SERIES: Pictorial History of the Sports and Pastimes of All Nations
SCENES: Three Wise Men at birth of Christ; sledding; samovar; sleigh ride
SIZE: 5" x 3"
ARTIST: Not signed, but reportedly Frances Brundage
DATE: 1893
LITHOGRAPHER: Kaufman & Strauss
CONDITION: Good to very good, I'd say. The card is only lightly soiled with slightly worn edges and corners. However, there are several faint creases in the bottom portion of the card, and a tiny tear (~1/8") in the bottom edge. (Please see scans.)
MULTIPLE ITEM SHIPPING DISCOUNT: I will ship up to 4 cards for the single base shipping charge shown. For purchases of more than 4 cards, the shipping charge will increase by just a small increment for every 4 additional cards.
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REVERSE TEXT: RUSSIA.
AS FAR as it is possible to define the characteristics of a nation spreading over such vast territory, the Russians are hospitable, charitable, tender-hearted, yet eminently practical. They are fond of nature too, more the creatures of sentiment than of conviction, patient, inclined to fatalism and remarkable sociable.
It is this last quality which makes the observation of Christmas so great a pleasure in anticipation. Early in November, the coming celebration is projected. Among the rich, one hospitable mansion of the circle is selected, and this becomes the scene of the festivities which last from Christmas Eve till Twelfth Night. Six nights and days of joyous misrule ensue. A general feature of these games is the advent of parties of maskers, who go from house to house, disguised as characters from the nativity of Christ, especially as the Three Wise Men. These recite religious verses, entertain the company variously, and enjoy welcome hospitality.
The sleighs and sledges of the Russians, with the bell-hoops over the horses, and the gay plumes waving in the wind, are the most picturesque vehicles imaginable.
Russian boys and girls are not satisfied with the sleds the youth of other lands mainly use. They employ huge bob-sleds wherewith to coast. These are sometimes long enough to accomodate parties of fifteen and twenty each. Russian children never lie on their sleighs belly-whopper. They always sit.
A universal Russian institution is the samovar. A cup of tea from this--tea comes overland to Russia--is said to be divine. The samovar is the sign manual of Russian hospitality, and stands ever ready for use, in every Russian home.
