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Article Christmas on the Capitol. ← Page 2 of 3 Article Christmas on the Capitol. Page 2 of 3 →
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Christmas On The Capitol.
figures of the infant Jesus , the Bambino in Italian , which are much purchased ; for at Ara Coeli ( it belongs to the orderof Reformed Franciscans , the Grey Friars ) there is held , from Christmas to Epiphany , a Festival of thc Holy Child , and to it come thc peasantry from the Campagna as well as the poor of Rome . Here , too , you may purchase ( hc luitario of the new year , an antiquated almanack , fall of curious rhymes and riddles . Pastry and sweets are , of course ,
laid out temptingly . But the sellers of Bambini have the most eistom ; you see mothers picking out those that look the prettiest for the children who accompany them . Very gentle and affectionate they are . these mothers of the Roman poor ; one overhears the most wonderful words of endearment on their lips , that poetry of tho South whicii atones for so many faults , and which contrasts so strongl y with the inarticulate utterance of our own uneducated .
The scene is a lively one when the top is reached , nnd you look back . From here , too , there is a good view down into the Piazza of the Capitol , and over much of modern Rome . But let us join the cluster of people at the door , and with them pass under the lifted curtain .
The interior of the church itself is very interesting , but cannot be seen aright at this time , when much of it is hidden beneath the Chr ' stmas drapery . The columns , some of granite , some of marble , which divide the nave from the aisles , were brought hither b y the architects from ruined temples of the old gods ; they arc of different sizes , of different orders , and of necessity rest on pedestals of
varying height . The floor is not easy to walk upon , especially in the dusk of evening , for its mosaic work is thickly set with monumental slabs , whereon is sculpture iu high relief ; every now and then one stumbles over the effigy of some long-fovgotten churchman . There are no paintings of the first importance , bnt a great deal of admirable carving , and among the tombstones yon may mark with
gratitude that of the man to whom is due the discovery of the " Laocoon , "! the fact being hereon worthily recorded . However , it is lo more modern points of interest that wc are just now paying attention . Walking along the left aisle , we notice a curious proof of fhe reality their religion still has for some of the poor people who eome here to worship . Between two of the chapels tlie wall is
completel y covered with the rudest and often most grotesque little oil paintings , each one commissioned and hung here , in token of devout thankfulness , by some nameless person , who has survived a great peril , or , perchance , has seen rescued from the like someone near and dear . The pictures represent , generally very much in the fashion of a schoolboy drawing on his slate , all manner of escapes firm risk of death ; the greater number arc concerned with
accidents with vehicles , whicii wonld seem of common occurrence in Rome . Then there are children falling out of windows , mothers rescuing their babies from burning houses , catastrophics with firearms—all sorts of mishaps and calamities , aud in each case you sec depicted in an upper corner of the picture either fhe Madonna or some familiar saint in the act of exercising protection . At the foot are inscribed the three letters , " P . G . R .. " which stand for the Italian words , " per Grazia Ricevuta "— "For Grace Received . "
But clearl y the chief point of attention to-day is the chapel a little further on in the same aisle , the second from the entrance . It is towards this that the people are thronging . And , indeed , it presents a singular , at fhe first glance a startling , appearance . The chapel , in fact , has been converted into the stage of a theatre , framed with a proscenium imitating rugged rock ; within is arranged
a tableau- —still to use theatrical language—representing fhe adoration of the Hol y Child by the shepherds aud the Magi . In an open hut , allowing a view of hill y country in the background , sits the Virgin , a life-sized figure arrayed in bright-coloured vestments , and on her lap is the wooden image of the Bambino , the great treasure of the church of Ara Cadi . Thc story goes that this image was carved
by a devout Christian and subsequently coloured by St . Luke ; it possesses miificiilous powers , chiefly exercised in healing the sick , to whose houses it is often solemnl y borne . The gratitude of the pious has adorned it from head to foot with gold and precious stones . I say from head to foot , but in truth feet it has none ; a A * ery rude effigy , cone-shaped down from the shoulders . But the golden crown
that gleans npon its head , and the lustre of rich ornaments all ovev its body may attract the eyes of the simple people who crowd hither to kneel before the chapel ; for my own part , I found something touching in its combined rudeness and magnificence , aided b y the thought of the generations of toiling and untaught men and women , who have been raised into a world of beautiful belief by dwelling upon its legend and its significance .
Grouped tibont , in kneeling attitudes , are figures of thc Shepherds and fhe Eastern Kings ; sheep and other animals , reasonably lifelike , stand here and there , giving much joy to the children who come to gaze . Above hung wreaths of clouds , with adoring angels ; and highest of all is seen the Eternal Father , bending earthwards . The whole is brightl y illuminated with concealed candles , producing a capital scenic effect .
How else should one speak of it ? The kindly peasants of the Campagna arc purely child-like in their thoughts of religion , and have nothing in common with the grave northern spirit . It touches them and awakens all their belter feelings , this which you would fill a paltry and unbecoming show . All the Italians arc '
child-worshippt i-s ; Ihe word Bambino , so common upon their lips , always W ' . ' u if Ii a p ( c ; : ! iai- tenderness ; they make pretty diminutives of il . they arc fond of i ont inr . ing its use until the child has passed far beyond babyhood . II docs one gcod fo watch the family groups thai pries forward lo have a long look at the scene ; one hears pleasant laughter , anything but irreverent , and gentle affectionate
Christmas On The Capitol.
• words interchanged between young and old ; one sees a mother finding a space to kneel and teaching her little one to kneel by her and whisper a petition to the Hol y Child . I could not help thinking of certain cold , dark churches in London , and of the hapless English toilers who would never dream of going there for comfort .
But here , close at hand , is something yet more curious , something that smacks yet more strangely of the old world . Turn your back upon thc chapel , and you will witness , perhaps , the quaintest scene that a Roman Christmas can still offer .
Directly opposite the illuminated tableau , against the first pillar on the right of the nave , has been constructed a little carpet-covered platform , some five feet above the ground . Round about this is aconsiderable gathering of people , with numbers of children ; thev are listening to a little girl , perhaps six years old , who is reciting along piece of poetry . Wonderful to watch and hear this little creature ! Bv
no conceivable training could an English child of this age be tan <> ht so to deliver verses with such deli ghtful self-possession , such clearness of delivery , such amusing precocity of gesture . The piece she is speaking is a simple and pretty story of the events at Bethlehem ; it is written in rhyming couplets , and in the measure of " Hiawatha . " How distinctly at this moment I can hear the child ' s Toice ! Not in
the least strained , yet perfectly audible to all the listeners : the sweet Italian words , made yet sweeter upon the baby lips , falling like the music of a summer streamlet . Upon every face there was a smile , but a good , kind smile , which one is the happier and better for seeing . And at the end of the piece of poetry camo a prayer , still in the same
verse , addressed to the Bambino Santissimn . Thc child knelt when she began it , and put her hands together , and fixed her eyes upon the wooden image with its crown aud its jewels . The prayer finished , she sprang up at once , made a curtsey to the audience , and b y friendl y hands was lifted down from the platform .
A murmur of approbation , of affectionate applause , , went through the crowd . The women looked at each other and laughed quietly , and seemed proud of the child ' s success . They were all women of the poorest class , either contadine ( peasants ) , or from the obscure quarters of Rome ; and among them was to he noted many a striking face , the kind of face one would wish to see on canvas , beautiful in the way which suggests noble , even heroic , possibilities . The young faces interested me less than those of the old : in the former there
was often enough a rare charm , but it seemed as if age ' and experience were needed to bring out the significance inherent in this t ypo of feature . The older men , too , frequently possessed a remarkable dignity of countenance ; and their figures showed well in the rough long cloaks . But in matter of costume one found little that was noteworthy ; the coloured handkerchiefs on the women ' s heads were
picturesque and of the locality , but the fatal influence of modern commerce showed itself even in thc poorest—most deplorably so in the case of the children . Those who had been prepared for recitations were too often decked out with a vulgar smartness whicii reminded one of England ' s plebeians . Well , one must forget that , and be thankful for the sweet child voices and the Italian music arid the spirit of simple goodness .
The reciters were nearly all girls , and seldom much more than nine years old . When a little boy made his appearance on the platform , he was sure to prove comparatively a bungler ; became forward in a half shamefaced way , and spoke mechanically , and , in short , had no business to be there at all . Now and then it happened that a little g irl could not p luck up courage to face thc crowd ; mother or
sister would lift heron to the platform , and she would make her bow , and even speak a few words , but there came the choking in the throat and stammering and abashed hiding of the face . Many would be the efforts made to encourage her , bnt to no purpose , and then one saw her take final refuge iu mother ' s arms , where she was received with just a little disappointment , but none the less with tender comforting , and assurance of undiminished faith . Theses were the rare
exceptions . I-or the most part , an astonishing self-confidence was exhibited . And the word must be understood in its best sense . The children simply behaved as though none but a few of those tbey know and loved were jiresent ; they enjoyed speaking their pieces , and in some instances wero very ready to give them a second time , —in which case , by-the-bye , one observed how careful had been their instruction , every tone and gesture being exactly the same as in the first delivery .
It appealed strongly io one ' s humanity , this spectacle of children addressing a child ; easy to see that the fathers and mothers present were moved by just this aspect of the observance . Appraise the religious value of snch a practice at as low a rate as you will , it is yet certain that these little Roman maidens will grow up with a memory and an association in their hearts whicii can scarcel y be fruitful of anything but pure thoughts and gentle pieties .
But I must describe to you in more detail one incident of fhe ceremony . This was nothing less than a sort of " miracle play , " a dialogue presented by two little girls of exceptional sweetness and cleverness . When they appeared upon the platform one of them leaned her head against fhe pillar , feigning fo be asleep—they were shepherds watching their flock b y night . The companion of the sleeper
presentl y becomes aware of a strange and wonderfully bright star : she gives a description of its splendour , and at length awakes the second shepherd , that they may look and marvel together . There follows a long conversation between the two , and in the end they are guided by heavenly voices to the manger of Bethlehem . Then both fall to their knees and worshi p the Bambinello , finally offering prayers for their parents and relatives and for Iheir own guidance in life . This dialogue delighted the audience , and with reason . It was charmingly done , with delightful grace , with au indescribably
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Christmas On The Capitol.
figures of the infant Jesus , the Bambino in Italian , which are much purchased ; for at Ara Coeli ( it belongs to the orderof Reformed Franciscans , the Grey Friars ) there is held , from Christmas to Epiphany , a Festival of thc Holy Child , and to it come thc peasantry from the Campagna as well as the poor of Rome . Here , too , you may purchase ( hc luitario of the new year , an antiquated almanack , fall of curious rhymes and riddles . Pastry and sweets are , of course ,
laid out temptingly . But the sellers of Bambini have the most eistom ; you see mothers picking out those that look the prettiest for the children who accompany them . Very gentle and affectionate they are . these mothers of the Roman poor ; one overhears the most wonderful words of endearment on their lips , that poetry of tho South whicii atones for so many faults , and which contrasts so strongl y with the inarticulate utterance of our own uneducated .
The scene is a lively one when the top is reached , nnd you look back . From here , too , there is a good view down into the Piazza of the Capitol , and over much of modern Rome . But let us join the cluster of people at the door , and with them pass under the lifted curtain .
The interior of the church itself is very interesting , but cannot be seen aright at this time , when much of it is hidden beneath the Chr ' stmas drapery . The columns , some of granite , some of marble , which divide the nave from the aisles , were brought hither b y the architects from ruined temples of the old gods ; they arc of different sizes , of different orders , and of necessity rest on pedestals of
varying height . The floor is not easy to walk upon , especially in the dusk of evening , for its mosaic work is thickly set with monumental slabs , whereon is sculpture iu high relief ; every now and then one stumbles over the effigy of some long-fovgotten churchman . There are no paintings of the first importance , bnt a great deal of admirable carving , and among the tombstones yon may mark with
gratitude that of the man to whom is due the discovery of the " Laocoon , "! the fact being hereon worthily recorded . However , it is lo more modern points of interest that wc are just now paying attention . Walking along the left aisle , we notice a curious proof of fhe reality their religion still has for some of the poor people who eome here to worship . Between two of the chapels tlie wall is
completel y covered with the rudest and often most grotesque little oil paintings , each one commissioned and hung here , in token of devout thankfulness , by some nameless person , who has survived a great peril , or , perchance , has seen rescued from the like someone near and dear . The pictures represent , generally very much in the fashion of a schoolboy drawing on his slate , all manner of escapes firm risk of death ; the greater number arc concerned with
accidents with vehicles , whicii wonld seem of common occurrence in Rome . Then there are children falling out of windows , mothers rescuing their babies from burning houses , catastrophics with firearms—all sorts of mishaps and calamities , aud in each case you sec depicted in an upper corner of the picture either fhe Madonna or some familiar saint in the act of exercising protection . At the foot are inscribed the three letters , " P . G . R .. " which stand for the Italian words , " per Grazia Ricevuta "— "For Grace Received . "
But clearl y the chief point of attention to-day is the chapel a little further on in the same aisle , the second from the entrance . It is towards this that the people are thronging . And , indeed , it presents a singular , at fhe first glance a startling , appearance . The chapel , in fact , has been converted into the stage of a theatre , framed with a proscenium imitating rugged rock ; within is arranged
a tableau- —still to use theatrical language—representing fhe adoration of the Hol y Child by the shepherds aud the Magi . In an open hut , allowing a view of hill y country in the background , sits the Virgin , a life-sized figure arrayed in bright-coloured vestments , and on her lap is the wooden image of the Bambino , the great treasure of the church of Ara Cadi . Thc story goes that this image was carved
by a devout Christian and subsequently coloured by St . Luke ; it possesses miificiilous powers , chiefly exercised in healing the sick , to whose houses it is often solemnl y borne . The gratitude of the pious has adorned it from head to foot with gold and precious stones . I say from head to foot , but in truth feet it has none ; a A * ery rude effigy , cone-shaped down from the shoulders . But the golden crown
that gleans npon its head , and the lustre of rich ornaments all ovev its body may attract the eyes of the simple people who crowd hither to kneel before the chapel ; for my own part , I found something touching in its combined rudeness and magnificence , aided b y the thought of the generations of toiling and untaught men and women , who have been raised into a world of beautiful belief by dwelling upon its legend and its significance .
Grouped tibont , in kneeling attitudes , are figures of thc Shepherds and fhe Eastern Kings ; sheep and other animals , reasonably lifelike , stand here and there , giving much joy to the children who come to gaze . Above hung wreaths of clouds , with adoring angels ; and highest of all is seen the Eternal Father , bending earthwards . The whole is brightl y illuminated with concealed candles , producing a capital scenic effect .
How else should one speak of it ? The kindly peasants of the Campagna arc purely child-like in their thoughts of religion , and have nothing in common with the grave northern spirit . It touches them and awakens all their belter feelings , this which you would fill a paltry and unbecoming show . All the Italians arc '
child-worshippt i-s ; Ihe word Bambino , so common upon their lips , always W ' . ' u if Ii a p ( c ; : ! iai- tenderness ; they make pretty diminutives of il . they arc fond of i ont inr . ing its use until the child has passed far beyond babyhood . II docs one gcod fo watch the family groups thai pries forward lo have a long look at the scene ; one hears pleasant laughter , anything but irreverent , and gentle affectionate
Christmas On The Capitol.
• words interchanged between young and old ; one sees a mother finding a space to kneel and teaching her little one to kneel by her and whisper a petition to the Hol y Child . I could not help thinking of certain cold , dark churches in London , and of the hapless English toilers who would never dream of going there for comfort .
But here , close at hand , is something yet more curious , something that smacks yet more strangely of the old world . Turn your back upon thc chapel , and you will witness , perhaps , the quaintest scene that a Roman Christmas can still offer .
Directly opposite the illuminated tableau , against the first pillar on the right of the nave , has been constructed a little carpet-covered platform , some five feet above the ground . Round about this is aconsiderable gathering of people , with numbers of children ; thev are listening to a little girl , perhaps six years old , who is reciting along piece of poetry . Wonderful to watch and hear this little creature ! Bv
no conceivable training could an English child of this age be tan <> ht so to deliver verses with such deli ghtful self-possession , such clearness of delivery , such amusing precocity of gesture . The piece she is speaking is a simple and pretty story of the events at Bethlehem ; it is written in rhyming couplets , and in the measure of " Hiawatha . " How distinctly at this moment I can hear the child ' s Toice ! Not in
the least strained , yet perfectly audible to all the listeners : the sweet Italian words , made yet sweeter upon the baby lips , falling like the music of a summer streamlet . Upon every face there was a smile , but a good , kind smile , which one is the happier and better for seeing . And at the end of the piece of poetry camo a prayer , still in the same
verse , addressed to the Bambino Santissimn . Thc child knelt when she began it , and put her hands together , and fixed her eyes upon the wooden image with its crown aud its jewels . The prayer finished , she sprang up at once , made a curtsey to the audience , and b y friendl y hands was lifted down from the platform .
A murmur of approbation , of affectionate applause , , went through the crowd . The women looked at each other and laughed quietly , and seemed proud of the child ' s success . They were all women of the poorest class , either contadine ( peasants ) , or from the obscure quarters of Rome ; and among them was to he noted many a striking face , the kind of face one would wish to see on canvas , beautiful in the way which suggests noble , even heroic , possibilities . The young faces interested me less than those of the old : in the former there
was often enough a rare charm , but it seemed as if age ' and experience were needed to bring out the significance inherent in this t ypo of feature . The older men , too , frequently possessed a remarkable dignity of countenance ; and their figures showed well in the rough long cloaks . But in matter of costume one found little that was noteworthy ; the coloured handkerchiefs on the women ' s heads were
picturesque and of the locality , but the fatal influence of modern commerce showed itself even in thc poorest—most deplorably so in the case of the children . Those who had been prepared for recitations were too often decked out with a vulgar smartness whicii reminded one of England ' s plebeians . Well , one must forget that , and be thankful for the sweet child voices and the Italian music arid the spirit of simple goodness .
The reciters were nearly all girls , and seldom much more than nine years old . When a little boy made his appearance on the platform , he was sure to prove comparatively a bungler ; became forward in a half shamefaced way , and spoke mechanically , and , in short , had no business to be there at all . Now and then it happened that a little g irl could not p luck up courage to face thc crowd ; mother or
sister would lift heron to the platform , and she would make her bow , and even speak a few words , but there came the choking in the throat and stammering and abashed hiding of the face . Many would be the efforts made to encourage her , bnt to no purpose , and then one saw her take final refuge iu mother ' s arms , where she was received with just a little disappointment , but none the less with tender comforting , and assurance of undiminished faith . Theses were the rare
exceptions . I-or the most part , an astonishing self-confidence was exhibited . And the word must be understood in its best sense . The children simply behaved as though none but a few of those tbey know and loved were jiresent ; they enjoyed speaking their pieces , and in some instances wero very ready to give them a second time , —in which case , by-the-bye , one observed how careful had been their instruction , every tone and gesture being exactly the same as in the first delivery .
It appealed strongly io one ' s humanity , this spectacle of children addressing a child ; easy to see that the fathers and mothers present were moved by just this aspect of the observance . Appraise the religious value of snch a practice at as low a rate as you will , it is yet certain that these little Roman maidens will grow up with a memory and an association in their hearts whicii can scarcel y be fruitful of anything but pure thoughts and gentle pieties .
But I must describe to you in more detail one incident of fhe ceremony . This was nothing less than a sort of " miracle play , " a dialogue presented by two little girls of exceptional sweetness and cleverness . When they appeared upon the platform one of them leaned her head against fhe pillar , feigning fo be asleep—they were shepherds watching their flock b y night . The companion of the sleeper
presentl y becomes aware of a strange and wonderfully bright star : she gives a description of its splendour , and at length awakes the second shepherd , that they may look and marvel together . There follows a long conversation between the two , and in the end they are guided by heavenly voices to the manger of Bethlehem . Then both fall to their knees and worshi p the Bambinello , finally offering prayers for their parents and relatives and for Iheir own guidance in life . This dialogue delighted the audience , and with reason . It was charmingly done , with delightful grace , with au indescribably