Quote:
Originally Posted by Eric
Lumps of coal  That brings back memories. My great aunt Jane ... she was the oldest of my great aunts, older than dirt  ... used to arrive at my grandad's place at Christmas with a lump of coal, some salt wrapped up in a twist of paper, and a loaf of fresh bread. I assume, though someone better informed about Christmas traditions in Lancashire may correct me, that these were symbolic gifts. And every year all I got from her was snot rags  She was from Oswaldtwistle ... go figure  |
Those sound like 'first footing gifts'.......taken by the 'first foot' at New year.
Though tradition states that it is unlucky for a woman or a red headed male to bring the New year into your house.
Coal signifies that you would have warmth for the home for the coming year, salt - money, and bread to signify food for the family.