X.—CUSTOM-RHYMES.
Reading edition
X.—CUSTOM-RHYMES.
CHRISTMAS.
CHRISTMAS MUMMERS' PLAY.
NEW YEAR'S DAY.
TWELFTH-NIGHT.
CATHERNING.
VALENTINE'S DAY.
YOULING.
BOY'S BAILIFF.
PACE-EGGING.
COLLOP-MONDAY.
ISLE OF WIGHT SHROVERS.
EASTER-GLOVES.
LENT-CROCKING.
CARE-SUNDAY.
APRIL-FOOL-DAY.
MAY-DAY.
HARVEST-HOME.
THE BARLEY MOW.
ALL-SOULS' DAY.
FIFTH OF NOVEMBER.
BARBERS' FORFEITS.
COCKLE-BREAD.
A DRINKING CUSTOM.
It is greatly to be feared that, notwithstanding the efforts made within the last few years by individuals who have desired to see the resuscitation of the merry sports and customs of old England, the spirit which formerly characterised them is not to be recovered. The mechanical spirit of the age has thrown a degree of ridicule over observances which have not been without use in their day; and might even now be rendered beneficial to the public, were it possible to exclude the influence which tells the humbler subject such matters are below his regard. Yet it must be confessed that most of our ancient customs are only suited to the thinly-populated rural districts, where charity, goodwill, and friendship may be delicately cultivated under the plea of their observance.