In the Middle Ages, folks usually exchanged gifts on Twelfth Night, not Christmas. The big feast above from the Book of Hours January calendar may have been a Twelfth Night celebration and household gift exchange. The Duc du Berry himself is seated at the table, dressed in a blue peacock feather robe.
If you can click on the image to enlarge, you'll see mysterious details. Notice the tiny dogs on the table right in front of the Duke? Surely lapdogs, but where are the ladies? Outside the banquet hall, see the lines of mounted knights. Departing or returning Crusaders? At the table, richly dressed clergymen on the right hand of the Duke. Their proper place, since the festival marks the coming of the Epiphany. And now, just around the corner-- Lent. The 12 day party is wrapping up.
Happy new year! Today marks a beginning and an end on the blog, because January is now the 12th calendar page I've posted from the Duc du Berry's Book of Hours. It will be hard to find something as beautiful as these miniature paintings to start the new months.
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