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Minor Queries.
_Paul Pitcher Night._--Can any of the contributors to "NOTES AND QUERIES"
throw light upon a curious custom, prevalent in some parts of Cornwall, of
throwing broken pitchers, and other earthen vessels, against the doors of
dwelling-houses, on the eve of the Conversion of St. Paul, thence locally
called "Paul pitcher night?" On that evening parties of young people
perambulate the parishes in which the custom is retained, exclaiming as
they throw the sherds,--
"Paul's eve,
And here's a heave!"
According to the received notions, the first "heave" cannot be objected to;
but, upon its being repeated, the inhabitants of the house whose {240} door
is thus attacked may, if they can, seize the offenders, and inflict summary
justice upon them; but, as they usually effect their escape before the door
can be opened, this is not easily managed.
Query, Can this apparently unintelligible custom have any reference to the
21st verse of the IXth chap. of St. Paul's Epistle to the Romans: "Hath not
the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto
honour, and another unto dishonour?"--the earthen fragments thus turned to
dishonour being called "Paul's pitchers."
Any more probable conjecture as to the origin or meaning of this custom, or
any account of its occurring elsewhere, will greatly oblige
F. M. (a Subscriber).
_Disinterment for Heresy._--A remarkable instance of disinterment on
account of heresy is stated to have occurred a little before the
Reformation, in the case of one Tracy, who was publicly accused in
convocation of having expressed heretical tenets in his will; and, having
been found guilty, a commission was issued to dig up his body, which was
accordingly done. I shall be much obliged to any of your readers who will
favour me with the date and particulars of this case.