Strangely black eye Friday fell on the 21st of December this year which is the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year. This in ancient times was the pagan Saturnalia festival which involved the reversal of all order and dignities: a mock turning everything upside down. This was later carried to great lengths in the Church in the Middle Ages. In England it was customary to appoint a Lord of Misrule or Abbot of Unreason who presided over the tomfoolery.
The midwinter festival was the last feast celebration, before deep winter began. Most cattle were slaughtered so they would not have to be fed during the winter, so it was nearly the only time of year when a supply of fresh meat was available. The majority of wine and beer made during the year was finally fermented and ready for drinking at this time.
Well going by the groups of crazy drunks I saw, all looking for kebabs and burgers not much has changed in the past few hundred years then eh!
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