Page:Christmas Carols Ancient and Modern.djvu/137



A few years since, previous to the troubles in the country, there was a custom in Spain at Christmas time of setting up in most respectable families what was called the nacimiento, which was a rude imitation of rocks with baby-houses, &c. and clay figures representing the Nativity, the shepherds, ox, and ass kneeling to the holy infant, with Joseph and Mary in a ruinous stable. Large parties used to meet for several nights dancing, reciting speeches from old Spanish plays called “Relaciones,” and singing carols to the sound of the Zambomba.

In France the carols, of which there are numerous collections, are called Nodls ; the season itself being known by the name of Noël or Nouel whence came our Nowell or Novell, which may be seen in many carols, though the last term is sometimes used in the sense of news or tidings. Some writers have derived Noel from Natalis (which seems however rather doubtful), as signifying originally a cry of joy at Christmas. It may, perhaps, be derived from the same source as our Yule. It does not appear to have been confined originally to Christmas time, but was used as a cry of joy on many great occasions. At the proclamation of Henry the Sixth it was made use of. Pasquier gives many examples,