_Nottinghamshire Customs._--1. The 29th of May is observed by the Notts
juveniles not only by wearing the usual piece of oak-twig, but each young
loyalist is armed with a nettle, as coarse as can be procured, with which
instrument of torture are coerced those unfortunates who are unprovided
with "royal oak," as it is called. Some who are unable to procure it
endeavour to avoid the penalty by wearing "dog-oak" (maple), but the
punishment is always more severe on discovery of the imposition.
2. On Shrove Tuesday, the first pancake cooked is given to Chanticleer for
his sole gratification.
3. The following matrimonial custom prevails at Wellow or Welley, as it is
called, a village in the heart of the county. The account is copied from
the _Notts Guardian_ of April 28, 1853:
"Wellow. It has been a custom from time immemorial in this parish, when
the banns of marriage are published, for a person, selected by the
clerk, to rise and say 'God speed them well,' the clerk and
congregation responding, Amen! Owing to the recent death of the person
who officiated in this ceremony, last Sunday, after the banns of
marriage were read, a perfect silence prevailed, the person chosen,
either from want of courage or loss of memory, not performing his part
until after receiving an intimation from the clerk, and then in so
faint a tone as to be scarcely audible. His whispered good wishes were,
however, followed by a hearty Amen, mingled with some laughter in
different parts of the church."
I do not know whether any notices of the above have appeared in "N. & Q.,"
and send to inquire respecting 1. and 3. whether a similar custom holds
elsewhere; and whether 2. has any connexion with the disused practice of
cock-shying?