S e c r e t s

“First Day Fest” is based on the English Christmas carol that lists a series of increasingly grandiose gifts given from December 26th (Boxing Day) through January 6th (the Feast of Epiphany). There are many variations sung around the world, but Peter’s version features the partridge most prominently, along with five other presents: two turtle doves, three very French hens, four calling birds, five gold rings, and six geese a-laying in the interior. When the entire song is finished, 364 gifts have been bestowed upon the singer from her “true love”, hence the “364” inscription. Since 1984, the PNC bank has used the cumulative cost of the gifts as a tongue-in-cheek economic indicator. In 1984, the total amounted to $12,623.10. In 2008, it was $21,080.10. “PNC” and its 2008 value are also inscribed. Another inscription, “Chattertocks”, refers to the Brown University female a capella singing group who has sung the song in Latin every year since 1958.