280 THE MANNERS AND CUSTOMS 



Some years ago it was a cuflom in the churches 

 of North Wales, whenever the name of the Devil 

 occurred, for every one of the congregation to fpit 

 upon the floor. 'I'his was done to fliew their con- 

 tempt of the evil fpirit. Whenever the name of 

 Judas was mentioned, they exprefled their abhor- 

 rence of him by (Iriking their breads. 



On the morning of Chriftmas day, about three 

 o'clock, the inhabitants ufed formerly to afTemble 

 in the churches ; and, after the prayers and fermon 

 were concluded, they continued there fmging pfalms 

 and hymns with great devotion till daylight. Thofe 

 who through age or infirmity were difabled from 

 attending the church, invariably read the prayers in 

 their own houfes, and fang the appropriate hymns. 

 This a6t of devotion was called plygain, " the crow- 

 ing of the cock *.*' It has been a general belief 

 5imong the fuperftitious, that inftantly 



At Ill's warning, 

 Whether in fca, or fire, in earth, or air, 

 Th' extravagant and erring fpirit hies 

 To hi^ confine. 



But, during this holy feafon, the cock was fup> 

 pofcd to exert his power throughout the night : 



Some fay, that ever 'gain ft that feafon comes 

 Wherein our Sayioim;'s birth is celebrated. 

 The bird of dawning fingeth all night long : 

 Arid then, they fay, r.o fpirit walks abroad; 



* Pennant, ii. 340." 



