46 KiRKBEAN Folklore. 



bours present at the -'encoffiniug" of the dead is still kept up in 

 the parish, although on a more limited scale than was formerly the 

 case. A number of years ago more people were invited to be 

 present. Then, as now, whisky and biscuits were handed round, 

 and partaken of in a sparing manner. The custom of providing- 

 refreshments at funerals has now quite died out, and since I went 

 to reside in the parish more than eleven years ago. I have not seen 

 a funeral at which there has been even a single "service" of re- 

 freshments, while formerly there were three : one on the company 

 assembling, another just before the departure for the churchyard, 

 and a third on their return. This was gradually reduced to one 

 " service," just before leavhig for the buryiug-ground, and this, 

 again, was abandoned, but a tea is generally provided for the male 

 relatives and one or two others. In connection with the "service" 

 of whisky and biscuits and shortbread, it must be remembered, as 

 an excuse for the custom, that not so long ago the coffin was car- 

 ried by bearers all the distance, often some miles. I often think 

 how much more impi-essive than the short burial service in the 

 house is the way in which this part of the ceremony is still con- 

 ducted in Kirkbean. The minister comes outside, generally to the 

 door of the house, and those who have come to the funeral gather 

 round, and a prayer is offered. 



There is nothing- very noteworthy in regard to marriages, 

 but the following may be mentioned. It is said that " Happy is 

 the bride the sun shines on ;" and in addition to the modern 

 custom of scattering rice over the bride and bridegroom on their 

 departure, the old one of throwing old shoes at them is still kept 

 up. The superstitions regarding" the bride's dress are limited, and 

 seem confined to the following-. It is unlucky to be married in a 

 green dress or to wear the bridal gown until the marriage cere- 

 mony. Something old should also be included among the wedding- 

 garments, and also something' which has been borrowed. The 

 custom, so highly appreciated by the children, of scrambling 

 pennies and half-pennies on the occasion of a wedding is not quite 

 obsolete ; and, whenever possible, the bridesmaid and " best man," 

 as the groomsman is called, accompany the newly-married couple 

 to church the first Sunday after the marriage. In accordance 

 with the wide-spread superstition, marriages in May were con- 

 sidered unlucky. 



