from the Chronicle of Celtic Folk Customs by Brian Day
CELTIC This was a solemn day in commemoration of, and prayer for, the
faithful who remain in purgatory, in the hope that they will progress to
heaven. This Feast Day was established in AD 998. In many places the
customs were the same as on All Saints' Day. As then, Souling was only
done in Wales.
WALES The Protestant Church in Wales did not celebrate this day after
the Reformation. However, the custom of requesting soul cakes from
householders did survive for a time. Originally for the departed, they
were latterly collected for themselves. The giving of soul cakes to
relatives is a substitue for the departed being unable to give them on
their own behalf. They often contained salt, as this was a purifying
agent, often put in coffins. Recipes for soul cakes varied from one
district to another. Cheese and small loaves of bread (salted barley
meal cakes in Clwyd) were distributed to the poor, as this was regarded
as something the dead would approve of.
November 3rd: St Winefride's Day, St Clydog's Day
CELTIC St Winefride was martyred in the 7th century, defending her
virtue. St Clydog was a 6th century king of the southern border lands
between England and Wales, buried in the village of Clodock.
First Monday in November
WALES This was the date of the annual election of the Portreeve of
Laugharne, Dyfed.
--
Pat Connors, Sacramento CA
http://www.connorsgenealogy.com
Professional Genealogy Research
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