Crying the Neck August 2011

 

Every Year, many Old Cornwall Societies celebrate the old pagan custom of Crying the Neck.  The last neck of corn is cut and with appropriate words said in the correct directions of the compass, the success of the bringing in the crop is pronounced.

 

Looe was probably one of the first societies to re-introduce the custom over 15 years ago, and we have been continuing it ever since.  With the permission of a local farmer who kindly leaves some necks still standing, members gathered this year at one of the fields of Farmer Ede, next to Trelaske on the Looe to Pelynt Road.  Andrew Chudleigh stood in the for farmer and lay too with his scythe.  This year the corn  stalks were particularly dry and dulled the blade very rapidly such that he was forever having to re-sharpen it.  I caught him after all had left getting out his strimmer and pollishing off the rest of the corn that was left!

 

The ceremony can be said in cornish or english.  John Enever (not a cornish speaker) worked hard on it and who was to say how well he did. Then he stands with the neck to the three points of the compass, North, East, and South.  The point West is not addressed as it symbolises "the end" of the day etc.

 

After the ceremony hot drinks, local cider and safron cakes were availble.  The whole evening lasted only about an hour.  Come along next time.  All are welcome.  This year we had 7 non-members who thoroughly enjoyed themselves..  Here are some photos taken that night....Tuesday 30th August 2011

 

 

 

Crying the Neck