from the Chronicle of Celtic Folk Customs book by Brian Day....
CELTIC On this day people prayed for their departed relatives, leaving
food and lighted candles for them in case their souls revisited the
house. This custom lasted longest in Catholic areas after the
Reformation. There was some transference of Hallowe'en customs, for
example bonfires, mischief, guising and mumming. This was not as solemn
a day as All Souls' Day tomorrow.
Souling, the visiting of each house in the village begging for
soul-cakes in return for a song or blessing, was practised in Wales,
probably as a result of the English influence because it was such a
strong tradition in the border county of Cheshire.
All Saint's Day was treated as a quarter day.
St. Cadfan lived in 5th century Rhyle, Clwyd, and a stone in the church
at Towyn is said to mark his grave.
WALES This day was retained by the Protestant Church in Wales after the
Reformation, but the following day was not.
As it was the start of winter, today was when many farm workers ended
their summer contracts, or it was on the 13th November according to the
old calendar.
Soul cakes were collected from house to houe and offered to local
priests to say a prayer giving hope for the souls of the the poor to
come out of purgatory.
Caernafon Hiring Fair was held today.
--
Pat Connors, Sacramento CA
http://www.connorsgenealogy.com
Professional Genealogy Research
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