*Ø* Blogmanac May 8 | Furry Day (Flora Day), Helston, Cornwall, UK
The ancient celebration of Flora Day (or Furry Day) with its Furry Dance is held today at Helston, Cornwall for its patron saint, the Archangel St Michael, but St George is equally important in the festivities.
It is held annually on May 8 except when this date falls on a Sunday or Monday, when it is held on the preceding Saturday. The day now attracts many tourists and the media, with lady revellers dressed in full-length gowns, hat and gloves and the men in black morning suits and grey top hat, all participating in the old dances.
The unusual ancient name 'Furry' is probably derived from the Latin Feriae (festivals, holidays), and in the 18th Century was incorrectly amended to 'Flora' after the Roman goddess of that name, whose Spring festival in Rome around this time was the Floralia (April 28 - May 3).
By the 19th Century the 'furry dance' was called the Floral Dance. It is derived from a pre-Christian festivity and is seen in some other towns, such as Padstow's well-known April 30 celebrations. In its present form prominent townsfolk dance through the town ...
This is just a snippet of today's stories. Read all about today in folklore, historical oddities, inspiration and alternatives, with more links, at the Wilson's Almanac Book of Days, every day. Click today's date when you're there.
The ancient celebration of Flora Day (or Furry Day) with its Furry Dance is held today at Helston, Cornwall for its patron saint, the Archangel St Michael, but St George is equally important in the festivities.
It is held annually on May 8 except when this date falls on a Sunday or Monday, when it is held on the preceding Saturday. The day now attracts many tourists and the media, with lady revellers dressed in full-length gowns, hat and gloves and the men in black morning suits and grey top hat, all participating in the old dances.
The unusual ancient name 'Furry' is probably derived from the Latin Feriae (festivals, holidays), and in the 18th Century was incorrectly amended to 'Flora' after the Roman goddess of that name, whose Spring festival in Rome around this time was the Floralia (April 28 - May 3).
By the 19th Century the 'furry dance' was called the Floral Dance. It is derived from a pre-Christian festivity and is seen in some other towns, such as Padstow's well-known April 30 celebrations. In its present form prominent townsfolk dance through the town ...
This is just a snippet of today's stories. Read all about today in folklore, historical oddities, inspiration and alternatives, with more links, at the Wilson's Almanac Book of Days, every day. Click today's date when you're there.
Pip Wilson posted item above at 10:09 PM | Permalink
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