from the Celtic Customs book... CORNWALL. Furry Day, Helston This was traditionally held on 8th May, but take place on the preceding if 8th is on a Sunday or Monday. Furry is thought to derive from the Old English 'fery' meaning feast day of a patron saint. The streets are decorated with flowers. The Early Morning Dance is performed after the Mayor starts the proceedings at 7 am from the Guildhall. The alternative word Faddy may be from the Cornish for sycamore, as branches of this are waved in the Hal-an-Tow which starts at 8:30 am from St John's Bridge with its mumming song. Alternatively, the verb 'to fade' means 'to dance from country to town'. This may be a surviving example of a crop fertility dance, but has some features of mumming. The Furry Song accompanies the parade. The Children's Dance starts at 10:15 am from the secondary school. The main Furry Dance starts at the Guildhall at noon, and is for couples in formal dress. The line of pairs of dancers weaves in and out of houses, bringing the occupants good luck. The last dance is at 5 pm and is for everyone to join in. Here's more about the Furry Dance at this site: http://www.cornishlight.co.uk/may-day-floral-dance.htm -- Pat Connors, Sacramento CA http://www.connorsgenealogy.com Professional Genealogy Research All outgoing mail virus free, scanned by Norton 2002