Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1891-01-03


yet vsseail is still made at New Year in many
parts Of Great Britain. In certain counties 81
ireland. however. the name wasrail has been
discarded and the drink which Il formerly des-
ignated lie now known ~ lambs wool
xAsouEnAprSo crsroN.
once highly popular New Year custom ia
various parts Of our own country, but one
which is annually falling more and more into
disuse except in remote rural districts. is that
OF young men and women. often disguised by
grotesque costumes and masques, gong about
from house TO house on New Year eve. firing
on guns, blowing horns. singing and partnkine
OF any good cheer that may lie offered them.
ms Is undoubtedly \ modification OF the old
Scottish custom OF First footing" which WAS
observed by large parties Of men and women
CARRYING great bowl or nagon of the lambs
WOOL or wasssil, already described, and q
plentiful supply Of cakes. bread and cheese.
Thus equipped they went about from house "a
house ut midnight on New Year eve and il in
any OF the dwellings visited they were the first
70 set foot after that hour they we're called the
most consideration by the people Of the house.
who provided them with good cheer and par
TOOK, IN return, OF that which the First foot
ing party brought with them.
NEW YEAR SUGGESTIONS.
Among many other old superstitions asso-
ciated with New Year is belief that il q lamp
or candle be taken out of house on that day
some member of the family will die within a
tweivemonth. while to throw ont dirty water,
ashes or anything whatever. no matter hos
worthless. Is regarded as certain TO bring in
luck during the whole Of that wear. IL the
nrst visitor TO n dwelling on New Year day is a
female and she is admitted misfortune and
misery are said to be sure to follow that house,
hold for the next twelve months. while il is
also thought to bode serious evil 20 a lady il
ner hrst New Year caller be q dark-compie,-
hair and skin are fair.
II rs said in Scotland that those who desire 70
learn what fate or fortune the new wear has in
store Tor them may do so by consulting the
bible on New Year morning before breakfast.
ihe sacred book must be LAID upon table and
those who wish TO consult it must open il q,
random and place finger upon one or other OF
the chapters at which il is opened. This chap
ter Is read and is believed 10 describe in some
way the happiness or misery during the ensu-
ing year of the person making the trial.
CAROLS FOR CHARITY.
One of the quaintest Of all New Year customs
and one which is still observed in some of the
northern counties of England, is called Going
about with a vessel cup" Poor women and
girls. DESTROYS of obtaining charity. take two
dolls representing the Virgin Mother and the
INFANT Jesus. and 90 about from house TO houss
during the week before New Year singing tn,
following quaint old carol and at the conclusion
presenting, for the receipt of aims, q small cup
which Is known as vessel cup:"
The first good JOY that Mary had il was the JOY of one
ho see her own son Jesus TO lie At her breastbone.
IL brings tidinss OF comfort and Joy.
The next good Joy that Mary had il was the Joy Of
10 see her own son Jesus to make the lsrue to go.
II brings udinss Of comfort and Joy.
The oooa ,or ,h..
three, 80 -
To ses her own son Jesus TO make the blind TO See
IL brings tidings OF comfort and Joy.
10 see her own son Jesus TO read the Bible DER,
IL ninss ticiilss of comfort and joy!
The ne It sood Joy that Mary had t the Joy Of eve
II trin2s tidings O; comfort and Joy!
The next good JOY that Mary had It was the joy of n
70 SEE her own son Jesus To bear the crucifx.
III ofings tdIngs OF comfort and Soy,
Inc next good Joy that Mary had. it was the joy Of
seven.
To See her Jesus to wear the crown of heaven
Ii brings idrnss Of comfort aud 10Y.
To turn one of these vessel-cup singers uure-
quted from your door is to forfeit all good
health and good fortune for the approaching
New Year.