2. "Fragmenta Scoto-Monastica: Memoir of what has been already done, and what Materials exist, towards the Formation of a Scottish Monasticon: to which are appended, Sundry New Instances of Goodly Matter, by a Delver in Antiquity (W. B. Turnbull). 8vo. 1842."
In the Advocates' Library here, there are, I understand, a few MSS. relative to these religious establishments, such as Rentales; also Father Richard Hay's MS. entitled Scotia Sacra, being an account of the most renowned monasteries in Scotland, with a series of the several bishops, priors, and other governors, &c., written in 1700, folio.
T. G. S.
Edinburgh.
Kissing under the Mistletoe (Vol. v., p. 13.).
—The editorial reply to AN M.D. seems to me very unsatisfactory. Would it not be more reasonable to refer the custom to the Scandinavian mythology, wherein the mistletoe is dedicated to Friga, the Venus of the Scandinavians; especially when we remember that previous to the introduction of Christianity, the feast of Thor was celebrated by the Northmen at nearly the same period? a fact which also accounts for the Bacchanalian character of the Christian feast. Students of the Edda will remember the importance of the mistletoe in the Scandinavian legends; the story of Loke's attack on Balder hinging upon the parasite character of the plant. It is worth a note in passing, that the holly owes its importance in the Christmas festivities to paganism. The Romans dedicated the holly to Saturn, whose festival was held in December; and the early Christians, to screen themselves from persecution, decked their houses with its branches during their own celebration of the Nativity.
SHIRLEY HIBBERD.
The Ring Finger (Vol. v., p. 114.).
—I allow all that has been said, though the Rubric in our Prayer Book directs the ring to be placed on the fourth finger, and held there, &c. Still I have read of the earliest custom being, after repeating the words "With this ring I thee wed," &c., on coming to "In the name of the Father," to place the ring on the top of the thumb; "and of the Son," to place it on the top of the forefinger; "and of the Holy Ghost," to place it on the top of the third finger; and, on repeating the word "amen," to put the ring down over the fourth finger; thereby "ratifying, and confirming the same." This seems the most serious conclusion of the matter.
R. F. M.