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& ACTING OUT THE STORY OF THE NATIVITY, youngsters play the role of angels in the Christmas pageant at St. Croix, Virgin Islands. Traditional wherever the holiday is celebrated, the Christ- mas pageant has history in religious dima. Photo by Henle -- searchers believe, religious plays had their start. Easter dialogues and play- Christmas plays developing as a natural result. Other re- ligious dramas or mystery plays soon followed, until there were Series or cycles of plays devoled to telling the | © entire story of the'Sceriptures, Covered Many Subjects Mystery cycles of the 16th century included as many as 40 dramas, which might be presented over a period of several days. The cycles de- veloped in virtually every (continued on page 20) + Photo Researchers: from editors of Eneyelopedia Americana, rr Pageant Has History - In Medieval Dramas As young actors and ac- tresses of -this: community rehearse their roles for their special Christmas play or 'pageant, they take.part in a custom treasured through the ages. Since the Christmas story first was told, mankind has sought and found countless ways to create it again and anew, in song and story, in art and drama. The modern Christmas pageant, a fea- ture of:church observances in communities near and far, may well trace its history to early religious dramas -- the mystery, miracle and moral- ity plays of the Middle Ages. Where did church drama actually begin? One possible source is the tradition of the - Christmas crib or manger scene, but scholarly research indicates that medieval re- ligious drama probably had other, separate origins, ac- cording to the editors of En- cyclopedia Americana. Easter Plays Came First Representations of the manger scene began with the use of 'doll figures, and his- tory offers no evidence that people were ever substituted for the dolls. Living "actors" did, however, play a part in some early elaborations of church rituals.- In the 10th century, spe- cial chants written to accom- pany church music on festi- val occasions began to take the form of simple dialogues. These were little more than dramatic inserts -in the church services, but here, re- Bhristmas [Hlessings Away in a manger ...let's remember Christ on His JOSEPHS BARBER SHOP in step with the season . . . our 3 warm "thank you." PORT PERRY SHOE Sales and Repairs = T T 7, gr Greetings of the Wd : hearts with -peace -and happiness. Kayvan's Ladies Wear ftoly May the many blessings of Christmas fill your of Holiday time is aglow, in the hearts of young and old. Add to its warmth our bright "thank you.' ) » SWAMP AUTO BODY DOUG ROBINSON -- BRUCE McCREIGHT Qo {A Nis". Hot Hot look who's here! It's' Sarta and he's got lots of good wishes for you all Port Perry Sno Jet A cozy setting makes home the place for every heart during the Christinas season. RIDGEVIEW GARAGE H. D. OBSTFELD We're ringing up our good wishes . .. joy plus peace plus love. The total is the best Christmas yet! We're grateful to all our patrons. DOWSON'S RED AND WHITE RA SAD NTR SAP NE Se ERT IAT, LAN Eade Dhl SAW ER a RA 9) AN oS ET ct rm a des a ae XI