Horn Fair, Charlton, near London

The Horn Fair was held for three days annually from St Luke's Day and was named after the custom of carrying horns and wearing them.

A foreign traveller in 1598 wrote that there was at Ratcliffe, nearby, a long pole with ram's horns upon it, representing “wilful and contented cuckolds”. The horned man, or Green Man, was a representation of the ancient horned god Herne (who derived from the Celtic horned god Cernunnos), and it is interesting to note that the fair, now held at Hornfair Park, was formerly held at Cuckold’s Point, East London ...

Tagged: england, english+folklore, folklore, gods, deities, fairs, festivals, holidays, markets, pagan