A Conversation for In comes I! Mumming, Pace-egging and Souling Folk Plays
The Cutty Wren
the autist formerly known as flinch Started conversation Nov 20, 2002
I think that the point of this song - the many poor going out secretly to hunt and feast upon the ribs of one tiny bird, is satirical. They don't want to divide the wren, the symbol of the king, between themselves but to hunt the king himself, and be free of his agencies which keep them hungry. Brilliant song
The Cutty Wren
brislib Posted Nov 21, 2002
James Joyce makes reference to * the wran the wran , the king of all birds , St Stephen's day was caught in the furze*
Related no doubt to his hero Stephen Dedalus
The Cutty Wren
the autist formerly known as flinch Posted Nov 22, 2002
St Stephens day, (Boxing Day?) was a day in which the serfs were given the freedom of the kingdom - hence them being able to hunt the kings bird, the wren, and such a song might be sung at such a time. The Good King Wesleslas song refers to this costom.
Key: Complain about this post
The Cutty Wren
More Conversations for In comes I! Mumming, Pace-egging and Souling Folk Plays
Write an Entry
"The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy is a wholly remarkable book. It has been compiled and recompiled many times and under many different editorships. It contains contributions from countless numbers of travellers and researchers."