VIDEO: Dawn awakening of Jack-in-the-Green held ahead of Sweeps Festival
By MariaSoleil | Wednesday, May 01, 2013, 11:24
A LONG-HELD tradition heralding the start of Rochester's Sweeps Festival took place this morning.
-
The Jack-in-the-Green awakening ceremony traditionally takes place before Rochester's Sweeps Festival every year
A cluster of morris dancers took part in the awakening of the Jack-in-the-Green at Blue Bell Hill.
The ceremony, which takes place at sunrise, saw the group join a chorus before dancing.
The tradition dates back to Victorian times when people would make elaborate garlands with flowers and leaves ahead of May Day celebrations.
Over time the practice evolved to the point where entire men would be covered with garlands.
Sweeps Festival takes place from Saturday 4 to Monday 6 May.
It will be officially begun by Mayor of Medway Cllr Vaughan Hewett outside the Guildhall from 10.30am on Saturday.
The traditional Sweeps parade takes place at 2.45pm on bank holiday Monday.
Are you going to Sweeps Festival? Let us know by leaving a comment below!
Comments