It’s January 7th! POUR A BUCKET OF WATER ON A MAN’S HEAD! (Then get back to work!)

January 7th is Saint Distaff’s Day!*

Traditionally this is the last day before we go back to work.

Men will burn the flax.

Women will soak them with water.

Then it’s back to work tomorrow!

*Please note Saint Distaff never existed. He was made up by weavers as an excuse to have one final party…

As the old hymn goes:

Partly work and partly play

Ye must, on St. Distaff's day;

From the plough soon free your team,

Then come home and fodder them;

If the maids a spinning go,

Burn the flax and fire the tow.

Bring in pails of water then,

Let the maids bewash the men.

Give St. Distaff all the right,

Then bid Christmas sport good night,

And next morrow every one

To his own vocation