The fact that it is first recorded in 1695 would suggest it has absolutely nothing to do with 'pagan rituals' and everything to do with it being an import from England. However, the 1695 (actually 1685) date is dubious as the date was only noted in the 1820's in a folklorist's jottings - where he got his information from is unknown. And as there are no English references to mumming plays prior to the 1730's (and many following) a slip up may have rendered '1785' as '1685' which would be in keeping with the known history of the plays.
Lovely
The fact that it is first recorded in 1695 would suggest it has absolutely nothing to do with 'pagan rituals' and everything to do with it being an import from England.
However, the 1695 (actually 1685) date is dubious as the date was only noted in the 1820's in a folklorist's jottings - where he got his information from is unknown. And as there are no English references to mumming plays prior to the 1730's (and many following) a slip up may have rendered '1785' as '1685' which would be in keeping with the known history of the plays.
I put ferrets and hamsters down my pants and I’ve never shat my pants yet
Joe " bud" lafferty as the captain 👏