The Lord of Misrule presided over raucous holiday celebrations in England until the 16th century, with similar officials in Scotland and France. The tradition’s roots lie in the Roman festival of Saturnalia, with a reversal of traditional roles, and sacrificial kings presiding over debauchery in other cultures. As societies converted from paganism to Christianity, the Lord of Misrule retained many pagan traits but gradually became less acceptable, with monarchs and the Church attempting to ban rampant celebrations of Christmas. Eventually, the tradition died out altogether.
The Lord of Misrule was an official who presided over raucous holiday celebrations in England until the 16th century. Similar officials have also been seen in Scotland and France. Typically, the Lord of Misrule was chosen by drawing lots and was responsible for arranging entertainment and presiding over events during celebrations which could span from November to January. These tumultuous holiday celebrations were banned on several occasions before finally being put down, developing into the more orderly celebrations of the holidays seen in the 17th century.
The roots of this tradition lie in the Roman festival of Saturnalia, which fell in the month of December. During this festival, there was a reversal of traditional roles, with slaves wearing fine clothing and sitting at the head of the table as they were served by their masters. People ate huge amounts of food, drank heavily, and engaged in entertainment such as dances, parades, and plays. The Lord of Misrule was allowed to order anyone to do anything, and at the end of the festival, he was sacrificed.
Sacrificial kings presiding over debauchery can also be seen in other cultures. Saturnalia was probably practiced in England during the time of Roman occupation, and the Celts also had similar figures who presided over seasonal festivals. In exchange for a sacrifice to bring good luck to the people, the King of the Year, as he was known, was allowed to enjoy the favors of any woman and to command any favor.
As societies gradually converted from paganism to Christianity, they retained many of their pagan traditions, including the concept of the Lord of Misrule. He was not sacrificed at the end of the holidays, but he shared many traits with his pagan counterparts, including the ability to disregard customary social conventions and the permission to order any favor; monarchs lavishly spent their festive celebrations under the supervision of the Lord of Misrule, and the Christmas holidays were often used as an excuse for flaunting excesses.
As social norms changed, the Lord of Misrule gradually became less and less acceptable. Several monarchs and the Church have attempted to ban rampant celebrations of Christmas, and this official’s role has gradually changed, focusing more on organizing festive events and less on drinking and engaging in unsavory activities. Eventually, the tradition of appointing a Lord of Misrule and throwing a “Fol’s Feast” with a comical reversal of social roles died out altogether.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
