_(For the Mirror.)_
This odd custom is now _vice versâ_. The stang is of Saxon origin, and
is practised in Lancashire, Cumberland, and Westmoreland, for the
purpose of exposing a kind of gyneocracy, or, the wife wearing the
galligaskins. When it is known (which it generally is) that a wife falls
out with her spouse, and beats him right well, the people of the town or
village procure a ladder, and instantly repair to his house, where one
of the party is powdered with flour--face blacked--cocked hat placed
upon his cranium--white sheet thrown over his shoulders--is seated
astride the ladder, with his back where his face should be--they hoist
him upon men's shoulders--and in his hands he carries a long brush,
tongs, and poker. A sort of mock proclamation is then made in doggerel
verse at the door of all the alehouses in the parish, or wapentake, as
follows:--
"It is neither for your sake nor my sake
That I ride stang;
But it is for Nancy Thomson,
Who did her husband hang.
But if I hear tell that she doth rebel,
Or him to complain, with fife and drum
Then we will come,
And ride the stang again.
With a ran tan tang,
And a ran tan tan tang," &c.
The conclusion of this local custom is generally ended at the market
cross, (if any,) or in the middle of the hamlet; after which, one of the
posse goes round with a hat, begging the contributions of those present;
they then regale themselves at some of the village ale-shops, out of the
proceeds of the day's merriment.--Brand and Strutt mention this custom;
as does Brigg, in his "Westmoreland as it was."