THE CEREMONY IN CORNISH AND ENGLISH SWF(t)
PRAYER FOR THE BENEDICTION OF THE MIDUSMMER
BONFIRE
O Lord Jesus Christ, the True Light, Who dost enlighten every man that cometh into the world, do Thou bless this bonfire which in our gladness we light to honour the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist: And grant to us, being lighted by Thy grace, And fired with Thy love, That we may come to Thee, Whom that Holy Forerunner did announce Beforehand as the Saviour of the world. Who livest and reignest with the Father in Heaven In the unity of the Holy Ghost, ever one God, World without end.
AMEN
WORDS OF THE CEREMONY
MASTER OF CEREMONIES: According to the custom of Our forefathers in days of old, Behold us making our Midsummer Bonfire, This night in the middle of Summer.
Now set the pyre
At once on fire
Let flame aspire
In God’s high Name!
LADY OF THE FLOWERS:
In one bunch together bound
Flowers for burning here are found,
Both good and ill.
Thousandfold let good seed spring,
Wicked weeds, fast withering,
Now let this fire kill!
MASTER OF CEREMONIES: Now cast the flowers!
CORNISH MIDSUMMER BONFIRE SONG
Translated by Philip Knight
As I walked out to yonder green,
One evening so fair;
All where the fair maids may be seen
Playing at the bonfire.
Burden:
THE bonny month of June is crowned
With the sweet scarlet rose;
The groves and meadows all around
With lovely pleasure flows.
Hail ! lovely nymphs, be not too coy,
But freely yield your charms ;
Let love inspire with mirth and joy,
In Cupid’s lovely arms.
Bright Luna spreads its light around,
The gallants for to cheer;
As they leap across the flames,
At the fair June bonfire.
All on the pleasant dewy mead,
They shared each other’s charms;
Till first light beams began to spread,
And coming day alarms.