Biggar and the House of Fleming

BIGGAR SCHOOLS, &C. 329
bottle of rum, brandy, or whisky, returned to meet the wed-
ding party, to salute the bride, and offer refreshments to her
and her attendants. When the marriage party emerged from
the bride's house, the juveniles present clamorously demanded
the "ba' siller," and thereupon the best man scattered amongst
them several handfuls of copper money, and then a grand scene
of scrambling" and confusion took place. On the bride's ap-
proaching the threshold of her new abode, a piece of bread was
broken over her head, emblematical of the plenty which it was
hoped would always prevail in her dwelling. When the bride
had entered the house, the tongs,* or some domestic implement,
was put into her hands, indicating that she had now full right
to commence the performance of household duties. The whole
party then adjourned to a barn or large apartment, where a
substantial repast was served up, each one bringing his own
spoon, knife, and fork, and where the night was spent in danc-
ing and merriment. Each gentleman paid a sum which, it was
understood, would defray expenses, and perhaps leave a little
surplus to the newly wedded pair if they were not in affluent
circumstances ; and hence the name of " Penny Weddings."
At a birth or "shouting" as it was called, all the matrons
in the neighbourhood were summoned into the apartment and
much talk, gossip, and hilarity prevailed. After the child had
been dressed, the blythe meat was served, which, as its title
imports, was a very hearty and joyous repast.
The practice of riding the stang according to Forsyth was
at one time common in the town. It was inflicted by women
on a husband, who had made himself obnoxious by the ill-
treatment of his wife, and consisted in mounting the culprit
* Allan Ramsay, in his continuation of " Christ's Kirk on the Green," when
enumerating the gifts presented to the bride, mentions that a pair of tongs was
among the number.
" Her aunt a pair of tangs fush in,
Right bauld she spak an' spruce,
' Gin your guidman shall mak' a din,
An' gabble like a goose.
Shorin', when fou, to skelp your skin,
Thir tangs may be o' use ;
Lay them enlang his pow or shin —
Wha wins syne may mak' roose
Between you twa.'"