(no subject)

[gothwalk]

Christmas pursuits have changed some. From a site about The Victorian Christmas:

a popular Victorian parlour game called "Snap Dragon". A shallow bowl filled with spirit and currants was put on a table and the spirit set alight. The players had to try and snatch the currants out of the flames and put them into their mouths.

What an interesting game. olethros is probably as opposed to it as I am to Dance Dance Revolution, though.

Comments

[hisgreyeyes.livejournal.com]

And with such a venerable tradition behind it: I know something similar was played in England in the 13th century at least, and possibly earlier. Why on earth did we ever stop? Possibly because suppurating burn wounds on the hands are less attractive to the modern eye, but I say we re-instate it!

[bastun.livejournal.com]

What a waste of alcohol!

OTOH, a great spectator sport. Because it involves pain happening to other people, obviously.

[shiftercat.livejournal.com]

Ah, yes, those wacky Victorians. Must carefully shelter people from any hint of sex or unwholesomeness, but getting them to set themselves on fire is A-OK.