'Obby 'Oss Festival
1. May 2011 (annual) in Cornwall / UK
1. May 2011 (annual) in Cornwall / UK
Padstow, in Cornwall, UK is internationally famous for its traditional 'Obby 'Oss day (dialect for Hobby Horse).
The hobby horses have big red eyes, snapping teeth and black frame-hung cape.To be caught under their cloaks is thought to be good luck and even fertility-inducing! Such bizarre goings-on were first recorded in the 16th century and take place every May Day as a fertility ritual, held to mark the coming of summer.
Inhabitants of Padstow (those born in the town) traditionally dress in white, with family loyalties dictating whether they follow the 'Red'/original Oss, or the 'Blue'/peace Oss.
Both Oss' are similar in appearance and perform a dancing ritual accompanied by an hypnotic folk song and lead by a group of followers as they make their way through the narrow streets and around the harbour.
The festival itself starts at midnight on May 1 with unaccompanied singing around the town starting at the Golden Lion Inn. By the morning, the town is dressed with greenery, flowers and flags, with the focus being the maypole. The 'Blue' Oss is making its first appearance from its stable at 10am, followed at 11am by the appearance of the 'Red' Oss from its home. Some time in the late afternoon the 'osses may meet at the maypole and dance together.
Inhabitants of Padstow (those born in the town) traditionally dress in white, with family loyalties dictating whether they follow the 'Red'/original Oss, or the 'Blue'/peace Oss.
Both Oss' are similar in appearance and perform a dancing ritual accompanied by an hypnotic folk song and lead by a group of followers as they make their way through the narrow streets and around the harbour.
The festival itself starts at midnight on May 1 with unaccompanied singing around the town starting at the Golden Lion Inn. By the morning, the town is dressed with greenery, flowers and flags, with the focus being the maypole. The 'Blue' Oss is making its first appearance from its stable at 10am, followed at 11am by the appearance of the 'Red' Oss from its home. Some time in the late afternoon the 'osses may meet at the maypole and dance together.
'Obby 'Oss traditions also exist in nearby Barnstaple and Combe Martin. More Information onhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/'Obby_'Oss_festival
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