The Gentleman's Magazine Library: Popular superstitions

according ancient answer appears believe body brought cake called carried cause celebrated ceremony charm Christmas Church colours coming common confessed continued correspondent cross cure curious custom death devil effect England evil feast festival fire four gave give given hand head heard holy Italy John kind King King's known lately light living Lord Majesty manner March master means mentioned morning natural never night observed occasion offered origin parish pass performed persons piece play poor practice present probably reason received reference remains round Saint says seems seen sent side spirit stone Sunday superstition supposed taken thing told took touched town whole wife witchcraft witches woman women young