The chapter concludes with the Feast of Lanterns.—In China, this is a celebrated festival, held from the thirteenth to the sixteenth day of the first month; so called from the immense number of lanterns hung out of the houses and streets; which, it is said, is no less than two hundred millions. On this day are exposed lanterns of all prices, whereof some are said to cost two thousand crowns. Some of their grandees retrench somewhat every day out of the regular expenses of their table, dress, equipage, &c. to appear the more magnificent in their lanterns. They are adorned with gilding, sculpture, painting, japanning, &c. and their size is extravagant; some being from twenty-five to thirty feet diameter, representing halls and chambers. Two or three such machines together would make handsome houses; so that in China they are able to eat, lodge, receive visits, hold balls, and act plays, in a lantern. To illuminate them, they light up in them an incredible number of torches or lamps, which at a distance have a beautiful effect. In these they exhibit various kinds of shows, to divert the people. Besides these enormous lanterns, there is a multitude of smaller ones, each about four feet high, and one and a half broad.
CHAP. LXII.
CURIOSITIES RESPECTING THE CUSTOMS OF MANKIND.—(Continued.)
Origin of the Sheriff’s counting Hobnails—Origin of the Order of the Garter—Origin and History of the Claim and Allowance of the ‘Benefit of Clergy’ in Criminal Convictions—Curious Tenures—The Origin of May Poles and Garlands—Curious Custom at Oakham—Curious Practice in North Holland.
Origin of the Sheriff’s counting Hobnails.—This is not an absurd custom of antiquity, such as nobody knows when it begun, or why it is continued; but it originated from the following circumstances:—
In former times, when money was very scarce, and when we had no larger coin than a penny, the reserved rents or grants of lands or tenements, especially small ones, were usually paid in something that had a reference to the nature of the thing granted, or the occupation of the grantee.
The two following extracts from records in the Exchequer, with the translation, will clear up the point.
“Walter de Brun Mareschallus, de Stranda, redit compotum de sex femis equorum, pro habenda quadam placea in Parochia St. Clementis, ad fabrica quam ibidem locandam.”—Mag. Rot. 19. Henry III.