From: GUEST,saulgoldie Date: 05 Sep 21 - 04:01 PM Heard "Soul Cake" from Peter, Paul, and Mary.

The words given above differ very little from Souling Song (Cheshire) published by Lucy Broadwood and J A Fuller Maitland, 1893, in English County Songs, London, Leadenhall Press.

Lucy Broadwood's notes: Words and Tune from Rev. M. P. Holme, Tattenhall, Cheshire. The latter part of the second stanza is restored from Miss Burne's Shropshire Folk Lore, p 385. The rest of the song was sung exactly as it stands by a little girl in Tattenhall School in October, 1891. A full account of the custom of "souling" is given by Miss Burne, Shropshire Folk Lore, pp 378-390. It is still practised on All-Souls' Day in the district referred to, and traces of the custom are to be found in many parts of England. See also Halliwell's Popular Rhymes, pp 238 and 249.

Thank you, Joe. http://www.joe-offer.com/folkinfo/songs/216.html

The Antrobus Soul Cakers keep the tradition alive. The bonfires, once part of the same celebration, have been transferred to 5 November.