Souling Song

You can sell your soul,
For an apple or two.
If you have no apples,
Then a pear will do.
It's up with the kettle,
Then down with the pan.
If you give a big one
We'll be gone

Stephen Harvey


This poem originates from an old folk story from Staffordshire that some of you may have come across in a skipping song.

Mainly in the north (and also in Cheshire and North Shropshire), the festival of All Souls is celebrated on November 2nd. It is celebrated by parties of lads and children going around to all the principal houses begging for apples. This is believed to have been changed over many years from the original, which was ale and cakes. The practice has died out over the centuries.

http://www.the-staffordshire-encyclopaedia.co.uk/view.php?id=147#Staffordshire%20Folk%20and%20their%20Lore