from the Chronicles of Celtic Folk Customs, by Brian Day
Corpus Christi is the Thursday after Trinity Sunday when Christians
celebrate the presence of Christ in the bread and wine of the Eucharist,
and the doctrine of transubstaniation.
CELTIC. Before the Reformation Corpus Christi brought the Easter Cycle
to a climax through the bearing of the Host through the streets in
procession and the performing of biblical dramas. Records from larger
Scottish burghs tell us how elaborate these processions were, and
although they ceased in their original form in the early 17th century
the legacy of the dramas lived on longer. They were miracle or mystery
plays performed by guilds from high partitioned carts called pagiante
(hence pageant) in wealthy religious centres. They were performed by
town guilds, and featured the biblical cycle from creation to doomsday.
Each guild was responsible for one scene or act and was fined if it
defaulted. The Corpus Christi carol is no longer sung.
Corpus Christi fairs were held in many parts.
--
Pat Connors, Sacramento CA
http://www.connorsgenealogy.com
Professional Genealogy Research
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