NOTES ON SETTING, MUSIC, AND COSTUME
Russian Oven. Made from a wooden packing-case, five or six feet in height, covered with cambric, and painted to represent stone, brick, or tiles. These stoves are decorated with rich panels in bold conventional designs of flower or animal forms, or combinations of geometrical figures. They are often so large that in the bitter weather whole families may sleep on their tops, or on a platform above.
Ikons. Pictures of the Christ, the Madonna, and the Saints, much ornamented with gilt, and placed on a ledge in "the beautiful corner," with candles in silver candlesticks, sweet-smelling grasses, and flowers, real or of paper. Sometimes a carved wooden pigeon is also placed before the ikons—the emblem of the Holy Spirit. The wall in this corner is hung with long towels, either covered with embroidery, or embroidered at the ends. Everyone who enters the room makes an obeisance, and crosses himself, before the ikons. They are specially decorated for Christmas.
Make the towels with stencils, as described in the notes on girls' costumes.
The same characteristic designs are placed on ledges, cupboards, and shelves, on the chest, or coffer, and ceiling beam, on carved wooden boxes, dishes, and jugs, which are often displayed on a sideboard. The knife and loaf placed on the coffer constitute a symbol of hospitality.
The decoration of the stage need be limited only by time and resources.
Music
Search for information in regard to carol-singing in Russia having been unsuccessful, old carols have been chosen which lend an atmosphere of quaintness. The "Carol of the Birds" is old French, the others English, "The Golden Carol" of the Magi being especially appropriate to the story.