Scottish marriage customs

Subject: Scottish marriage customs
From: Alice
Date: 12 Nov 98 - 05:11 PM

The Scots language thread prompted me to search the internet regarding the phrase in Tam Glen "my droukit sark-sleeve", and I came up with this wonderful page of enlightening information, which helps me understand more of the Tam Glen verses.

Higland Customs and Folklore
Marriage

..."A further custom which was carried on out of doors was dipping the sark sleeve. A girl went to where a stream flowed south and dipped the sleeve of a shirt into the water. She took it home to dry and lay in bed watching it in the firelight. The wraith of her lover would appear to turn the sleeve.

The last Hallowe 'en I was waukin
My droukit sark-sleeve, as ye ken,
His likeness came up the house staukin,
And the very grey breeks o' Tam Glen.
Tam Glen, Robert Burns, 1789

....."Valentine's Day has always been celebrated as a time for lovers to reveal their secret love. A more certain way of finding a partner was the custom of Valentine Dealing. This took place on February the fourteenth. An equal number of male and female names were written on pieces of paper which were placed in separate hats.These were carried round the company and each person drew a name from the appropriate hat. Whichever names were paired the two became sweethearts for the following year and gifts were exchanged.

Yestreen at the Valentine dealing,
My heart to me mou gied a sten:
For thrice I drew ane without failing,
And thrice it was written "Tam Glen".
Tam Glen, Robert Burns, 1789

link is:
http://www.highlanderweb.co.uk/customs/cust8th.htm

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