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Russisches Volksfest
Beschreibungstext eng
Misc. Subj. CXVII. Vol. VI. No. 75., NATIONAL FEAST OF THE RUSSIANS., There is a custom in Russia, according to which the impérial court bestows a feast upon the people of Petersburg, on solemn occasions, such as conclusions of peace, coronations andweddings. The annexed table exhibits such a feast, which took place in the year 1790, at the conclusion of the peace made with Sweden. Before the imperial Winter-palace they had constructed two pyramidical sc. ffolds, of 20 yards in height, (Pig. l.) whereof the steps, turning round about, were served up with meals and pastrywoik of every kind. Above each was placed a roasted ox, the one of which had gilded horns and the other silvered horns. The pyramids were adorned with rosecoloured tafiety in a manner that only the horns peeped out, which stood in competition for the prize. At the signal given by a cannon- shot the people rushed thither; they gained the tnffety by pieces; the meats were flung on all sides; a troop of courageous rowers got the golden horns and thereby a premium of 100 rubels. The pyramids being stripped, some fountains, at a little distance, began to spout out red and white, wine. (Fig.. 2.) The people rushed thither in crowds, gathering in hats the delicious drink and presenting it by turns to the neighbours. Some common Russians even climbed up the fountain itself, in order to catch the whole wine-spout, but a well - applied syringe cooled the too bold drinker, repelling him within his bounds.
