or a Horning rite
they were the sign ere you was born.
Your father's father wore them,
and your father wore them too!
---Cornish ballard , Hal An Tow
Swift is the Hare, cunning is the Fox;
Why should not this calf grow up to be an ox,
To get his own living among the Briars and Thorns
And Die like his daddy! with a great pair of Horns
Although in modern times this rite was used to initiate a new shepards as an Authority of his sheep, this clearly depicts deeper symbolism to that of the old pagan cultures of britian, where the Teenager would be Crowned to show aspects of him self to that of the pagan god of the wildwood.
The references in the song are the bull not to sheep, and seem highly significant in view of the celtic bull worship.
Also see, Swearing upon the Horns
References & Sources:
----Ralph Whitlock: In search for Lost Gods~A guild to British folklore
----Robin Artisson's site: The meadow of Elfhame.com
--- Nigel Jackson: Masks of Misrule