The Christian Church in in Enland has been one of the most powerful influences on the lives of working people and 'society in general' since the Anglo-Saxons were converted.

The Church matched the pattern of the agricultural year to aspects of the life of JC as descibed in the new testament and embued almost everything they could with 'christian significance'. The poor old pagens never had a chance.

When you consider the ferocity with which protestant reformers treated catholics and at various times vice versa it is hardley surprising that anything that might be described at all as 'pre-christian' or pagan has survived at all.

In fact I am tempted to say their is no evidence of survival at all. Maybe a few re-introductions and massive significance thrown on to a few features of seasonal.

Hal an Tow? A strange old song that's great fun to sing.

Les