ConcliLsion 



173 



In many parts of the country, the Christmas decora- 

 tions are allowed to remain in the Churches and in 

 the houses until Shrove Tuesday, whether that day 

 falls early or late; and are used to burn under the pan 

 in which pan-cakes are fried, great care being taken 

 to allow not a single leaf to remain unconsumed ; and 

 much interest is sometimes excited by observing 

 whether the berries burst with a noise or burn silently. 

 Herrick alludes to some such custom in the few lines 

 which follow: — 



Down with the Holly, Ivie — all 

 Wherewith ye drest the Christmas Hall ; 

 That so the superstitious find, 

 Not one least branch there left behind ; 

 For look, how many leaves there be, 

 Neglected there — maids, trust to me, 

 So many goblins you shall see !" 



There is really no definite rule as to the proper time 

 for taking down the decorations — at Christmas, Epi- 

 phany, Candlemas, or Purification Day, and Septua- 

 gesima being severally mentioned. Perhaps, for 

 Christmas decorations, the Epiphany Day is the best 



