straw bear

It's that time of year when people in fantastic headgear and outlandish outfits invade our town and keep out the cold east wind by stomping feet, brandishing sticks and brooms and waving handkerchiefs to music.
It was straw bear festival weekend.

The present day festival originated from an old custom, when a man covered in a straw costume was led through the streets on Plough Monday, stopping to 'dance' at local pubs. Plough Monday was usually the first Monday after Twelfth Night and marked the start of the agricultural year.


The custom fell into decline at the beginning of the 20th century but was revived in Whittlesey in 1980 and has grown to become a large event attracting dance groups and visitors from far and wide.
It is an enjoyable weekend providing fun and colour in the middle of winter.

This year tiny girlie joined us and needed no encouragement to join in the fun.


Today has been dubbed 'Blue Monday' and it is dark and damp outside as I type this, but as our ancestors who celebrated Plough Monday knew, the dark of winter will soon be replaced by the lighter days of spring!




annjenny x


Comments

  1. That's what I keep telling myself too, and until spring arrives to make the most of the time to do all those indoor jobs I need to catch up on. The list is long, very long...

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  2. What a wonderful celebration and the smile on that little ones face is a delight.

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  3. It's great to hear about the continuation of old customs and why not celebrate January? (This is actually one of my favourite times of the year, odd person that I am!) Your littlest is so gorgeous. Love the ensemble!

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  4. What fun. And lovely to see the joy on that little face.

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