Page:Shetland Folk-Lore - Spence - 1899.pdf/196

 and the Bridal, which commonly “stood” three days. Spör means to ask or enquire—hence the spörin' was the occasion when the bridegroom asked in a formal way the consent of the bride's parents. Even at the final and most solemn event of life the three feasts were still observed, viz., the Kistin, the Funeral, and the Condolin.

Winter was the chief season of festivity. As a rule all marriages took place during the three winter moons.

Arrangements were made about the beginning of November for holding the Hallowmas banquets. The young lads banded themselves together in squads and went hoosamylla (from house to house), as maskers, commonly called gröliks. They received offerings of money, burstin brönies, legs of vivda, or dried sparls. When the rounds of the district had been completed, they repaired to a neighbouring barn with their sweethearts, and the banquet was spread They amused themselves with such games as hunt-da-slipper, wads, and