The autumn equinox coincided with the end of the harvest, and the ancient belief in the corn spirit survived in folk customs. The last sheaf was ritually cut and formed into a human-shaped image known variously as the Corn Maiden or Corn Mother, the Kern Baby, the Mare, the Old Wife, the Old Hag or the Old Witch. This was carried in procession back to the farm and placed above the hearth to bring fertility and prosperity to the household. In January, when the early ploughing began, the corn dolly was buried in the first furrow to bring a good harvest in the summer.
Many Native American tribes carry on this tradition in various forms and, apparently, so do many British farmers. If I grew corn, I would totally do it... Does anyone practice this today? Pictures??
Corn dollies from around the world:
Scotland
Wilderness Cottages - good background!
Beamish, England
BBC article on the Beamish Open Air Museum
Koorda, Australia
Beamish, England
BBC article on the Beamish Open Air Museum
Koorda, Australia
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