(the Fool) Room, room, brave gallants all, and give us room to rhyme!
We come to show activity about this wintertime.
The roots of our great festival lie hidden at the base
Of Ygdrasil, the World Tree, and these for you I'll trace.
At Hanukkah the lights do blaze for eight nights and a day
And Maccabees do celebrate midwinter victory.
Saint George shall come and die by swords that circle round his neck
As winter dies, so shall he die, and then to life like spring.
In Sweden, Saint Lucia brings her little Christmas Jul,
And Saturnalia brings from Rome the ancient Feast of Fools.
A star shone over Bethlehem to guide the wise men three
And in Japan it's time to cut your Kado Matsu tree.
In the pueblos of New Mexico they dance the matachin
And light the luminaria to guide the wise men in.
For African-Americans, it's Kwanza time tonight
For seven spirit principles to show the inner light.
For the Iroquois, the snow-snakes are the game of winter feasts
Where Big Heads go a-visiting to banish winter's beast.
In northern lands around the world the fires are alight
To drive away the darkness on this, the longest night.
We bid you carol with us, sing wassail every one
Now, welcome in the New Year and summon up the sun!