Draft:Pinch and a Punch for the First of the Month

• Comment: Can you find other significant sources besides Metro, a tabloid site (as per WP:METRO? Cheers. LR.127 (talk) 16:17, 29 April 2025 (UTC)

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Pinch and a Punch for the First of the Month is a traditional folk game and playful custom primarily observed in English-speaking countries, particularly the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. The game involves participants delivering a light pinch and a punch to another person on the first day of each month while reciting the phrase "pinch and a punch for the first of the month." It is often played among children and adults as a light-hearted ritual to mark the beginning of a new month.

Origins and History

The origins of "Pinch and a Punch for the First of the Month" are unclear, with no definitive historical record pinpointing its inception. Folklorists suggest it may be tied to ancient customs of warding off bad luck or spirits at the start of a new cycle, possibly linked to the use of salt (represented by the pinch) and physical action (the punch) to banish malevolent forces. The phrase itself is believed to have emerged in Britain, with anecdotal evidence of its use dating back to at least the early 20th century. Its spread to other English-speaking regions likely occurred through British colonial influence.

The game shares similarities with other calendrical traditions, such as saying "rabbit rabbit" upon waking on the first day of a month for good luck, a practice also common in Britain and North America.

Gameplay

The rules of "Pinch and a Punch for the First of the Month" are straightforward but vary slightly by region and personal tradition:

1. On the first day of any month, a participant approaches another person, delivers a gentle pinch followed by a light punch (typically on the arm), and says, "Pinch and a punch for the first of the month."
2. In many versions, the speaker adds "no returns" or "white rabbits" to prevent the recipient from retaliating with their own pinch and punch. If "no returns" is omitted, the recipient may respond with "a flick and a kick for being so quick," accompanied by a flick of the fingers and a playful kick.
3. The game is traditionally played throughout the day, though some regional variations insist it must occur before noon, mirroring customs associated with April Fools' Day.

The game is typically informal, with participants choosing friends, family, or classmates as targets. Physical contact is meant to be minimal and playful.

Cultural Variations

• United Kingdom: The phrase "pinch and a punch for the first of the month" is widely recognized, often followed by "white rabbits" to secure immunity from retaliation. In Scotland, a similar tradition involves "a flick and a kick" as a counter-move.
• Australia and New Zealand: The game retains the core phrase but may lack the "white rabbits" addition, with "no returns" being more common.
• Ireland: The custom aligns closely with British practice, though it may tie into broader folk traditions of luck and superstition.
• South Africa: Influenced by British settlers, the game is played similarly, often with a competitive edge among peers.

Similar Traditions

Several similar calendar-based traditions exist across cultures

• "Rabbit Rabbit": Saying "rabbit rabbit" on the first day of the month is believed to bring good luck in parts of North America and Britain.
• "Bon Pinch": In some French-speaking regions, a similar tradition involves a light pinch on the arm.
• First Day Superstitions: Many cultures have specific practices for the first day of the month or year that are believed to influence fortune.

April Rule for April Fool

A unique variation of "Pinch and a Punch for the First of the Month" emerges in April, intertwining with the traditions of April Fools' Day, celebrated annually on April 1st. Known as the "April Rule for April Fool," this rule subverts the usual victory conditions of the game, reflecting the day's emphasis on trickery and reversal.

Under the April Rule:

• The first person to successfully deliver a "pinch and a punch for the first of the month" on April 1st is declared the "April Fool," effectively losing the game despite their initial success. This twist aligns with the April Fools' Day custom where being fooled marks one as the day's titular figure.
• The second person to say "pinch and a punch for the first of the month" and perform the actions is deemed the winner, as they outmanoeuvre the initial player by exploiting the day's deceptive spirit.

This rule is said to have evolved as a playful nod to April Fools' Day, where the expected winner is humorously undermined. While not universally observed, the "April Rule for April Fool" is particularly noted in some British and Australian circles, adding an extra layer of strategy to the game.

See also

• April Fools' Day
• Rabbit rabbit rabbit
• Children's street culture

External Links

• Mama Lisa's World: Pinch and a Punch for the First of the Month