In Reply to: re: the wren, the wren the king of all birds . . . posted by philip r on January 14, 2008 at 19:39:16:

Don't be sorry Philip, you didn't offend and I'm glad that you agree that the practice of catching wild birds in order to profit from their display is something better consigned to the bin of history.

Traditions are nostalgic and pull at our emotions but that doesn't make them right - I had a toy gollywog when I was a kid and I loved him to bits but you can be sure I wouldn't buy such a toy for a child nowadays (not sure that they'd be on sale anywhere for that matter).

Still the practice of going from door to door for a few bob was begging by the dictionary definition and I'm glad that most people in this country no longer feel the need to do so.

beg (bg)

v. begged, beg·ging, begs
v.tr.

1. To ask for as charity: begged money while sitting in a doorway.

v.intr.
1. To solicit alms.
2. To make a humble or urgent plea.

The waits and bell ringing were and indeed are great traditions and I remember banging pots on New Years night (we didn't have any bells) and I would encourage everyone to partake in a similar practice on most new years nights.

• http://www.thefreedictionary.com/begging