Some canny lassies have been known to get the ring
into one of their very first spoonfuls, and have kept
it for fun in their mouths, tucked snugly beneath
the tongue, until the dish was emptied. Such a
lass was believed to possess the rare accomplishment
of being able to hold her tongue, but nevertheless
tricky.
A loaf cake is often made, and in it are placed a
ring and a key. The former signifies marriage,
and the latter a journey, and the person who cuts
the slice containing either must accept the inevitable.
Each girl and boy seeks an even-leaved sprig of ash;
first of either sex that finds one calls out cyniver,
and is answered by first of opposite sex that succeeds;
and these two, if omen fails not, will be joined in
wedlock.
Roast three chestnuts before the fire, one of which
is named for some lady (or gentleman); the other two,
for gentlemen (or ladies). If they separate,
so will those for whom they are named; those jumping
toward the fire are going to a warmer climate; those
jumping from the fire, to a colder climate; if two
gentlemen jump toward one another, it means rivalry.
Walk backward several feet out of doors in moonlight
with mirror in your hand, or within doors with candle
in one hand and mirror in the other, repeating following
rhyme, and face of your future companion will appear
in glass:
“Round and round, O stars so fair!
Ye travel and search out everywhere;
I pray you, sweet stars, now show
to me
This night who my future husband
(wife) shall be.”
Suspend horizontally from ceiling a barrel-hoop on
which are fastened alternately at regular intervals
apples, cakes, candies, candle-ends. Players
gather in circle and, as it revolves, each in turn
tries to bite one of the edibles; the one who seizes
candle pays forfeit.
Place a lighted candle in middle of floor, not too
securely placed; each one jumps over it. Whoever
succeeds in clearing candle is guaranteed a happy
year, free of trouble or anxiety. He who knocks
candle over will have a twelve-month of woe.
Tie wedding-ring or key to silken thread or horsehair,
and hold it suspended within a glass; then say the
alphabet slowly; whenever ring strikes glass, begin
over again and in this way spell name of future mate.
Stand in front of mirror in dimly lighted room and
eat an apple. If your lover reciprocates your
love he will appear behind you and look over your
right shoulder and ask for a piece of apple.
