Oak Apple Day falls on May 29th, and 2010 is the 350th anniversary of this historic holiday. Although officially abolished as a national holiday in 1859, the tradition still lives on in some places in the UK, with Castleton's Garland Day event being one of the best places to see the celebrations. In other places it is also called Arbor Day – as in the Shropshire village of Aston on Clun, where Arbor Day celebrations are held every year on May 29.
What are the Origins of England's Oak Apple Day?
Although the origins of the May 29th holiday are thought to be pagan in origin, Oak Apple Day itself was the direct result of Charles II return to power in London in 1660. In 1649 Charles I had been executed at the peak of the English Civil War, and Oliver Cromwell, effectively became the head of a temporary Republic of England. In 1651, Cromwell defeated Charles II at the Battle of Worcester, and Charles II became an exile.
Following Oliver Cromwell's death in 1658, neither his son, nor army successors to parliament were capable of holding onto power for any length of time, and Charles II returned to power in London on his birthday, 29th May.
This was dedicated as a national holiday in honour of the "Restoration of the Monarchy" and Charles II return to power. The name Oak Apple Day comes from a lucky escape Charles II had from the Roundhead army of Oliver Cromwell, when he successfully hid in an oak tree on the grounds of Boscobel House in Shropshire after his defeat at the Battle of Worcester.
What do Nettles Have to do With Oak Apple Day?
The tradition on Oak Apple Day was that all people had to wear oak apples, or oak leaves, or risk being beaten with nettles or brambles in punishment. Although no direct historical references can be found to support this, it would seem reasonable that this was a way of reaffirming support for the monarchy in times shortly after the restoration of the monarchy.
Where to see Oak Apple Day Events in the UK
The longest running traditional celebration of Oak Apple Day is at Castleton in the Derbyshire Peak District. Here the "Garland King" dresses up in a 17th Century costume covered with a "beehive" of flowers, weighing nearly 30kg and leads a parade on horseback through town where maidens dressed in white with oak leaves dance in front of six of the village's pubs before ending up at the village church. The garland is then hauled up to the top of the church tower.
The celebration is always held on 29th May unless this falls on a Sunday, when due to some of the pagan origins of the event, use of the church for the flower garland was forbidden. In this case the event usually moves to the preceding Saturday, but in 2011 it is planned to move this to Monday for the first time in the history of the event.
Where to see Arbor Day Events in the UK
Although there is no tradition of celebrating Oak Apple or Arbor Day at Boscobel House itself, the village of Aston on Clun, 30miles as the crow flies south-west of Boscobel House, celebrates Arbor Day on a day near 29th May every year by dressing trees with flags and a general festival atmosphere. This festival falls on Sunday 30th May in 2010.
Oak Apple Day (or Arbor Day) is an ancient national holiday in England with origins in both Pagan springtime festivals and the Restoration of the Monarchy (Charles II return to power) in 1660. Although it is no longer celebrated in many places, Castleton in Derbyshire and Aston on Clun in Shropshire are good places to see the festivities.
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