Here's to Ancient Customs

C found this on the bookshelves a few days ago. Neither of us could remember how we acquired it. Newton Nottage is a hamlet on the outskirts of Porthcawl, a popular South Wales seaside resort. At first I thought my dad or sister might have given it to me, but then I saw a price of 50c penciled on the first page.

I don't usually get very excited about church histories, but the section on parish feasts got my attention, especially the description of Mabsant:

The history of the Mabsant is highly interesting. In the beginning, it was an annual feast of a religious character. The first part of the day was devoted to pious exercises and processions. The evenings were spent in dancing and mirth to the accompaniment of the melodious strains of the harp. Eventually, the power of the church waned and the feast consequently was bereft of its religious significance. It gradually deteriorated into Godless revelry. During the feast the young people from various parts of Glamorgan would meet those of Newton Nottage and the adjoining parishes. The Mabsant generally lasted for one week. The company would be much given to dancing and to the drinking of ale. At the close of a week of mirth, the harpist and others returned home, but reappeared on the same scene the following year.

That sort of thing doesn't go on for a week these days, but it happens every weekend, not just once a year.

UK (especially Welsh) blippers might remember the popular folk group Mabsant.

Back blip for Sunday here.