The First Noel (Coleford) 2012 (General)

by m p griffiths , Wednesday, October 17, 2012, 16:53 (4415 days ago)

Well it's an early start......

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2219096/Market-town-Britain-Christmas-lights---...

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How different from the Forest in the 19th century. This is quoted from The Gentleman's magazine, July 1822, by W S WICKENDEN, born Awre 1796 - my x Great Uncle.

'The Foresters from the secluded situation of this part of the country, and by not mixing much with their more enlightened neighbours, have a great many superstitious customs among them, of which the following are some of the most remarkable.

'They implicitly believe old Christmas (5th of January) to be the real Christmas Day, and no arguments whatever would convince them of their error. On that night (they say) exactly at twelve o'clock, the herb rosemary blossoms, which is proof that our Saviour was born at that hour. The oxen likewise kneel down at the same time and some will go so far as to say they have actually seen these prodigies.

On old Christmas Day they will not suffer any females to enter their houses, and during the above day and the eleven succeeding ones, they will not suffer any fire to be taken out of their houses. If you ask them their reasons for observing the above customs, they will tell you it is unlucky to break them, and recount several strange accidents which have happened to persons who have been presumptuous enough to do so

At new Moon they turn the money in their pockets, thinking it to be lucky.

The believe in witchcraft, and wonderful are the tales they relate of wizards, aparitions, and enchanters'.