Snap-Dragon

Also known as Flap-Dragon this parlour game was originally popular from the 16th-19th centuries especially in England and the United States.

It was generally played during the winter, particularly on Christmas Eve although there is some evidence to suggest that in America it was actually a Halloween tradition.

This game is simple to play if not a little dangerous!

1. Fill a large bowl with brandy and raisins
   

2. Turn the lights down and set light to the brandy

3. Try to fish out the raisins and eat them without setting light to your hands, mouth or your fellow players!

4. The winner is the one that consumes the most raisins

Here he comes with flaming bowl,
Don't he mean to take his toll,
Snip! Snap! Dragon!

Take care you don't take too much,
Be not greedy in your clutch,
Snip! Snap! Dragon!

With his blue and lapping tongue
Many of you will be stung,
Snip! Snap! Dragon!

For he snaps at all that comes
Snatching at his feast of plums,
Snip! Snap! Dragon!

But Old Christmas makes him come,
Though he looks so fee! fa! fum!
Snip! Snap! Dragon!

Don't 'ee fear him but be bold -
Out he goes his flames are cold,
Snip! Snap! Dragon!

If you have read Alice Through The Looking Glass by Lewis Carroll you may remember Alice meeting the Snap-Dragon Fly who has a plum pudding body, holly leaves for wings and a head which is a raisin burning in brandy.

Its nest is a Christmas box and its diet comprises mince pies and frumenty (a traditional Christmas porridge).

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