The Legend of Cockaigne

As Medieval Europe emerged from the Dark Ages men everywhere began aspiring to a "new life." So it evolved that pictures would be painted in word and song telling of their dreams. One common desire was a life of ease, and from this, grew a vision of a fascinating Utopia that was put down in legend as, "The Land of Cockaigne," a dream world that answered all life's problems.

Far, far away, in the middle of the Sea, is a vast island called THE LAND OF COCKAIGNE. All those who wish to get there must be men of exceeding courage and ready to undergo great hardships, for that land is cut off from the World by a very long and lofty mount of cornmeal cake through which they have to eat their way before coming to the aforesaid most famous country. But beyond this obstacle is a most beautiful land where Time has gone to sleep at the pleasantest hour of the year's most pleasant season. The trees everywhere keep their first fresh foliage. The houses are built of barley sugar and are roofed with cakes. Roast geese wander the pastry-paved streets begging to be eaten. Buttered cooked larks fall from the ski at the snap of a finger. Sweet honey flows like water from a deep valley, and the rivers and fountains pour forth fine wine.

But most of all, the law of the land is that each man must hold fast to a life of leisure. There is no greater disgrace in that country than to talk of work or commerce. The busybody who tries to promote business or industry is loathed by all, and sooner or later banished from the land. In the LAND OF COCKAIGNE one spends all his hours reflecting on the life of ease and wonders of nature.

Truly, "Cockaigne" was that imaginary dream of the hard-working medieval common man. The legend was popular during the 16th and 17th centuries. However, such luxurious living became associated with the aristocracy in the late 17th century, and as the common people rose to new standards of living, such idleness became almost sinful and the legend lost its charm and appeal.

Now, in the later Twenty-First Century, man has achieved the time to pursue interests other than hard work, and leisure time has acquired a new and richer meaning. It is in this respect that our "New" Cockaigne has come into being-a land of leisure living to be enjoyed by all.