Before this age of easy transportation and mass communication, each country--and even different regions in some larger countries--developed its own customs for observing the various holidays.

    Two celebrations anciently associated with England and Scotland have to do with returning to the routine after the time of Christmas and New Year feasting.

    Handsel Monday may be particularly interesting to readers because of its association with one of the most popular Chinese customs, the "red envelope" or hongbao. Surprisingly, this same custom was carried on in northern England and Scotland, though tradesmen, household servants, deliverymen, and others who had provided services were given these gifts, in addition to children and young people.

    The word "handsel" comes from a word meaning "delivered into the hand," and the delivered items were generally monetary tips betokening good luck. Handsel Monday was usually the first Monday of the year, though in rural Scotland it was observed on the first Monday after Jan. 12. The custom has generally disappeared, but some of its aspects have been grafted onto the better-known "Boxing Day" (the day after Christmas).

    Another unusual custom was the twinned holidays of Plough Sunday and Plough Monday. This was typically the first Sunday after the Feast of the Epiphany (Jan. 6)--so the Sunday falling between Jan. 7 and 13--and its subsequent Monday.

    Considered the beginning of the agricultural year, it was also a way to honor farmers and their efforts. Usually, a ploughshare was brought to church and given a special blessing. Seeds might also be blessed at that time. The ploughshare might be carried through the village or town, with participants collecting money for the church; special dances might also be performed to celebrate the day.

    Then, on the next day (Plough Monday), the work would begin, and new seeds planted.

    In modern times, Plough Sunday celebrations are being revived--but the farmers may bring their tractors to work for a blessing!

    Vocabulary: Which words above mean:

    1. indicating, representing

    2. attached to

    3. paired, coming together

    4. cutting blade of an instrument used to turn the earth

    5. skilled workers, like carpenters and masons

    6. the usually daily activities

    7. cash

    8. following, after

    9. in the country, not urban

    10. have a special prayer said for something

    ANSWERS: 1. betokening 2. grafted onto 3. twinned 4. ploughshare 5. tradesmen 6. the routine 7. monetary 8. subsequent 9. rural 10. blessed