The blindfolded tries to catch one in the ring. The ring should not break, but it is often broken by the one that is on the eve of being caught. The one caught takes her stand in the centre, and the game begins anew from that point.—Dyke (Rev. Dr. Gregor).
This is a most interesting variant of this game—blindfolding the bridegroom in order that he must first catch his bride, and her attempts to elude his caresses, are significant of early custom.
Here we go round by jing-ga-ring,
Jing-ga-ring, jing-ga-ring;
Here we go round by jing-ga-ring,
Around the merry-ma-tansy.
Three times round, and then we fall,
Then we fall, then we fall;
Three times round, and then we fall,
Around the merry-ma-tansy.
Choose your maidens all around,
All around, &c.;
High gates till the bride comes in,
The bride comes in, &c.
A golden pin to tell her name,
To tell her name, &c.
(Mary Anderson) is her name,
Is her name, &c.
Blindfold you all around,
All around, &c.