However vain and obsolete most of these phantoms may now be considered, some curious fancies are still entertained by the simpler part of the population. A story is often propagated through the parish of a funeral procession having passed along in a particular direction, without the aid of horses or bearers. Carriages, without horses, are said to have been seen and heard rolling along the road or round the village cross, the coachman, passengers, and all other circumstances being disposed as usual; and, many similar tales, obtain a ready credence amongst the peasantry in several parts of North Wales even at the present period.
In the festivities of the wedding-day much gaiety and mirth prevail. The bridegroom having the bridesmaid on his arm, and the bride leaning upon the bridesman, followed by a number of bidden guests, present themselves at the church door, where the order of the procession is reversed before proceeding to the altar. After the ceremony the whole party, in rank and file, and headed by the happy pair, walk, as it is called, in procession through the village, until the hour of dinner. This entertainment is usually provided at the home of the bride’s family, and if the parties be sufficiently wealthy, is supplied at their expense, but, if otherwise, each guest contributes a subscription proportionate to his means. A fortnight afterwards an evening party assembles at the house of some friend of the husband; amongst the poorer peasantry, it is usual for every neighbour to attend, and upon entering lay down his contribution on the tea-table. The night is then prolonged in mirth and good humour, the merry dance being generally kept up till daylight to the soft and gentle measures of the national lyre.
Fairs, which are very numerous, are attended by both sexes. Cattle are bought and sold in the early part of the day, pedlery, hardware, &c. continue to be exhibited during the remainder, and in the afternoon every cottage for miles around sends forth some happy, well dressed votary of mirth to participate in the festivities of the evening. The partiality for attending fairs is very remarkable, even the necessitous postpone the reception of little sums, to which by labour they have become entitled, to the succeeding fair-day, contemplating the pleasure of meeting their friends, from whom they were separated by occupation or inconvenience of distance. The frequency of these fairs, so many scenes of cheerful association—the number of annual, quarterly, and even weekly meetings amongst the religious of different sects—the amusements enjoyed at allotted festivals common to other countries—afford such frequent opportunities of an intercourse tending to alleviate anxiety and care, as, coupled with the agricultural distribution already adverted to, will sustain the justice of the conclusion, that the Welsh peasantry may be esteemed the most comfortable, happy, and independent in the British islands.
THE END.
CHISWICK:
PRINTED BY C WHITTINGHAM.
FOOTNOTES.
[1] Sir Ffon, is the name still applied to this county by the Welsh, as well in their conversational as in their written communications.
[3] Porth-aeth-hwy, means the passage which had been crossed before.
[34] Frydd, pronounced frith, means an enclosure gained from a common.
[46] Llewellyn was married to the Princess Joan, daughter of King John.