It is an interesting study, that of tracing the history of curious old customs of various places. Some Cornish customs have very much struck the attention of strangers who find it difficult to account for such a difference in adjacent localities. A Cockney who has lately been doing Cornwall made a note of the following peculiarities in regard to kissing in the different parts of the County.
- Redruth girls keep quite still till they are well kissed and then they say 'I think you ought to be ashamed.'
- When a Camborne girl is kissed she smiles, blushes and says nothing.
- At Helston the ladies receive a salute with Christian meekness and follow the Scriptural rule, when kissed on one cheek they turn the other also.
- A Penzance girl on being kissed immediately proposes a walk along the Esplanade.
- A Falmouth girl insists on giving a return after four kisses.
- A Lostwithiel girl on being kissed pays a night visit to some neighbouring Druidical remains, some ancient inscriptions on which are considered to have talismanic powers in influencing her dreams and future destiny.
- Truro girls when kissed say 'Isn't it nice to be kissed by a Cockney in our own City.'
- The St Blazey girl acts decidedly on the give and take principle and objects to be under any obligation.
- A Penryn girl when kissed closes her eyes in ecstasy and does not open them again until the process ceases.
- A Hayle girl, while you are kissing her, falls into your arms and sighs aloud 'Oh! how nice.'
- When a Bodmin girl is kissed she smiles and simpers, puts on her bonnet and shawl, and proposes a walk along the railway to Dunmere, and have tea, junket and syllabubs by the romantic riverside dell.
- Chacewater girls say 'Now, if you go kissing me, "Ma" will hear, but if I make the gate creak, kiss me then, and she will not know the difference.'
Our Cockney was obviously diligent in his research.
Happy Christmas - the Office Crew
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