Observations on Popular Antiquities - Chiefly Illustrating Origin of Our Vulgar Customs, Ceremonies

Published in 1813, this two-volume almanac of British customs and superstitions is one of the earliest sources for British folklore.

List of contents

Customs and Ceremonies: Child-bearing, churching, and christening customs; Marriage customs and ceremonies; Customs at deaths; Of bowing towards the altar or communion table on entering the church; Drinking customs; Barbers' signs; Tobacco in ale houses; Custom and superstitions concerning wells and fountains; Notices concerning sports and games; Popular notices concerning cards; Sports of sailors; Fairs; Of the meaning of the old saw, 'Five score or men, money, and pins, six score of all other things'; Fairy mythology; Popular notions concerning the apparition of the devil; Sorcery or witchcraft; Ghosts or apparitions; Gipsies; Obsolete vulgar punishments; Omens; Charms; Divination; Vulgar errors; Neck verse; Bishop in the pan; Dining with Duke Humphrey; Miller's thumb; Turning cat in pan; Putting the miller's eye out; To bear the bell; To pluck a crow with any one; Of certain other obscure phrases and common expressions; Of the phenomenon vulgarly called Will, or Kitty with a wisp, or Jack with a lanthorn.

Summary

First published in 1813 as a revision of an earlier edition, this two-volume almanac of British festivals and superstitions is widely regarded as one of the earliest authorities on folklore. Volume 2 recounts the origins and practices of customs and ceremonies including birth, death and marriage rites.

Product details

• Authors: John Brand
• Assisted by: Henry Ellis (Editor)
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press ELT
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 08.12.2011
• EAN: 9781108036474
• ISBN: 978-1-108-03647-4
• No. of pages: 746
• Series: Cambridge Library Collection -; Cambridge Library Collection - Anthropology; Observations on Popular Antiquities 2 Volume Set
• Subjects: Humanities, art, music > History; Non-fiction book > Politics, society, business > Society; Social sciences, law, business > Ethnology > Ethnology; SOCIAL SCIENCE / Folklore & Mythology, SOCIAL SCIENCE / Anthropology / Cultural & Social, Social & cultural anthropology, ethnography, Folklore, myths & legends, United Kingdom, Great Britain, Social and cultural anthropology, Folklore studies / Study of myth (mythology)