Nummits and Crummits, Devonshire Customs, Characteristics, and Folk-lore

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

—

Title

Nummits and Crummits, Devonshire Customs, Characteristics, and Folk-lore

Language

en

Book source

Global Grey

Description max 80 words

Sarah Hewett's charming collection preserves the quaint dialect, superstitions, and folklore of Devonshire. Featuring All Hallowe'en fortune-telling, weather proverbs, and eccentric local tales, this volume offers a delightful glimpse into the unbounded belief in the supernatural that once defined the region's daily life.

Summary up to 500 words

Sarah Hewett's *Nummits and Crummits, Devonshire Customs, Characteristics, and Folk-lore* serves as a vibrant historical record of the people and traditions of Devonshire, capturing a community where age, social standing, and education failed to diminish a shared devotion to ancestral beliefs. Published in 1899, the work is a miscellany of charms, superstitions, songs, and customs collected directly from the county's inhabitants. Hewett divides her collection into distinct sections exploring the supernatural, omens, love charms, and local eccentricities, illustrating the humorous and deep-rooted nature of the peasantry. A significant portion of the text is dedicated to 'Weather Lore and Wise Saws,' offering a rich array of proverbs used to predict atmospheric changes and agricultural outcomes. These traditions relied on observing the behavior of animals, plants, and celestial events; for instance, the weather on Candlemas Day was believed to dictate the remainder of the winter, while the arrival of the cuckoo signaled specific times for selling livestock or buying grain. The book vividly illustrates the lives of the 'Nummits and Crummits'—the eccentric and peculiar inhabitants of Devon. Through anecdotes of fortune-telling ceremonies involving hazel nuts, lead, water, and hemp seed, the text captures the lively atmosphere of All Hallowe'en celebrations. These rituals included predicting marriage prospects, identifying future spouses through lead letters, and performing the 'Hempseed' dance to ward off spirits. The collection also preserves traditional songs and ballads, such as the tragic tale of Barbara Allen and the humorous story of Jan Pook, providing a sonic window into the local dialect and cultural heritage. Additionally, Hewett documents peculiar local traditions, including the 'Giglet Fair' where unmarried women stood for inspection, and the custom of chaining the bride at the churchyard gates in Lynton, where the groom had to scatter coins to free her. The book also details the use of the divining rod for finding water and ore, a practice that remained popular despite scientific skepticism. Ultimately, *Nummits and Crummits* stands as a testament to a society where the mysterious forces of nature and the supernatural were integral to daily life, preserving the unique dialect, songs, and folklore of Devon for future generations.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Folklore
• Mythology