School: Cluain Uaithne Beag
- Location:
- Shannon Harbour, Co. Offaly
- Teacher: Winifred Molloy
Archival Reference
The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0816, Page 348
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- (continued from previous page)watch the antics of the burning nuts; two nuts are placed over the open fire, on fire shovel or on the bars of the grate; they are named in pairs and all eagerly wait for developments. This game gives much merriment, as the nuts sizzle and move about in the heat, until finally, one of them "hops it" altogether. This is a very disappointed result, and indicates "nothing doing". If, however, the pair remain in close proximity, and roast away together, a "match" is surely in the offing.Pouring hot lead through a rusty key is another form of fate divining indulged in. The business end of a large key is held over a basin of cold water. Lead, at boiling point, is poured through, and as it reaches the water and congeals it is supposed to form the initial of a future husband or wife; apple parings are also used to give initials, but the skin must be kept intact from start(continues on next page)
