The sources for "Good King Wenceslas" are given on [p. 316]. The singing of this carol (also the "Golden Carol") is accompanied by the Village Fiddlers on their violins. Semyon sings the part of the King, Ivan that of the Page, all the children the narrative parts.
Others, with better knowledge of the subject, may be able to obtain music more strictly suitable. The author would be glad to gain any accurate information in regard to the use of Christmas carols in Russia.
Costumes
Boys wear Russian blouses, and dark trousers, their legs bound, from feet to knees, with yellowish rags; shoes suggesting moccasins. Blouses may be made of canton flannel, white, or dull colors, or of unbleached muslin, reaching halfway to knees. Neck finished in a band; opening from collar down left side is not more than six or eight inches, giving just room enough to put the head through. Trim this collar and opening, also sleeves, with fur; or put on a conventional border with stencil and paints, narrow at neck opening, broad on sleeves. Tie in at waist with a short sash, ends hanging, of bright color to match borders.
Outdoor winter costume of boys is a very thick, very full-skirted coat of dark color, immense boots, cap of fur, or fur-bordered, and bright scarf about neck, ends tucked into breast of coat. The village children, however, may be supposed to rush in from their houses, after the Babushka, without coats, but dressed as above, which is both simpler and more picturesque.
Girls’ costumes vary a little more.
1. Sleeveless dress, to ankles; white guimpe, long full sleeves. Dress of bright colors, with band of plain color edging bottom of skirt, neck, both of dress and guimpe, and bordering white sleeves. Apron, white, with stenciled designs in various colors.
2. Skirt to ankles, of soft faded blue or red, worn high on the short white waist, which has full sleeves, gathered in a band at the elbow. Trimmed with stenciled bands in bright colors, at hem of skirt, on neck and sleeves, and also at the edge of an immense handkerchief worn on the head and knotted under the chin. This is large enough to spread out over shoulders, and is straight across the back.
3. Plain narrow skirt of soft color, with a long-sleeved apron (cream white), low-necked in front, and cut like an Eton jacket in the back. This skirt has a band of plain color at the hem, but the apron is trimmed with many rows of stenciled patterns at the bottom, a narrow pattern at neck and hand, and a broader one around the back at the waist. White chemisette in front, also with band of trimming.