January
When snow’s on tops
an’ hearths are cheery,
at a merry making
choose thi dearie.
February
When birds begin
To chirp “Be mine!”
Ask her to be
Thi Valentine.
March
When March winds blaw,
Am’ thoo's nae doubt
Thi choice is reet,
Start walkin’ oot
April
At primrose-tide
When lambkins laik,
Gie her a fairing
As a keepsake.
May
‘Neath hawthorn flowers
Bonnie in t'sun,
Larn her courtin’s
Rare good fun.
June
When stars are few
An’ eves are leet,
‘Mang mony a blossom
Kiss thi sweet.
July
Nigh new-stacked ricks
Of clover hay,
Ask her to name
Thi weddin’ day.
August
When neets are warm
Where brekkons tower
Hod her fast
In a heather bower.
September
When apples an’ pears
Turn yellow an’ red,
Buy thi table,
Chairs an’ bed.
October
Go to t'owd kirk
An' wed each other,
Then bid farewell
To Dad an' Muther
November
Make thi hame
An’ cosily bide
Workin’ together
Side-by-side.
December
Hang up hollins
Afore t’year ends,
Then oppen thi hoose
To thi folk an’ friends.
Notes
Taken from Yorkshire Lyrics by Dorothy Una Ratcliffe Pub for Yorkshire Dialect Society by Thomas Nelson & Son Ltd, London P 88-89
Dialect spelling checked and confirmed Oct 2008
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Comments
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A delightful trip through a Yorkshire year - right through to 'Hang up hollins; and open your house for the new year. A lovely old-fashioned tradition.


