{"collection":"Northern European Mythology","html_url":"https://unchartedknowledge.5gfusion.net/browse/neu/celt/prwe/prwe231.htm","path":"neu/celt/prwe/prwe231.htm","source_url":"https://sacred-texts.com/neu/celt/prwe/prwe231.htm","text":"THE custom, apparently a very ancient one, of putting certain, articles into a rich cake, is still preserved in many districts. Usually, sixpence, a wedding-ring, and a silver thimble are employed. These are mixed up with the dough, and baked in the cake. At night the cake is divided. The person who secures the sixpence will not want money for that year; the one who has the, ring will be the first married; and the possessor of the thimble will die an old maid.\n\"Then also every householder,\nTo his abilitie\nDoth make a mighty cake, that may\nSuffice his companie:\nHerein a pennie doth he put,\nBefore it come to fire;\nThis he divides according as\nHis household doth require,\nAnd every peece distributethAs round about they stand,\nWhich in their names unto the poor\nIs given out of hand.\nBut who so chanceth on the peece\nWherein the money lies,\nIs counted king amongst them all;\nAnd is with shoutes and cries\nExalted to the heavens up.\"\n--Naogeorgus's Popish Kingdom.","title":"Customs of Ancient Days: The Twelfth Cake","type":"page"}