Date: Wed, 27 Feb 2002 21:00:59 -0600
Subject: Re: PUPT: Can't find-




The term "marionette" was first associated with string puppets in sixteenth
century Europe .  The origin of the word may be traced to the Virgin Mary,
who was often the principal character of puppet plays during the 1500’s,
either as a diminutive of “Maria”, or its’ literal translation “little
Marys”, of the French reference to the Virgin.

The early European marionette, known as "A La Planchette', consisted of a
string, secured to a post at one end, passing through the body of a jointed
puppet or group of puppets.    These marionettes are believed to have
originated in Italy where they were called fantoccini.

the above is referenced in the 1935(?) and 1972 edition of  Max von Boehn
book, Puppets & Automata





Mary Robinette Kowal wrote:

> I can't find documentation of either of these.  Are they apocryphal?
>
> The word "Marionette" originated in France in reference to the "Little
> Mary"s that were used in nativities in churches.  The term spread to be
> used for all puppets in France.
>
> When French string puppet shows toured England, the land of Punch and
> Judy, the English thought that "marionette" referred only to string
> puppets.
>
> Thanks,
> Mary
> --
> Mary Robinette Kowal
> Other Hand Productions
> http://www.otherhandproductions.com
>
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