Note 202 — FRAGMENT OF THE HAGMENA SONG.[202]
Reading edition
The custom of singing Hagmena songs is observed in different parts of the north of England, and in Scotland. The origin of the term is a matter of dispute. Some derive it from "au guy l'an neuf," to the misletoe this new year; others suppose the term to be a corruption of aghia mhênê the holy month. The Hagmena songs are sometimes sung on Christmas Eve, and sometimes, as at Richmond, on the eve of the new year. See Brand's Popular Antiquities.