Trei Hansves
Dedh Dogens ha Whegh
De Yow, terdhegves
mis Kevardhû.
Thursday,
13th December
Piw a veu an kensa stenoryon?
Nei a wolyas Degol Picrous hedhyw. Thew an keth jorna ha’n Chewidden. A veu
Picrous po Perran an kensa stener? Dres lycklod an eyl nan y gila. Ajwonys o
sten nanj ew pel, dhort termynyow ancyent. Hanow stof/men stenys ew “cassiterite”
dhort Grek coth “kassiteros” (ow styrrya sten). Ha hanow Roman rag sten o “stannum”.
Rag hedna, sten o ajwonys solabres ken Picrous ha Perran. Soweth! Na fors! Kernow
a gar sans po dew. Da o Perran ha Picrous dhe stenoryon, anjei a dhegemeras mona
moy dhe Chewidden. Spenys ova war wires, rag hedna an lavar “maga medhow avel
Perraner”.
Who was the first tinner? We celebrated Picrous Day today. It’s the same
day as Chewidden (White Thursday). Was Picrous or St Piran the first tinner?
More than likely neither one nor the other. Tin was known for a long time, from
ancient times. The name of tin ore is cassiterite from the ancient Greek
kassiteros (meaning tin). And the Roman name for tin was “stannum”. Therefore,
tin was already known before Picrous and St Piran. Oh dear! No matter! Cornwall
loves a saint or two. Tinners liked St Piran and Picrous, they received extra
money on Chewidden. It was spent on alcohol, hence the saying “as drunk as a Perraner”.
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