Page:Lancashire Legends, Traditions, Pageants, Sports, Etc., with an Appendix Containing a Rare Tract.djvu/266



This with the loudest bounce me sore amazed, That in a flame of brightest colour blazed; As blazed the nut, so may thy passion glow, For 'twas thy nut that did so brightly glow."

Priority of time as to marriage is frequently determined by means of the "merrythought" bone of a fowl. Two persons take hold of it with their smallest fingers, holding the bone the forked side downwards; and the one who breaks the largest piece from the bone will be the first to be married. It is considered to be highly improper for lovers to see each other on a Friday evening. When a couple are found transgressing this rule, they are followed home by a crowd beating frying-pans, shovels, tongs, or any implements that will make a discordant noise when struck, whilst the leader of the gang loudly proclaims the crime they have been committing. Great care ought to be taken when the day of the marriage is selected. The popular dictum is—"As the day of the wedding so will be the married life of the couple." The sun ought to shine on every wedding party, for, "Happy is the bride that the sun shines on." On no account refuse to relieve a beggar on that day, lest you be subjected to crosses, denials, and disappointments through life. Sunday is considered to be a very improper day for marriages, and hence they are seldom celebrated on that day, especially in country churches. In East Lancashire Thursday appears to be the favoured day; and this is in accordance with the practice of our Scandinavian ancestors, although it is somewhat at variance with the following metrical regulations:—