mation of the joints, contraction of the sinews, and rheumatism. Many from the inland, visit during the summer months certain of the sea-coast villages, some merely to breathe the air, others to enjoy bathing as well as to breathe the air. The air is believed to have most effect when the stomach is empty in the morning, and the health-seekers are early astir, and along the shore "to snuff the caller air."[1]
It was quite common, not many years ago, to use the water as a purgative. When the water was to be put to this purpose, it had to be drunk in the morning before taking any food. As large a draught as possible was drunk. This was followed by another of chalybeate water, if a spring of such was at hand, and, if such was not to be had, by one of spring water. A little "dulse" (Rhodymenia palmata) was eaten, and a walk taken. The effect was quick and wonderful, as those who have undergone the ordeal have assured me.
Bathing is most commonly done when the tide is "flouin'" (rising), from the belief that the water is strongest and has most effect at that time. Bathing, when the tide is at its lowest, or even when ebbing, is believed by some to be injurious to health, and a mother of a large family now well-stricken in years in Rosehearty told me that she laid strict orders on her boys never to bathe except in a "flouin'" tide.[2] It was thought to be safer to take the water head first with a dive, when the depth of water allowed, than to walk slowly into the water, as such an act caused the blood to flow too quickly to the head. If one had not the courage to dive, or if the water was too shallow for that purpose, it was considered wise to drench the head—at least to lave the forehead—before entering the water. When the bather left the water, he ran a distance along the beach, if the nature of it allowed him. Bathers often carried along with them a piece of oaten-cakes—"the chatterin piece," "the shiverin piece"—which they ate during the time they were dressing. The early part of the day was regarded as the best time for bathing; and to bathe with a full stomach, or in a state of perspiration, was looked on as full of danger to health.
- ↑ Paul Sébillot, L'Eau dc Mer dans les Superstitions et les Croyances populaires, p. 6. ("L'Homme," 1884, No. 13, 10 Juillet.)
- ↑ In Basse Bretagne the contrary opinion prevails. Ibid. p. 6.
