Today is St Catherine’s Eve, traditionally a rather hectic day for lace-makers. Known as “Cutting-off Day”, when they had to sell the lace that they had made, some individual lace-makers became expert in one particular pattern and reproduced it over and over on a roll. This could then be cut into lengths and sold, the traditional way being to cover the length with one shilling pieces to determine the price.
Having sold their stock, the lace makers could then celebrate with a Catherine Bowl – a rather potent brew made from hot apple pulp, cinnamon and cider. Once imbibed, they then took part in jumping over a lighted candle. This had to be done without blowing out the candle with the draught from their petticoats - or letting the said petticoats catch fire! Otherwise, bad luck would be on them for the year ahead.
“Kit be nimble, Kit be quick, Kit jump over the candlestick!”
Having sold their stock, the lace makers could then celebrate with a Catherine Bowl – a rather potent brew made from hot apple pulp, cinnamon and cider. Once imbibed, they then took part in jumping over a lighted candle. This had to be done without blowing out the candle with the draught from their petticoats - or letting the said petticoats catch fire! Otherwise, bad luck would be on them for the year ahead.
“Kit be nimble, Kit be quick, Kit jump over the candlestick!”