Christmas.
YU-BATCH, Christmas batch Yu-block or Yule-block (from Aeolus?) (i.) a Christmas block. Yu-gams or Yule-gams, Christmas games: ab A.S. Gehal. Dan. yule-dag natalis Christi. hoc forte à Latino-Hebraeo Jubilum, Skinner.—Mr. Jo. Ray in his English Words.
Capt. Potter (born in the north of Yorkshire) says, that in the Countrey churches, at Christmas in the Holy-daies after Prayers, they will dance in the Church,[1] and as they doe dance, they cry (or sing) Yole, Yole, Yole etc.
Noel signifies Christmas in the French language: it seemes to be derived from Yoel as that from Æol. In ye West-riding of Yorkshire on Xtmass eve at night they bring in a large Yule-log[2] or Xtmass block and set it on fire, and lap their Christmas Ale, and sing, Yule Yule, a Pack of new cards and a Xtmass stool.—W. K.
In several parts of Oxfordshire, particularly at Lanton, it is ye custom for the Maid Servant to ask the Man for Ivy to dress the Hous, and if the Man denies or neglects to fetch in Ivy, the Maid steals away a pair of his Breeches and nails them up to ye gate in the yard or highway.[3]—[W. K.]
At Danby Wisk in ye North-Riding of Yorkshire, it is the custom for ye Parishioners after receiving ye Sacrament, to goe from Church directly to the Ale Hous and there drink together as a testimony of Charity and friendship. Ex ore T. Lister Armig.—W. K.
K. Arthur having taken York and the British Gentry and Nobility lodging there gave themselves to all luxury and volupteousness as in triumph of their glorious victories. It is reported that the celebration of the nativity of our Lord for 13 daies
