The Hag at the Churn
Sheet music and tabs for The Hag at the Churn
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About this tune
The Hag at the Churn is a two-part jig in D Mixolydian, written in 6/8 time. The tune contains about 10 bars and spans from D3 to G4. Caoimhin Mac Aoidh wrote: Is also well known in its Irish title Cailleach 'sa Mhaistrim and should be interprested as the Hag IN the Churn. This refers to the folklore scenario whereby witches would inhabit churns to steal butter. Butter could never be made if a witch was in the house when churning was taking place. Witches could not tolerate this tune and it would therefore be played anytime butter was being churned to drive them away. It was a terrible mark on a woman if she left a house while this tune was being played and churning was going on. It was a big favourite of the Dohertys.
ABC notation for The Hag at the Churn
A2G ADD | A2G Adc | A2G ADD | EFG EFG :| AdB c2G | Add efg |1 AdB c2G | EDE GED :| 2 fge dcA | GEF GED ||