Traditional Treasures – summary

Gill and Barry Goodman presented a lively and informative talk exploring quirky English folk customs and traditions from around the country. These traditions, many dating back centuries, showcase England’s rich cultural heritage and its capacity for unique celebrations.

The presentation began in Gloucestershire with house wassailing, an Anglo-Saxon tradition of blessing homes with spiced cider or ale for good health and prosperity. In Stroud, wassailing has been revived with a community event featuring Morris dancers, Mummers, and traditional wassail songs. Barry demonstrated this with a rendition of the Stroud wassail song.

The journey continued to Buckinghamshire and the Olney Pancake Race, a Shrove Tuesday tradition dating back to 1445. Participants in housewife attire race with frying pans while tossing pancakes, followed by a church service. Gill and Barry explained the link to Liberal, Kansas, USA, which hosts a simultaneous pancake race, and Barry performed “Toss the Pancake High,” a celebratory song.

Next was North Yorkshire’s Whitby Penny Hedge ceremony, a custom rooted in legend. Local noblemen, as penance for a crime, were tasked to build a hedge from hazel and willow that withstands three tides. This ancient ceremony is re-enacted annually on Ascension Eve. Barry sang the Whitby Penny Hedge song, adding historical context.

In Devon, the Goosey Fair in Tavistock celebrates the tradition of trading geese and livestock. Dating back to the 12th century, the fair now includes entertainment, a market, and food stalls. Barry performed “Tavistock Goosey Fair,” a light-hearted song about this lively event.

The talk highlighted Cornwall’s Helston Floral Day, celebrating spring with dances through the streets, houses, and gardens. The “Floral Dance,” immortalised in music, was performed alongside descriptions of the day’s festive atmosphere, which includes children’s and community dances.

The Haxey Hood Game in North Lincolnshire was another highlight. This centuries-old custom involves a chaotic rugby-like scramble to move a leather-stuffed “hood” to one of the local pubs. Participants chant the fool’s traditional speech, blending merriment with a touch of folklore. Barry sang the Haxey Hood song, capturing the spirit of this boisterous event.

Finally, the talk ended with apple tree wassailing, a custom aimed at ensuring bountiful harvests. In this tradition, participants bless apple trees with cider-soaked toast, singing, drumming, and firing shotguns to drive away evil spirits. This lively celebration was accompanied by a performance of an apple wassail song, illustrating its enduring charm.

Throughout the presentation, Gill and Barry interwove historical insights, music, and humour, bringing these traditions to life. They encouraged participants to explore or revisit these events, highlighting the importance of preserving and celebrating England’s cultural heritage. Their talk demonstrated how these customs, whether solemn, whimsical, or rowdy, contribute to the richness of English folk tradition.

This summary captures the essence of the Goodmans’ talk, blending historical background with their vibrant storytelling and musical performances.