Evening Republican, Volume 14, Number 245, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 14 October 1910 — A Manche Harvest Custom. [ARTICLE]

A Manche Harvest Custom.

An interesting ancient custom la observed in Manche at the harvest time. When the work is on the point of completion a sheaf of honor is made and decorated with flowers, which the farmer himself carries in procession, surrounded by the harvesters. Two of the party, under the pretext of sweeping the way, raise a cloud of dust. If in the progress the procession meets a stranger the girls offer him some corn from a pewter plate. If he accepts and makes them a small monetary present, the girls kiss him. But the principal ceremony is reserved for the repast, in which curds occupy a prominent place. When this part of the menu is reached the girls each choose one of the young harvestmen and endeavor to force him to take a spoonful. If the attempt is a success it is taken as an offer of marriage on the man’s part