more from the Celtic Folk Customs book...
Trinity Sunday, First Sunday after Pentecost, fifty-seventh day after
Easter, eighth Sunday after Easter
CELTIC. The performance of mystery plays today was widespread before
the Reformation. A tradition existed of dressing the pews of the local
church with hay on this day, perhaps as a way of expressing gratitude or
wishes for a successful hay-making.
WALES. In Caernavon there was an old Trinity custom surrounding calves
and lambs born with a certain natural mark on the ear, called the Ned
Beuno, or mark of St Beuno. They were led to the church, formerly to
the monastery, of Clymog-fawr on Trinity Sunday and delivered to the
church wardens, who sold and accounted for them. The money earned was
deposited in a great chest, called Cyff St Beuno, and made of one oak
and secured with 3 locks. From this practice come the Welsh proverb
about attempting to do any very difficult task, 'You may as well try to
break open St Beuno's chest'. The money resulting from the sacred
beasts, and any casual offerings was applied either to the relief of the
poor or used for church repairs.
--
Pat Connors, Sacramento CA
http://www.connorsgenealogy.com
Professional Genealogy Research
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