Page:The Folk-Lore Journal Volume 4 1886.djvu/130

 122 CORNISH FEASTS

than a minute before 1 could start in the chase. But at last away I went, and, after running a long time, I managed to catch her and secured the loving token of capture. The kiss given, we went back to the ring, and thus the game proceeded." — (Cornishman, 1881.)

On St. Stephen's-day, 26th December, before the days of gun- licences, every man or boy who could by any means get a gun went out shooting, and it was dangerous to walk the lanes. The custom is said to have had its origin in the legend of one of St. Stephen's guards being awakened by a bird just as his prisoner was going to escape. A similar practice prevailed in the neighbourhood of Pen- zance on "feasten Monday," the day after Advent Sunday ; but on neither day have I ever heard of any religious idea connected with the practice.

In the week after Christmas -day a fair is held at Launceston (and also at Okehampton in Devonshire), called '* giglet fair " (a *' giglet or giglot" is a giddy young woman). It is principally attended by young people. " At this ' giglet market,' or wife-market, the rustic swain was privileged with self-introduction to any of the nymphs around him, so that he had a good opportunity of choosing a suitable partner if tired of a single life." — (Britton and Brayley's Devon and Cornwall.)

It is unlucky to begin a voyage on Childermas (Innocents-day), also to wash clothes, or to do any but necessary household work.

On New Year's-eve in the villages of East Cornwall, soon after dusk, parties of men, from four to six in a party, carrying a small bowl in their hands, went from house to house begging money to make a feast. They opened the doors without knocking, called out Warsail, and sang, —

" These poor jolly Warsail boys Come travelling through the mire."

This custom was common fifty years since, and may still be ob- served in remote rural districts. There is one saint whose name is familiar to all in Cornwall, but whose sex is unknown. This saint has much to answer for ; promises made, but never intended to be kept, are all to be fulfilled on next St. Tibb's eve, a day that some folks