At last, a chance to use a story I’ve been sitting on for ages – albeit slightly altered to accommodate the given words!
.
‘
Soon ‘twill be time for young folk to don creepy costumes and act like fools, lunatics even while incessantly performing ghastly pranks in the hope of receiving a treat or two. However, it was not always that way. A similar tradition once existed when homeowners were urged to offer nourishment to those less fortunate than themselves.
‘Twas late October in the year of our Lord 1789. In the waning hours of Hallowmas Eve, urchins in rags, some no more than skin and bones, and sufferers from calamity marched from their hovels in the west until the cobbled streets of Bartonwick came into view.
Smoke curled into the sky from the crooked chimneys of thatched stone cottages. Banging on doors, the soulers begged for food and money, offering songs and prayers in payment.
A soul cake, a soul cake,
Please, good missus, a soul cake.
An apple, a pear, a plum or a cherry,
Any good thing to make us all merry.
One for Peter, two for Paul,
And three for Him that made us all
Old Harriet Wicklesmith opened her creaking oak door, and a smile spread across her wrinkled face. All day she had mixed, stirred and baked her Soul Cakes. She proffered a vast bowl filled with steaming cross-topped sweetmeats. One by one, the soulers helped themselves.
“May your souls be freed from Purgatory when these cakes are eaten”, she murmured.
“We shall eat the fruit of your labour. Blessings and prosperity will be yours,” one replied.
She returned to the calm of her room and settled before the crackling log fire, content that her good deed was done and her soul comforted for another year.
.
,
Thanks to Brenda for hosting The Sunday Whirl. This week’s words are – urged exist pranks view letters incessantly west fools lunatic bones ghastly vast. I used all but one!
,
A heartwarming tale, beautifully told, Keith. I love this!
That’s much appreciated, thank you Suzette.
So glad you hung on to this Keith – so rich in atmosphere, and it weaves the historical tradition ‘souling’ on All Hallows Eve seamlessly – love it 🙌
Beautiful tale! (I could hear Peter, Paul, and Mary singing.) 😉💕
Most imaginative use of words!!!
Nice one, Keith, I especially like the term soul cake. It’s what I’m going to call hot cross buns from now on.
Storytelling at its finest, dear Keith. I so enjoyed this 🥰
May we all be so generous in blessing the poor.
this so well told, keith, and perfect for the season
A lovely story Keith. This former tradition makes more sense than children begging for candy.