SOME OLD SCOTTISH CUSTOMS.

Waimate Daily Advertiser, Volume III, Issue 135, 11 April 1901, Page 3

SOME OLD SCOTTISH CUSTOMS.

. Many of fcheold Scottishcustoms which have now disappeared are described by bir Frederick Morton Eden in the Statistical Account of Scotland, and also in his State of the Poor. In the latter work he mentions “ Crowdie;” as a neverfailing dinner on Shrove Tuesday with all ranks of people in Scotland, as pancakes are in England, and that a ring is put into the basin or porringer of the unmarried folks, to the finder of which, by fair means, it was an omen of marriage before the rest of the eaters. This practice on Fasten’s Eve is described in Stewart’s Popular Superstitions of the Highlands with little difference, only chat the ring, instead of being in “crow lie,” is in “ brose,” made of the “ bree of a good fat jigget of beef or mutton.” This, with plenty of other good cheer, being despatched, the “ bannich junit,” or “sauty bannocks !” are brought out. They are made of eggs and meal mixed with'salt to make them “sauty,” and being baked or toasted on the gridiron, are regarded by old and young as a most delicious treat. They have a “ charm ” in them which enables the Highlander to “ spell ” out his future wife. This consists of some article being intermixed in the meal dough, and he to whom falls the sauty bannock which contains it, is sure—if not already married—to be married before the next anniversary. Then the “ Bannich Brauder,” or dreaming Jbannocks, find? a place. They contain “ a little of that substancOj which chimney sweeps call soot.” In baking them the baker must be as mute as a stone; one word tyould destroy the whole concern.” Each person-* haaj one, slips off quietly to bed, lays his head on his bannock, arid expects to see his sweetheart in his sleep.