Camborne people are now frequently called “Merry-geeks.”
This modernized name conveys the idea that Camborne boys are much
inclined to frolicsome fooling. Some old folks, however, still call
them Merry-sicks or Merry-sickers. No doubt they acquired their
nickname from their patron, St. Meriasek, who, according to his legend,
as given in the old Cornish Mystery-play, was one of the most noted
wonder-workers in this land of saints.
Camborne folks, of three centuries or so ago, must have highly
appreciated this rare old “Guary Miracle” of St. Meriasek, if only for
the way in which they are lauded in it. Redruth Plan-an-Guary must have
rung with applause when it was performed there during Queen Elizabeth’s
reign, and probably much later.
With regard to Marazion people’s appellation of “Crows,” it is said
that, until a little while ago, a remarkable variety of party-coloured
crows frequented this ancient town and its neighbourhood from very
remote times. The saying of “All black and white, like a Market-jew
crow,” is still frequently heard; as well as that of “Like the Mayor of
Market-jew, sitting in his own light.”