In Colonial America many did not celebrate Christmas with lavish festivities. Until 1753 with the Gregorian calendar change, the New Year was not celebrated until March. There were no balls that dropped, nor balls to dance at until dawn. So inquiring minds may want to know what great celebration took place during the Christmastide season in colonial times.
Christmastide takes place from Christmas Day until twelve days following, called the feast of Epiphany or Three Kings Day. It is the day following Twelfth Night, when many colonials attended grand balls, the highlight of the season.
Today, January 6th, is that very day, time to remove your wreaths from
the front door and be sure that your Christmas decorations come down and
are stored away until next year. It also happens to be the day following Colonial Quills/CACW founder Carrie Fancett Pagels birthday. So, I thought we might ask her, if she were attending a Birthday Gala in her honor on Twelfth Night in the 18th century, what would she have worn to the ball? What might you have worn?Please include your answers, and include links to a colonial costume (from Pinterest or on elsewhere on the internet) in your comments. Who is attending the ball? Characters from a favorite colonial story you've read or written? We'd love to know! Be sure to have some cake and extend your birthday tidings to Carrie!
How appropriate, a twelfth night ball on Carrie's birthday! She looks divine in her pink! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks so much. And just today a coach brought me an amazing trunk full of pink presents. I was positively astonished. The crystal necklace looks lovely with my gown, don't you think? As does my gorgeous satin reticule! I am so blessed!
DeleteYou look lovely in your finery, Carrie. I hope your birthday was spectacular.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Janet, and yes it was! This simply caps it off! Very fun!
DeleteCarla, I just now got the engraved invitation. Let me run and prepare myself. Thanks for the lovely ball! I can hear the musicians tuning up!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday, Carrie! Hope you enjoyed your special day and that many blessings come upon you and overtake you in the New Year!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Lisa! You are such a sweetheart!
DeleteHopefully this comment will show...having a little trouble this fine day with this communication device...new fangled thing.
ReplyDeleteI am excited to see you all here! Please enjoy some refreshments and do tell! We'd love to hear all about your ball ensemble!
Here's mine...a brocaded apricot robe à la française.
http://www.invaluable.com/auction-lot/a-brocaded-apricot-robe-a-la-francaise,-circa-40-c-66092e8808
Wishing you the Happiest Birthday Tidings, Misstress Carrie! You look lovely, as always!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.pinterest.com/pin/66357794482442789/
ReplyDeleteI could do with some fussing today, what with this nasty weather, and am thrilled to attend such an occasion! Mistress Carrie you, and your cake, look divine! Have a very blessed new year and thank you for all you do!
Yes, thank you for coming out this blustery evening, Mistress Marvin! You look lovely and thank you for your kind felicitations!
DeleteHappy Birthday, Carrie!!! Lovely gown!
ReplyDeleteThanks, MaryLu, and you look fabulous!
DeleteLove your dress, Carrie! I think that I would wear something lavender, since that is my favorite color. I pray that your birthday was wonderful! Here is a picture of my dress...not sure if it's the right era, but it's pretty. :) http://i.ebayimg.com/t/Civil-War-Colonial-Pioneer-Dickens-Custom-Made-Dark-Gold-Ball-Gown-or-Dress-/00/s/MTYwMFgxMjAw/z/FokAAOxy015SLkqs/$(KGrHqUOKpIFIjffwmyVBSLkqr8ld!~~60_57.JPG
ReplyDeleteWow that is gorgeous, Debbie--it looks more like plum to me. Lovely! I've had a super birthday, thanks!
DeleteHappy birthday, Carrie!!! I'm at the party in this:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.pinterest.com/pin/265782815481423863/
So lovely that I added it to my Pinterest page for 18th century clothing! Thanks, Ro!
DeleteStunning gowns ladies! That purple is so rich, Chaplain Debbie. And your fabric is exquisite, Roseanna. You are wearing my favorite style, Debra, dear!
ReplyDeleteDid someone say "birthday party for Miss Carrie?!" Ohhh, just give me some time to change into something festive to celebrate our dear Miss Carrie's birthday! Something silk, maybe a brocade in a nice shade of cheery fuschia. Happy birthday, dear sweet Carrie! And now, let me get in line for the dancing!
ReplyDeleteThis was my Grandfather's birthday, January 6th. Blessings! Happy dancing with Mr. Tim!
DeleteHappy Birthday, Carrie! what fun to celebrate with a Twelfth Night Ball! You look positively beautiful! I chose my green silk for the occasion and did I say I love cake?
ReplyDeleteYou look exquisite, Rebecca! Green is your color!
DeleteHappy Birthday Carrie dear. Knew you'd be wearing something beautiful in Pink. A beautiful dress for a beautiful lady. I have been out of town to visit a daughter, and another daughter picked me up and brought me home and stayed until tonight, then my computer wouldn't wok. Glad finally it decided to let me online. The ladies all have beautiful dresses. I don't know how to do all of this pictures, links, etc that you ladies, but I wanted a dress like the beautiful dress like the lady on Courting Morrow Little, by Laura Frantz in Purple and Pink. Love all of the Tea Party's. And wishing to celebrate many more of your birthdays Carrie. God Bless you. I had two sisters with a birthday , and not twins. But they have resided in Heaven for several years now. Must go to bed so see you ladies later. Mistress Maxie mac262(at)me(dot)com
ReplyDeleteThanks, Mistress Maxie! Sounds like you had a nice trip. Sorry about your computer! Oh, you'd look lovely in Morrow's dress!God bless!
DeleteGood to see you, Mistress Maxie. The gown you chose is lovely! God bless you, and your sisters in their heavenly abode.
ReplyDeleteMmmm, lovely cake. Happy birthday to you Miss Carrie! What a fun way to spend a birthday. I love any shade of blue, so I picked my dress to be this: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/406801778812329253/ (hopefully that shows up)
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing the party with us!