The Traditional Culture of Sussex

An exploration of Sussex traditional culture in its geographical, religious, ritualistic social and economic context, including seasonal customs, mummers plays, folk songs, legends, smuggling and shepherding.

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An exploration of the traditional culture of Sussex through its folklore, seasonal customs, folksongs and legends and traditional occupations such as shepherding and inshore fishing and those outside the law, such as smugglers, highwaymen and poachers. From saints to smugglers, from may garlands to mummers, from wife-sales to witchcraft and legends in the landscape—this book gives an insight into the traditional culture, beliefs and practices of rural Sussex in the context of landscape, antiquities, settlement patterns, belief practices and economics. The Book contains much original research and an examination of primary sources. Topics include: ‘Legends in the Landscape’; ‘Spring & Summer Customs’; ‘Religion and Folklore—Saints, Witches and Guy Fawkes Night’; ‘The Winter Solstice and Celebration of Christmas; ‘The Law of the Forest and Poaching’; ‘Folk Drama’; ‘Songs of the People’; ‘The Shepherds of the Downs’ and ‘The Cinque Ports & Smuggling’.