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It was customary at one time in England on St. Thomas‘s Day for the poorer inhabitants of the parish to call on their wealthier neighbors and receive a gift or “dole” of food or money. In return, they would give their benefactors a sprig of holly or mistletoe. The custom of “going a-gooding,” as it was called, gave rise to the name Gooding Day in parts of Sussex; in other areas it was referred to as Mumping (Begging) Day, since those who had to beg were said to be “on the mump.” Children would often spend St. Thomas’s Day begging for apples. Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary