The Cultural Context of the Aberdeen Candlemas Play

Among the lost plays of medieval Scotland the Aberdeen Candlemas play is one of the most intriguing. Our knowledge of its content derives principally from two lists, dating from 1442 and 1505, dividing the roles between the burgh’s various gilds, although the fact that there was some form of dramatic element rather than merely a procession appears to be confirmed by the discovery in the Dean of Guild’s accounts for 1470-71 of a payment of 16d. to “ye men ye maid scafald to ye candilmes play.” This paper focuses on the presence in the cast of The Three Kings of Cologne and of St .Helen and St. Bride. The first two point towards Aberdeen’s commercial connections with the Rhineland and the possible influence of John of Hildesheim’s Historia Trium Regum, while the inclusion of St. Bride brings a Celtic dimension, relating not only to Brigid’s Irish origins and the popularity of her cult in Scotland, but perhaps also to a tradition associating her (or a namesake) with the foundation of the church at Abernethy, and a further link with St. Duthac of Tain. The play therefore unites two aspects of late medieval Aberdeen, Celtic roots and Continental cultural perspectives

Characteristics of Budhism in Australia

Research on Buddhism in Australia has tended to focus on demographics, ethnic identity and the migrant experience, and history. This paper uses the literature and material from Internet sites on Australian Buddhist groups to identify characteristics of Buddhism in Australia; it aims to both contribute to the understanding of the growth of Buddhism in Australia and to facilitate comparison with similar studies of American and European forms of Buddhism. New information is presented on the number of Buddhist groups in Australia, their geographical location, and the traditions and lineages represented. It is made apparent that more detailed information is needed, and suggestions are made for further research in a variety of areas