CHAPTER XVI.

Lingering Customs -- Rapid Disappearance of Old English Customs -- the Beautiful Custom of Hanging Garlands in Village Churches at the Funerals of Young Maidens, nearly extinct -- Character of the Primitive Times lingers in the Village Church -- Old-fashioned Congregations -- Genuine Old Village Clerk -- Circumstances occurring to the Author in Village Churches -- their Superstitions -- Village Notions of Angels and Cherubims -- Country Customs at Funerals -- Poetical Procession of Rush-bearing -- Sanding at Knutsford -- Eggs and Salt given to Children -- Eating Simnel Cake -- Riding Stang, May Bushes and their Significance -- Homage to the New Moon -- Charms -- Superstitions connected with the Foxglove, the Dog-rose, the Cuckoo, Pigeon’s Feathers, etc. -- Closing of Churchyards of late years -- Richard Howitt’s Remarks on this Practice 582