FLORAL CUSTOMS, SUPERSTITIOKS, AND HISTORIES. 222 



and suspended in the place of worship. This practice was strongly 

 denounced as a " device of Satan," and a certain hot-headed pro- 

 fessor of Christianity endeavoured to excommunicate some young 

 persons for wearing crowns of flowers. " If this be heathenish," 

 says the good Bishop Heber, *' Heaven help the wicked ! But I 

 hope you will not suspect that I shall lend any countenance to this 

 kind of ecclesiastical tyrrany (which forbid such rites and observ- 

 ances), or consent to men's consciences being burdened with restric- 

 tions foreign to the cheerful spirit of the gospel." 



In former times, it was customary to strew the floor of the village 

 church with rushes and flags. The sweet flag was much used for 

 this purpose, for its delightful fragrance. The custom still exists in 

 some few spots, and, among others, at Norwich. The old cathedral 

 is, on certain days, scented with the perfume of the sweet flag, pro- 

 lusely strewn over its floors. The flowering rush, one of the most 

 lovely of river-side plants, was at one time much in request for these 

 strewings; for, "It is of all others the finest and most pleasant to 

 behold, and serveth very well for the decking and trimming-up of 

 houses, because of the beauty and braverie thereof." 



In the early ages of Christianity, a custom arose of honouring 

 wells and fountains with the titles of saints and martyrs ; and pilgrim- 

 ages were regularly made to them for the performances of religious 

 ceremonies. At these times, nosegays and chaplets of flowers were 

 thrown into the wells, to invoke the blessing of the saint. In many 

 quiet rural spots this custom is still retained. At Penkridge, in 

 Staffordshire, and at Wolverhampton, the people go, on Ascension- 

 day, to adorn their wells with boughs and flowers. A recent traveller 

 in Turkey describes an interesting ceremony, witnessed by him, 

 performed at times of excessive drought. "At dusk, the village 

 children, walking two and two, and each carrying a bunch of wild 

 flowers, drew near the cistern in their turn, and sang to one of the 

 thrilling melodies of the country, a hymn of supplication." 



" We seek the cooling fountain, 

 Alas ! we seek in vain ; 

 The cloud that crowns the mountain 



Melts not away in rain. 

 The stream is shrunk, which through our plain 



Once glided bright and clear; 

 Oh ! ope the secret springs again — 

 Allah! Father!— hear!" 



Miss Pardoe. 



