from the Chronicles of Celtic Folk Customs by Brian Day CELTIC. Today was uniformly a joyful day. All over the Celtic lands this was a family day, and they rose early to go to a hilltop and see the sunrise. The sun was said to dance for joy at the resurrection of Christ, though the custom of observing this by looking at the sun's reflection in water made this certain, as the refraction and shimmering of the light caused the image to 'dance'. People bowed to the sun and danced themselves. Eggs, which had accumulated in Lent, were given as gifts to children, so it was a natural step to do the same when chocolated eggs were made in the 19th century, or eggs of other edible or inedible substrances. The Church adoped this ancient symbol of renewal as the symbol of resurrection. Lamb was a popular food for the main meal, and egg decorating and egg rolling were done after the church service, and afterwards a family picnic. CORNWALL. Saffron Cake was eaten, by tradition indoors only, with clotted cream at Easter. Lostwithiel had a feast day today, presided over by an elected Mock Prince, who had a similar function to the Lord of Misrule and was elected by the local freeholders. Mounted, with crown on head, sceptre in hand, preceded by the sword-bearer, he rode through the streets to the church getting thoroughly spoiled, then all went home. This ceremony may hark back to the time when a real prince ruled from Restormel Castle nearby. -- Pat Connors, Sacramento CA http://www.connorsgenealogy.com All outgoing mail virus free, scanned by Norton 2002