History of Utah, 1540-1886 - Brigham Young University

FESTIVITIES AMONG THE SAINTS. 251
New-year's day was ushered in at Winter Quarters by
the firing of cannon. 31 There were frequent assem-
blies for dancing, and in February several picnics
were held. In inaugurating these festivities, Brigham
told the people he would show them how to go
forth in the dance in an acceptable manner before the
Lord, 32 and to the sound of music led the dance. A
picnic lasting for three days was also given, at which
three hundred of the poor were feasted. 33
31 The thermometer was during that week from 2° to 8° below zero, later
falling several degrees lower.
32
'I then knelt down and prayed to God in behalf of the meeting,. . .and
dedicated the meeting and house to the Lord, . . .and led forth in the dance.'
Hist. B. Young, MS., 1847, 27. In an address Brigham said: 'For some
weeks past I could not wake up at any time of the night but I heard the axe
at work, . . . and now my feelings are, dance all night if you desire to do so. ' p.
48. 'The "Silver Greys " and spectacled dames, .. .some nearly a hundred
years old, . . . dancing like ancient Israel. ' p. 49.
33 'There were 117 poor adults, . . .divided into three wards. . .Shortly after
noon I met with 66 of my family, including my adopted children.' Id., p. 53.