A New Year, finally! Imagine, this year I will turn fifteen, and my brother fourteen. He will be apprenticed before summer is over, and he can hardly keep his excitement in check.
Last night, New Year’s Eve, we had a wonderful celebration in our little community. All the neighbours came to call, including Father Thomas. It seemed funny that he was the First-Foot. He is not exactly the dark handsome man First-Footing says it should be, but he was carrying a lump of coal in one hand and a little package in the other – a piece of shortbread and a black bun. He had a little flask of whiskey in his pocket. My Da and him had what they call a ‘wee dram’. He blessed the house and then went off to the two or three other Catholic families in the neighbourhood. Even though it was after midnight Henry and I were not the least tired. Mam and I served shortbread and rabbit pie to the neighbours who came by while Da took Henry to call on nearby houses and drink whiskey.
When Henry and Da came home in the wee hours, Da poured each of us a little whiskey and we toasted each other, wishing for health, wealth and happiness.
I woke up to hear the chickens cackling to be fed. Henry and I let Mam and Da sleep a little later than usual, while we went out and saw to the animals.
The weather has been quite warm this winter – no snow to speak of. It’s been making it quite easy to walk back and forth to work. It’s been quite a luxury to have a full day away from drudgery. Hogmanay is the best celebration of all!
No comments:
Post a Comment