That’s one of the traditional sayings in England (and a lot of other places too) for the first day of the month. I have no idea why or what it means. Another tradition is to sidle up to someone and say, with appropriate gestures, A pinch and a punch for the first of the month–very popular among children–and then run before they can retaliate with A pinch and a kick for being so quick. Again, other than the opportunity for random violence, I have no idea of the origins.
Today, March 1, is also the feast day of St. David, the patron saint of Wales–and here’s the Regency connection–he was responsible for creating the warm springs of Bath! Apparently he also liked dancing with large rams while wearing an eyepatch.
March 1 is also the day on which William Caxton, a former wool merchant, began his translation into English of The Recuyell of the Historyes of Troye for Margaret of Burgundy, sister of the King of England. Caxton set up a printing press in Bruges and printed his translation, the first book in the English language, in 1475. He moved his printing business to London, where his books included two editions of The Canterbury Tales.
And in other literary news, the first edition of The Spectator was published on March 1, 1711.
Do you have any first of the month rituals? Do you have any particular goals for this month, writing or personal, you’d like to share? Mine are to finish revisions on one book, update my website, and, oh, all the usual stuff about not eating so much etc.
Janet, Noodler of the Month at www.wetnoodleposse.com
Every first of the month I view as a fresh start to whatever I am trying to accomplish: Book-writing, weight-losing, house-cleaning, etc.
Good luck on your goals, Janet, and a punch in the arm back at you.
Goals for the month?
Fun ones like promoting my book in a few places and attending the movie 300! and a ST. Patrick’s day party too.
And depressing ones like doing the taxes.
Diane
In the UK & Ireland, March 1st is also . Check out their poll on the Top Ten “Can’t Live Without” Books. P&P tops the list!
In honour of World Book Day, I invited my blog readers to Be King to an Author. Specifically, me. I want someone to tidy my bookcases. And dust every volume.
The link didn’t appear.
http://www.worldbookday.com
I think 300 is on most of my friends’ lists. LOL. They couldn’t stop salivating over it last night. Not even Gerard’s horrible beard has put them off . . .
My first of the month “rituals” include cleaning my purse, updating my website, cleaning the fish tank… OK, I’ll stop now.
Clearly it’s time to come up with some new rituals. 🙂
I can’t believe you’re asking about this, Janet, because I’ve recently instituted Nerd City, a first of the month ritual at my own Almost a Blog.
With my usual unerring flare for self-promotion, I devote the first of every month to indulging my inner nerd — quotes or commentary that I find difficult or provocative, little bits of grit that I profoundly believe can grow into pearls, no matter how unpopular or abrasive they may seem at first glance. Last month it was French philosopher Michel Foucault, this month Laura Kipnis’ brilliant screed AGAINST LOVE. Who knows who’s next? Guaranteed crowd-pleaser Susan Sontag?
Pam:
I was out to dinner with a friend many years ago, and she spotted someone across the restaurant: “Susan Sontag!” she yelped, and Susan looked over at her. My friend promptly flung her head onto the empty chair beside her.
I love living in a city.
Like it. Have posted my goals.
BTW: Didn’t you all have a post on a book about murder and insanity in Regency time. Was that Wordsworth. I’ve been looking. But about braindead. (G)
Better have the bills done.
>BTW: Didn’t you all have a post on a book about murder and insanity in Regency time. Was that Wordsworth. I’ve been looking. But about braindead. (G)
I’m not the one who posted, but maybe you are thinking about Charles and Mary Lamb?
I always set writing goals for the month, and this month we have a big personal goal–finding a better place to live. We’re renters and don’t expect to be ready to buy for another 2-3 years, but we’ve outgrown our current house and have promised ourselves we’ll find a less crowded place for our little family by 4/1.
Kalen wrote, “even Gerard’s horrible beard has put them off”
Likely, neither of them raised their eyes higher than the throat to notice. 🙂
Every month is different, but the common goals of the past three months have been a writing goal and a working out goal.
There’s also the “look over the year’s goals list.” It doesn’t include doing anything about it, but just the reading is guilt-inducing enough.