Group dancing the Jolly Miller in Vementry

EF00016

Group dancing the Jolly Miller in Vementry

22 June 1901

Group dancing the Jolly Miller. In Vementry. See EF00017. This was a popular game at picnics, 'social evenings' etc, still going strong in the 1930's. Everyone took part; they formed a ring of couples, with the Miller in the centre. When they reached the word 'grab' (see below), the gents, who were on the inside of the circle, would suddenly turn in the opposite direction, joined by the Miller, going round at great speed until reaching the last line of A'hunting we will go. All the gents grabbed a partner, and the odd one out then became the Miller. The song ran: There was a jolly miller/he lived by himself/as the wheel went around/he made his wealth./One hand in the hopper/the other in the bag/as the wheel went round/he made a grab; then Oh a'hunting we will go/an a'hunting we will go-ooo/to catch a fox and put him in a box/a'hunting we will go. (Information from Chrissie Sandison, Aith)

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