The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1866-01-26
FOUR BANDS PARTICIPATE, IN
cLUDINc "cIDEoN'S."
TheMusic-TheS Supper-TheS Scran1-
BILE for Cabs.

The Carnival or Fastnacht, as it is termed,
originated during lhs sixth century, and was
continued under Pope Gregory, who originated
the season OF Lent. By degrees the Carnival
was introduced into Southern Germany, while
by the jealous generally it was denounced as an
outrageous custom, because the first Christians
during those days conducted themselves in a
violent and turbulent manner. They would put
masks on their faces, and dress as demons and
ghosts They worshipped Bacchus and Venus,
and INDUCED in every kind of excess. The
Carnival season lasted from Epiphany to the
close of Lent but the principal festivities were
only held during eight days, and in some places
only during three days. AT the present day the
Carnival is still celebrated with a great deal
of prominence at Rome and Venice.
At the latter place the Carnival begins shortly
after Christmas, and consists of series of bur
lesque performances, balls masques, professions
on the plaza, and, when prin ces are in attend
ance, by regatas and races. Formerly a second
Carnival was celebrated at Venice IN connection
with tue ceremony of uniting the Doge of Venice
with the Adriatic. The Carnival at Rome lasts
eight days, and consists principally of series of
masquer&des and races. In Germany the Ca-ni-
val is still prominently in vogue among people
inhabiting the lands on the Rhine, especially at
Cologne, The term carnival is derived from the
Latin words cdrne Gale, because it prohibits
the consumption of meats.
The Carnival resulted from the saturnalas of
the Romans, who commenced their saturnalias
in December, and were introduced by them
among the Christians From Italy these Chris
tian saturnalias were introduced in all European
in,
the mummeries of the Germans during the Car
nival season originated the drama. At Nurn-
burg the first Fastnacht plays were presented by
the Master Singers" (Meister Saenger). The
Fastnacht plays Tesembled the original farces
among the French and the masks of the English
So it will be seen that our Coterie Carnival of
last evening was eminently classical affair;
and even in the amusements and folles of q
people, as in the graver occurrences, history is
continually repeating itself. But only in gene
raj way is the assertion to be taken. For the
Coterie ball, from which we have Just returned,
in gorgeous suit of spangled crimson, was not
a repetition of anything ever seen before in
Philadelphia. II was meant by the proprietors
to eclipse all former masquerades, and eclipse
them all it did,
All things considered this fact was rather
surprising, for yesterday and evening were the
most wretchedly dismal day and evening we
have had, this year at least. Last yea- the
Cotere Blanche ball was attended with just pre-
cisely such unfavorable weather. The slop and
the slush were of memorable depth and slushi
ness, and the condition of the streets and cross
ings upon that occasion, associated, as it will be
with the terrible coal oil conhagration on South
Ninth street, will never be forgotten. Last night
the grand ball Of his season came off, and o.
course the highways and by-ways we're in the
identical state of pickle. Providence is eyi
dently on the side of the cabmen, as we'll as OIL
the side of the heaviest artillery.
The Coterie Carnival and the Coterie Blanche
Associations are distinct affairs. The latter hai
already given two fancy dress balls, and will
give the third on Monday evening, February 5
We are promised that many of the features to bl
presented on that occasion are entirely new ant
original, the beauty and grandeur of which will
cause surprise IN the participants. AS LA Co
terie Blanche will endeavor not only to exec
their own parties of the previous years, but ais
any similar entertainments ever given in AmC
rica, they have decided to expend the entire rC
ceipts IN introducing novelties and attractions
We are told that their list contains some eigh
hundred subscribers, including the names au
cooperation of many OF our prominent citizen
of unauestonable reputation and standing. Til
following named gentlemen are members of tn
Coterie BlancLe;-Harmanus JEFF F. Marley, "
II. Bellows George G. Evans N. H. Mccoy "
Staunton, Cyrus Lukens, Henry R. Edmunds,
r. Eyre and william s. Turner.
The CoteIie Carnival is distinct organic
lion, comprising as directors Messrs Harry