKERS. Each page features images from the film paired with...
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Nursery Rhyme Time
Mother GooseFrom “Jack and Jill” to “Three Blind Mice,” children will be charmed by this delightfully illustrated collection of classic nursery rhymes. Favorite nursery rhymes are paire...
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Su Sees
Brenda PonnayWe Can Readers: Su Sees A simple walk in the park gets very exciting. Su sees a squirrel, a bird and then, a skunk! Find out what happens when the skunk sees Su. In this very simp...
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Discover Baby Animals
Xist PublishingLearn all about these super cute baby animals. This level 2 reader features adorable photographs and informative text for beginning readers.
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Gems
Xist PublishingDid you have a rock collection as a child? Would you like to encourage an interest in the natural world in your kids? Discover rocks, minerals and shiny stones in this book of gems...
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She Will Help
Cartoon SaloonRobyn really wants to help. She tries to help her father but is not allowed. When she learns the secret of the forest, she finds a new friend to help. Based on the new film, WOLFWA...