An anonymous correspondent in 1758 wrote to the Universal Magazine and, among other things, described what happened in Cornwall on the arrival of May: "An ancient custom, still retained by the Cornish, is that of decking their doors and porches, on the 1st of May, with green sycamore and hawthorn boughs, and of planting trees, … Continue reading May Day in Cornwall in 1758
Tag: May Day
Helston’s Furry Day and Hal-an-Tow
Another iconic Cornish festival day. Another sad silence. Although traditional furry dances were held in several places across Cornwall within living memory – I remember participating at Liskeard – Helston is now regarded as the home of the furry. The event shares some aspects with Padstow’s ‘Obby ‘Oss - the celebration of spring, traditional songs, … Continue reading Helston’s Furry Day and Hal-an-Tow
Let us all unite: May Day at Padstow
Unite and unite and let us all unite For summer is acome unto day The words of the ‘Obby ‘Oss songs will not be heard this year. The ‘osses will remain in their stables and Padstow will be eerily quiet as this iconic Cornish festival comes to a temporary halt, brought low by a virus. … Continue reading Let us all unite: May Day at Padstow
Cornish studies resources 