Swearing upon the Horns
Swearing upon the Horns; is an old English custom were a visitor of the public who wished admisstion of membership to a Social Pub durning 17-19th century had to kiss or salute a pair of horns, after which an oath of respect and loyalty to the landlord is taken. The oath consisted of a series of statements and rules read out by a clerk or landlord, which after confirming one's dedication to merriment followed durning the kissing of the horns.

At one time, members of all social classes took part in Swearing upon the horns. In childe Harold's Pilgrimage, lord Byon alludes to it:

"Many to the steep of highgate die; ask, ye Baeceotian shades! the reason why? 'tis to the worship of the solemn Horn, grasped in the holy hand of mystery, in whose dread name both men and maidsare sworn, And consecrate the oath with draught and dance till morn."
                                                                      ------ Byon

Althrough this custom was performed in more modern times, it may have much deeper origins within pre-christian traditions because of its pagan antiquity this custom contains, and is even adopted by some witches in rites such as self-dedication to the Arts of Arts or...
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