A Christmas tradition dating back hundreds of years is continuing in Lincoln, sustained by a group of local performers determined to preserve the city’s medieval heritage.
Known as Crying Christmas, the ritual signals the beginning of the festive season through the public reading of 15 ceremonial verses. The tradition is upheld by the City of Lincoln Waites, a group whose origins can be traced to the 15th century, when the original Waites served as the official musicians of the city’s mayor.
Lesley Clarke, a member of the modern-day ensemble, explained that the cries were historically intended to announce the arrival of Christmas while reminding people of their duties during the season.
“They were essentially instructions for how people should behave – being kind to others, looking after the poor, and enjoying Christmas responsibly,” she said. “Those expectations applied to everyone, including those in positions of power.”
While the original Waites once processed through the city streets, stopping to perform and recite the cries at key locations, a revived version of the group was established in 2007 to bring the custom into the modern era.
Today’s performers wear period costumes and play instruments modelled on those used during the reign of King Richard III. Their seasonal performances take place at St Mary Magdalene Church and feature music that is more than 500 years old.
Ms Clarke said the performances offer audiences a rare glimpse into England’s medieval past. “It’s unusual, and that’s what makes it special,” she said. “It brings history to life – the music, the clothing, the customs – and helps people understand how life once was.”
She added that preserving traditions like Crying Christmas is about more than nostalgia. “History matters,” she said. “There’s value in understanding how people lived before us, and perhaps even learning something from it today.”
