The Flair
of the Veille de Nuit
Nocturnal guided town tour in historical attire
I. Retiring for the Night:
The nocturnal guided town tour in historical attire
II. The City by Night
and the sweet mystery of the darkness
III. Under the Protection of the Cloak:
Evening dress & Pelisse
IV. The Watchman of the Night
V. An earnest admonition:
Guard the fire and the light!
I. Retiring for the Night:
The nocturnal guided town tour in historical attire
As dusk begins to descend matters turn serious in the most charming of ways: The eve of our grand ball has arrived. This nocturnal guided town tour under the care of the night watchman is intended to attune our senses to the impending ball event and inspire us to dream of spirited dances in the Hall of Mirrors before we retire for the night.
II. The City by Night
and the sweet mystery of the darkness
When the sun had long since faded beyond the baroque gables and rococo facades and the citizens of the residence city had retired to rest, the face of Eichstätt altered in a truly magical manner. Yet why should a lady or a gentleman of the Regency era expose themselves to the uncertainties of the nocturnal alleys? Was it the late, joyful return from a divertissement, a Whist evening, or perhaps a discreet rendezvous in the shadow of the princely palaces?
Perhaps the path also led to one of those mysterious gatherings: Precisely here, in the tension between the old Jesuit colleges and the circles of the Illuminati and Enlighteners, profound knowledge and the urge for spiritual renewal met. A well-considered promenade at a nocturnal hour offered space for profound thoughts and stimulating discourse far removed from courtly protocol.
III. Under the Protection of the Cloak:
Evening dress & Pelisse
Those who wandered through the cool alleys at night in the days of Jane Austen did so always well-protected and elegantly attired. The ladies wrapped themselves in warming pelisses, elegant capes, or fine woolen shawls over their delicate Empire dresses, whilst the gentlemen braved the night wind in a heavy riding coat (Carrick) or a frock coat with a high collar and a top hat. A noble appearance that kept the cold at bay and at the same time accentuated the grace of the wearer and the gentleman in the lantern light.
IV. The Watchman of the Night
When all were asleep, the welfare of the city lay in the hands of the night watchmen. Their duty was to watch with eagle eyes that no fire broke out and the silence of the night was preserved. Accompany our vigilant night watchman as he – equipped with halberd, horn, and lantern – makes his tradition-steeped rounds through historical Eichstätt and grants our esteemed society safe conduct.
V. An earnest admonition:
Guard the fire and the light!
A word of reason must at this juncture however temper the romantic spirit. The ancient call of the watchmen – "Guard the fire and the light, that no harm befalls the house!" – applies most particularly to our festive society. From the experience of previous gatherings, we entreat you earnestly: Please refrain from using real torches or open candles in your lanterns!
The fine fabrics of historical garments, laces and shawls catch fire far more swiftly than a gallant cavalier could intervene. Instead, please resort exclusively to safe, electric candlelight, so that we may all unharmed and in perfect freshness welcome the grand day of the ball the following morning.