o lint was
allowed to remain on the rock of the wheel, and all work implements were
laid aside. In the evening cakes were baked, one for each person, and
duly marked, and great care was taken that none should break in the
firing, as such an accident was a bad omen for the person whose cake met
with the mishap. These cakes were eaten at the Yule breakfast. A large
piece of wood was placed upon the fire in such time that it would be
kindled before twelve p.m., and extreme care was taken that the fire
should not go out, for not only was it unlucky, but no one would oblige
a neighbour, with a kindling on Yule.

On Yule eve those possessing cattle went to the byre and stable and
repeated an _Ave Marie_, and a _Paternoster_, to protect their cattle
from an evil eye.

On Yule morning, attention was paid to the first person who entered the
house, as it was important to know whether such a person were lucky or
otherwise. It was an unfriendly act to enter a house on Yule day without
bringing a present of some kind. Nothing was permitted to be taken out
of the house on that day; this prohibition of course, did not extend to
such things as were taken for presents. Servants or members of the
family who had gone out in the morning, when they returned to the house
brought in with them something, although it might only be some trivial
article, say for instance, garden stuff. This was done that they might
bring, or, at least, not cause bad luck to the household. Masters or
parents gave gifts to their servants and children, and owners of cattle
gave their beasts, with their own hand their first food on Yule morning.
After mass in church, a table was spread in the house with meat and
drink, and all who entered were invited to partake. On this day
neighbours and relations visited each other, bearing with them meat and
drink warmed with condiments, and as they drank they expressed mutual
wishes for each other's welfare. If not a Christian day, it was at least
a day of good will to men. In the evening, the great family feast was
held. In the more northern parts, where the Scandinavian national
element was principally settled, a boar's head was the correct dish at
this feast, and, by the better class, was always provided; but the
common people were content with venison, beef, and poultry, beginning
their feast with a dish of plum porridge. A large candle, prepared for
the occasion, was lighted at the commencement, and it was intended to
kee