How well do you know your Christmas Carols? Prepare to be informed, Rogue Polymath style.
Good King Wenceslas
Origins:
The carol was written by Englishman John Mason Neale in 1853, but its origins are much more complex. The tune comes from a 13th century Finnish tune recorded in a book of school music in 1582. The lyrics seem to be based on a Medieval Czech poem of a legend of King Wenceslas.
Who was this guy Wenceslas?
Technically, he wasn’t a really king (just like Lord Farquad). He was the Duke of Bohemia (present day Czech Republic) during the Tenth century. His real name was Vaclav (Wenceslas is the German version), which doesn’t quite have the same ring to it. However, by all accounts, he was a good guy. He also founded St. Vitus Cathedral.
His brother, Boleslav, was not such a good guy. He arranged for Wenceslas to be murdered on his way to church, thus ensuring himself a permanent spot on the ‘naughty list.’ Wenceslas was vindicated by being declared a martyr on the church and is now the patron saint of the Czech Republic. In your face Boleslav!
Eventually, he was posthumously given the title of King (so that part is kind of true). The story of going out in the snow to help a poor peasant is probably mostly legend as Wenceslas became like a rock star in the years after his death.
What about this Stephen person who was having a feast?
The Stephen referred to here is the first martyr of the church (Acts 6 & 7). His feast day is December 26th, hence the reason for this song being a Christmas carol. The feast of Saint Stephen was part of the Twelve Days of Christmas (you remember the 12 days of Christmas right?). The day after Christmas remains a popular day in the United Kingdom and is celebrated as Boxing Day.
Sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Good_King_Wenceslas
http://www.whychristmas.com/customs/carols_stories.shtml
http://www.hymnsandcarolsofchristmas.com/Hymns_and_Carols/good_king_wenceslas.htm
