DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.6094#0112
SICILY AND MALTA. 89
like much to have seen: The celebration of
the feasl of the Vara. It appears, indeed,
to be a very angular exhibition, and I am
heartily sorry it does not happen at this
season. In order to the more dignified
appearance of the Virgin Mary on this
occasion, they have invented a very curious
machine, which I am told represents
heaven, or at least a part of it. It is
of a huge size, and moves through the
street with vast pomp and ceremony. In
the center is the principal figure, which
represents the virgin; and a little higher,
there are three others to denote the Trinity.
Round these, there are a number of wheels,
said to be of a very curious construction.
Every wheel contains a legion of angels,
according to their different degrees of
precedency; seraphims, cherubims, and
powers. These are represented by a great
number of beautiful little children, all glit-
tering in clothes of gold and silver tinue;
with wings of painted feathers fixed to
their
like much to have seen: The celebration of
the feasl of the Vara. It appears, indeed,
to be a very angular exhibition, and I am
heartily sorry it does not happen at this
season. In order to the more dignified
appearance of the Virgin Mary on this
occasion, they have invented a very curious
machine, which I am told represents
heaven, or at least a part of it. It is
of a huge size, and moves through the
street with vast pomp and ceremony. In
the center is the principal figure, which
represents the virgin; and a little higher,
there are three others to denote the Trinity.
Round these, there are a number of wheels,
said to be of a very curious construction.
Every wheel contains a legion of angels,
according to their different degrees of
precedency; seraphims, cherubims, and
powers. These are represented by a great
number of beautiful little children, all glit-
tering in clothes of gold and silver tinue;
with wings of painted feathers fixed to
their