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MUNSHETS 407 |
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She ranges the stules three times a day, Three times a day, three times a day; She ranges the stules three times a day, Come alang wi' the merry-ma-tanzie.
This game originated, no doubt, as a marriage dance round a sacred tree or bush. As it now exists it appears to have no other character than the performance of duties such as those enumerated in the description. In no version that I am acquainted with do the elements of love and marriage or kissing occur, otherwise the resemblance it bears to the Scotch " Merry-ma-tanzie" would suggest that it is a portion of that game. This game possesses the centre tree, which is not preserved in " Merry-ma-tans a." Trees were formerly sacred to dancing at the marriage festival, as at Polwarth in Berwickshire, where the custom once prevailed, which is not unworthy of notice. " In the midst of the village are two thorn trees near to each other; round these every newly-married pair were expected to dance with all their friends; from hence arose the old song, ' Polwarth on the Green'" (New Statistical Account of Scotland, Polwarth, Berwickshire, ii. 234). Holland (Cheshire Glossary), under "Kissing Bush," says, "A bush of holly, ivy, or other evergreens, which is hung up in farm kitchens at Christmas, and serves the purpose of mistletoe. The kissing bushes are usually prepared by the farm lads on Christmas Eve, and they are often tastefully decorated with apples, oranges, and bits of gay-coloured ribbon. I have occasionally seen them made upon a framework of hoop iron something in the form of a crown, with a socket at the bottom to hold a lighted candle." Brand (ii. 15) also describes how in Ireland men and women dance round about a bush in a large ring on the Patron Day. Newell (Games, p. S6), gives this game, and also mentions one in which "barberry bush" is named. The tune in all versions is the same. See " Merry ma-tansa," " Nettles."
Munshets or Munshits
Is played by two boys as follows :—One of the boys remains "at home," and the other goes out to a prescribed distance. |
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