Rough musicking

From Traditional Witchcraft Wiki Project

ROUGH MUSICKING: Also Riding the Stang, is custom apparently began as a New Year's tradition unique to the regions of Cumberland, Westmorland and the Yorkshire areas. The act of Riding the Stang belongs to a range of customs that were particular to the working classes in which they claim the right to manhandle their superiors. Can be compared to similar traditions enacted at the Corby Pole Fair as well.   This custom involved a gathering of folks going about the village to a particular place or home with metal plates, tins, poles and such being struck loudly so as to make obnoxious noises (usually done at night). Also used as a way to *drum a man (or woman) out of the village* for such offenses as adultery, incest, spousal abuse. Another symbol of social disproval is the leaving of or scattering of chaff at the threshold of the home of the offender