Hello Pat,
Another custom, even amongst non Roman Catholics, was not to eat meat on
Good Friday. Our family still keep this custom.
Heulwen
----- Original Message -----
From: "Pat Connors" <nymets11(a)pacbell.net>
To: <WLS-SWANSEA-L(a)rootsweb.com>
Sent: Friday, April 18, 2003 5:14 PM
Subject: [Swansea] Good Friday
from the Chronicles of Celtic Customs by Brian Day
CELTIC. On this day of commemoration of the crucifixion of Christ,
solemnity, devotion and fasting were the rule in Catholic Ireland,
whereas in other areas the mood varied from subdued to festive according
to how far Catholic strictures had been relaxed since the Reformation.
Generally no work was done except seed-planting, for which the day was
auspicious. Church bells tolled at 3 pm, the reputed hour of Christ's
death. Altars were cleared of all adornments and no decorations except
yew were allowed in the church, yew symbolising mourning. Before the
Reformation some churches even took down their crucifix, and replaced it
on Easter Sunday. No meat was eaten, even in Protestant areas, but fish
and shellfish were allowed. Until the 16th century every Friday and
Saturday were fish only days, after that it was Friday only by
individual choice. The eating of hotcross buns for breakfast occurred
only in areas of English settlement or influence.
In former times Judas effigies were exhibited in the streets and then
burned. It may be that this custom is a Church substitution for an
older pagan ritual of the burning of a scapegoat. In contrast, there
were also parades with effigies of Christ nailed to the cross,
reminiscent of those in Catholic countries of Europe and in Latin America.
WALES. In the past this was a solemn, church-going day, and transport
and business activities were suspended. Some people walked barefoot so
as not to disturb the earth. The custom of eating hotcross buns in the
past is mainly recorded in areas of English influence such as south-west
Dyfed, where they were eaten after the morning church service. They
were unknown in other parts of Wales until recently. Some were hung up
in the kitchen all year as a protection against ill-fortune, while in
some households a bun would be wrapped tightly and stored. There was
also in this area a relic of the pre-Reformation re-enactment of the
burial of Christ, called 'Making Christ's Bed'. An effigy of Christ was
made from woven reeds and laid on wooden cross placed in a corner of the
garden or a field.
--
Pat Connors, Sacramento CA
http://www.connorsgenealogy.com
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