Whuppity Scoorie
whuppity scoorie traditional festival dating early th century observed people lanark scotland march celebrate approach spring local child gather around local st nicholas kirk pm wee bell rung starting sign child run around church clockwise direction making noise swinging paper ball string head run longer race safety reason increase fairness younger participant three lap scramble coin thrown member community council host event community council also host whuppity scoorie storytelling festival art workshop event march origin whuppity scoorie unknown several theory try explain ancient custom evolved common theory whuppity scoorie came festival intended celebrate spring frighten winter evil spirit others believe mark time day got longer allowing curfew lifted changed child could play outside longer another theory connects event ancient religious penance penitent whipped three time round church afterwards scoored – washed – nearby river clyde burgh kirk session record make mention punishment celebration could also instituted remember murder william wallace wife tradition first mentioned local newspaper hamilton advertiser around midth century still called wee bell ceremony suggesting link ringing church bell advertiser first referred custom known whuppity scoorie simply became whuppity scoorie next year three lap around church also first mentioned although writer claimed custom year old advertiser also reported local boy day rolled cap tied string bell rang would march new lanark would fight boy coming opposite direction uncommon stone thrown police posted men along road village keep order