Traditional handball games in Melrose.
Track Information
Original Track ID
SA1979.091
Original Tape ID
Summary
Traditional handball games in Melrose.
In the Melrose marriage ball game, which replaced an earlier Fastern's Een handball game, the bride kicks off a rugby ball in the square and the young men scramble for it. There has been an attempt to stop the tradition because of the danger from traffic. In the earlier game, there were no teams, just small groups trying to run away with the ball. It had to be hidden (not in a house) for three days in order to win the game.
Item Location
County - Roxburghshire
Parish - Melrose
Village/Place - Melrose
Language
English
Genre
Collection
Source Type
Reel to reel
Audio Quality
Good