School: Bán-Tír (C.) (roll number 2804)

On this page

1. Chicken come Flock (Game)

   

   Share Share Post

   All players but one catch hands and form a circle. Then the odd one sits in the centre and takes the part of an old woman. The ring of players now move slowly arounf the old lady saying -
   Chicken come flock, come flock, come flock
   I sold my buttermilk every drop
   If I had more I's sell it a Sióp
   What time is it now old Hag?
   The old woman answers 2 o'clock. Then the ring of children go round three times repeating the same rhyme and asking the same question - What time is it now, Old Hag? At the fourth round they find the old woman crying. Then they ask her what is wrong and the old woman
   O.W. answers - I want a needle.
   Children What do you want a needle for?
   O.W. I want to sew a bag.
   Children What do you want a bag for?
   O.W. To bring in coal
   Children What do you want coal for?
   O.W. To boil a pot of water
   Children What do you want water for?
   O.W. To roast ye all.
   Then she chases the girls and whoever she succeeds in catching she gives three slaps across the hands. Then the game begins all over again.

   

   Transcribed by a member of our volunteer transcription project.

   History Edit

   Language

   English

   Collector

   Nora May Linehan

   Gender

   Female

   Address

   Bántír, Co. Chorcaí