The Miracle-Plays

These plays were founded on the historical parts of the Old and New Testaments and on the lives of the saints. They were performed at first in churches, and afterwards on platforms in the streets. Their design was to instruct the people in Bible history; but, long before the Reformation, they had so far departed from their original character as to bring contempt upon the Church and religion. The exhibition of a single play often occupied several days. The earliest recorded miracle-play took place in England in the beginning of the twelfth century; but they soon became popular in France, Germany, Spain, and Italy.

In England they received a check from the rise of the modern drama, yet they continued to be performed during the reigns of James I. and Charles I.

Milton's first sketch of his "Paradise Lost" was a sacred drama.

In Germany these plays, with one exception, were suppressed in the year 1779.

The villagers of Oberammergau, in the Bavarian highlands, had, upon the cessation of a plague in 1633, vowed to perform "The Passion of Our Saviour" every tenth year, out of gratitude, and also as a means of instruction to the people,--a vow which they had regularly observed.

The pleading of a deputation of Oberammergau peasants with Maximilian Joseph of Bavaria saved their play from the general condemnation.

The play was then remodelled, and is perhaps the only Mystery or Miracle Play that survives to the present day. The performance of it lasts for eight hours, with an intermission of one hour at noon; and, though occurring only once in a decade, it is repeated on several Sundays in succession during the season. The characters in the play number about five hundred, and, from the oldest to the youngest, are exclusively the villagers of Oberammergau. The personator of the Saviour seems to regard the performance of his part as an act of religious worship; and the other important actors are said to be selected for their holy life, and to be consecrated to their work with prayer.

The New Testament is strictly adhered to, the only legendary addition being the story of the handkerchief of St. Veronica.

The acts alternate with tableaux from the Old Testament, and with choral odes.

Many of the tableaux vivants are perfect copies of celebrated pictures, as "The Last Supper," "The Entombment," etc.

Travellers from all parts of the world flock to Oberammergau during the time announced for its representation; and very many Protestants who expect to be disagreeably affected by the Passion Play, find it not at all irreverent, but very solemn and devotion-inspiring.