CHAPTER I.

JANUARY.

"Come then, come then, and let us bring
Unto our pretty Twelfth-Tide King,
Each one his several offering."

HERRICK'S _Star Song_.

Dedication Festivals--New Year's Day--"Wassail"--Twelfth
Night--"King of the Bean"--St. Distaff's Day--Plough
Monday--Winter Games--Skating--Sword-dancing.


In the old life of rural England few things are more interesting
than the ancient sports and pastimes, the strange superstitions, and
curious customs which existed in the times of our forefathers. We
remember that our land once rejoiced in the name of "Merry England,"
and perhaps feel some regret that many of the outward signs of
happiness have passed away from us, and that in striving to become a
great and prosperous nation, we have ceased to be a genial,
contented, and happy one. In these days new manners are ever pushing
out the old. The restlessness of modern life has invaded the
peaceful retirement of our villages, and railway trains and cheap