Not calling birds. Colley birds. As in colliery, as in “black as coal.” As in Sing a Song of Sixpence.
Looking ahead, seven of the twelve gifts described in The Twelve Days of Christmas are birds, all of which were eaten when one could get them. Partridge, turtledoves, hens, blackbirds, ring-necked pheasants, geese, and swans. The eighth day gives us busy milkmaids and milk. And perhaps a Double Gloucester cheese…
A week’s worth of food, and it must follow as the day the night: a band, and dancing. All to come!
Sing a song of sixpence reminds me of when I was a little boy. When my Nan made a Christmas pudding each year she would put a sixpence, also known as a tanner, in it. There were no Colley birds waiting to sing in her pies though!
Regards,
Kevin.
PS I am looking forward to finding out what the voice of the swan has to say about the seventh day of Christmas.
Yes, yes, Colley birds. So glad to see someone else knows.
Sing a song of sixpence reminds me of when I was a little boy. When my Nan made a Christmas pudding each year she would put a sixpence, also known as a tanner, in it. There were no Colley birds waiting to sing in her pies though!
Regards,
Kevin.
PS I am looking forward to finding out what the voice of the swan has to say about the seventh day of Christmas.