Talks on church traditions
Feasts and Festivals on the Streets - The Colourful History of Processions.
An exploration of this natural and colourful form of public celebration practiced since ancient times, especially in religious festivals and special civic occasions.
Cribs, Cards and Christingles - The Origins of Christmas Traditions and Customs.
A talk which explores how our colourful Christmas traditions and customs came into being and how they are celebrated. The presentation also includes some of the lesser-known folklore including Jesse Trees, Chrismons, Mumming Plays and Wassailing.
Easter Customs Past and Present.
A journey through the diverse church customs and traditions of Holy Week, from Palm Sunday to Easter Day. Some of the distinctive and beautiful practices include public processions, ritual foot-washing, the ceremony of the ‘New Fire’, parish doles and other charitable distributions.
Bellringing Customs Traditions and Folklore
Exploring the many eccentric traditions associated with church bells, from quelling thunderstorms to scaring away the Devil. The curfew bell, passing bell, pancake bell and many other curious bellringing customs and beliefs are discussed (Not illustrated).
Beating the Bounds.
A detailed look at this ancient custom which has seen many revivals in the present, with all its eccentric accompaniments and the ways in which it has functioned as a blessing, a purification and a means of confirming parochial boundaries.
Tying the Knot - The Lore of Christian Marriage
Exploring the many nuptual beliefs, customs and superstitions of England and Wales, including elopement to Gretna Green, Fleet Marriages and Smock Weddings.