The World Encyclopedia of Christmas by Gerry Bowler

Author:Gerry Bowler [Bowler, Gerry]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 978-1-55199-607-3
Publisher: McClelland & Stewart
Published: 2004-10-05T04:00:00+00:00

O the cock soon thrustened [came to life] and feathered well,

By the work of God’s own hand,

And he did crow full senses three,

In the dish where he did stand.

Kissing Bunch or Bough Here is an account from 19th-century Derbyshire:

The “kissing bunch” is always an elaborate affair. The size depends upon the couple of hoops – one thrust through the other which form its skeleton. Each of the ribs is garlanded with holly, ivy, and sprigs of other greens, with bits of coloured ribbons and paper roses, rosy-cheeked apples, specially reserved for this occasion, and oranges. Three small dolls are also prepared, often with much taste, and these represent our Saviour, the mother of Jesus, and Joseph. These dolls generally hang within the kissing bunch by strings from the top, and are surrounded by apples, oranges tied to strings, and various brightly coloured ornaments. Occasionally, however, the dolls are arranged in the kissing bunch to represent a manger-scene.

Mistletoe is not very plentiful in Derbyshire; but, generally, a bit is obtainable, and this is carefully tied to the bottom of the kissing bunch, which is then hung in the middle of the house-place, the centre of attention during Christmastide.

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