Samhain

Nationwide - 1st November

The Celts divided their year into two seasons: the light and the dark, at Beltane on 1st May and Samhain. Many believe that Samhain was the more important festival, marking the beginning of a new cycle. Just as the Celtic day began at night, it was believed that in the darkness new life would emerge, similar to the stirring of the seed below the ground. The most magical time of this festival was November Eve, the night of 31st October, better known today as Halloween.

In the country year, Samhain marked the first day of winter, when the herders led the cattle and sheep down from their summer pastures to the shelter of the stables. Those destined for the table were slaughtered. All the harvest must be gathered in by this date -- barley, oats, wheat, turnips, and apples -- for come November, the faeries would blast every growing plant with their breath, blighting any nuts and berries remaining on the hedgerows

With the rise of Christianity, Samhain was changed to Hallowmas, or All Saints' Day, to celebrate the saints in heaven, and so the night before became popularly known as Halloween. The 2nd November became All Souls Day, when prayers were to be offered to the souls of the departed. Throughout the centuries, pagan and Christian beliefs and celebrations have intertwined and from 31st Oct through to 5th November, they are particularly confusing.

All Souls Day / All Saints Day

Nationwide - 1st November

Also known as the "Day of the Dead", the day in the Celtic year when the Festival of the Dead took place. It was once the custom to leave doors open and food on the table to nourish the souls of recently departed family members.

All Soul's Day is now a Roman Catholic day of remembrance for those who have passed away. The day purposely follows All Saint's Day in order to shift the focus from those in heaven to those in purgatory. It is celebrated with masses and festivities in honour of the dead. Whilst the Feast of All Saints is a day to remember the glories of Heaven, the Feast of All Souls is a reminder to live holy lives.

Turning the Devil's boulder

Shebear, Devon - 5th November

After nightfall men carrying crowbars with women lighting their way approach the huge stone close to the village church. As the church bells peal out the villagers set to work to turn the stone over. Apparently the devil lives under the stone, and 'turning the Devil's boulder' is meant to avert bad fortune. 

One legend recalls that the stone was quarried on the other side of the River Torridge at a nearby village, apparently intended as a foundation stone for a church there. But the devil rolled it away to Shebbear - and continued doing this every night as the villagers repeatedly rolled it back during the day.

Interestingly the stone is not of a type found locally and may therefore have been transported there in ancient times for some ritualistic purpose.

Admission of the Lord Mayor

The Lord Mayor is elected each year at the end of September or the beginning of October, and takes office in November. On the day after taking office, the Lord Mayor's Show is held; the Lord Mayor, preceded by a procession, travels to the City of Westminster to swear allegiance to the Sovereign in the presence of the judges of the High Court. The Lord Mayor's role is primarily ceremonial and social, rather than political, although he does promote London's business credentials abroad.

The office was instituted in 1189; the first holder of the office was Henry Fitz-Ailwyn. The mayor of the City of London has been elected by the City, rather than appointed by the Sovereign, since a Royal Charter providing for the same was issued by John in 1215. The title "Lord Mayor" came to be used after 1354, when it was granted to Thomas Legge (then serving his second of two terms) by King Edward III.

On the day after being sworn in, the Lord Mayor participates in a procession from the City of London to the Royal Courts of Justice in the City of Westminster, where the Lord Mayor swears his allegiance to the Crown. This procession is known as the "Lord Mayor's Show" and is one of the longest established and best known annual events in London. The Lord Mayor travels in a State Coach that was built in 1757 at a cost of £1,065.0s.3d. (over £120,000 in modern terms). In its modern form is a fairly light hearted combination of traditional British pageantry and elements of carnival. Since 1959 it has been held on the second Saturday in November. Participants include the Livery Companies, bands and members of the military, charities and schools. In the evening, a fireworks display is held.

The Courts Leet and Baron

The courts are a relic of Henley's feudal past. The Court Leet had jurisdiction over petty offences and civil affairs and was empowered to inflict fines and other punishments: the Court Baron dealt mainly with the transfers of property and land within the Manor. The Courts met jointly and all members of the Court were required to be present or be subject to a fine. The Steward was appointed by the Lord of the Manor and the burgesses of the town elected the officers of the Court each year. The names of the officers varied over time, but those currently elected are the High Bailiff, Low Bailiff, Mace Bearer, Constable, two Ale Tasters, two Brook Lookers, two Affearors, a Butter Weigher and a Hayward. The Town Crier is appointed by the Steward and the Chaplain by the High Bailiff. The records of the Court still exist from 1546, though the names of its High Bailiffs date back to 1477 and its Lords of the Manor to the Norman Conquest.

In 1974 most such courts were abolished by Act of Parliament as being defunct and obsolete, other forms of local government having been introduced in the 19^th century: only 16 named courts were allowed to continue, one of which was Henley. The Court Leet continues to meet annually on the second Wednesday in November to elect its officers. It also administers the Guild Hall Trust, which owns the Guild Hall and other property in the town, including the land between the Guild Hall Garden and the river.

The Court Leet is presided over by the Lord of the Manor, Mrs. Robin Hardy-Freed, daughter of the American lumber millionaire Mr. Joseph Hardy of Nemacolin, Pennsylvania. The latter bought the title at auction in London in 1992 and has shown great interest in and affection for Henley. Through his generosity the Guild Cottage has been renovated and he has provided substantial sums to create a Heritage Centre for the town and its visitors.

In the present day the Court Leet seeks to act as guardian of the history and traditions of the town. It also promotes causes and activities for the general good of the community: recent instances have included the initiation of Henley Heart Start, a major involvement in town activities during Millenium Year (including a significant contribution to the Millenium Window in St John's Parish Church), raising funds for the Tsunami Appeal and producing the Beaudesert & Henley-in-Arden Directory 2006.

Advent Sunday

Nationwide - The Sunday nearest to 30th November until Christmas Eve

Advent is a term from the Latin word 'adventus' which means "arrival". It is a time of waiting for the arrival of Christmas, the coming of Jesus to earth when he was born as a baby at Bethlehem about two thousand years ago. Advent is the new year of the Christian Church and the church season that leads to Christmas Day's Eve.

During the season of Advent, Christians across the world prepare for the celebration of the arrival of the Lord into the world through the birth of his Son Jesus Christ. Advent is a time to celebrate light in the midst of darkness. It is also a time to look forward to when Jesus will come a second time.

The beginning of Advent is when the preparations for Christmas really begin - the festive menu is planned, gifts are chosen and wrapped, carols sung, cards are written and posted and houses decorated. It is also the time when we open our 'Advent Calendars' Calendars with one door for each day of December up until the 25th - behind each one is a new picture or present. Advent Sunday is the New Years Day of the Catholic church.

Firing the Penny Poppers

Wroth Silver Rent Paid

Warwickshire - Martinmas Eve - 11th November

Seen as Britain's oldest annual ceremony (don't they all say that?) however, the case here can really be stated as it was first recorded back in 1170 and is still going strong today!

It all began 1000 years ago on November 11 as the morning sun broke, a group of people stood huddled around an old hollow stone on Knightlow Hill, near Ryton on Dunsmore where they performed the first ever Wroth Silver ceremony.

The ceremony as it exists now is based on payments placed in the hollow stone with the words Wroth Silver by member villages of the Knightlow Hundred. The money is collected by the agent of the Duke of Buccleach, lord of the manor. Those who do not pay a set fee are fined 20 shillings for every penny, or a white bull with red nose and red ears. After the ceremony is over the payee’s head for the local inn where toasts are made with milk and rum and a substantial breakfast is provided.

As usually happens with these ceremonies, the origins are once again, lost. Some say the word wroth is derived from wroth meaning roadway, others suggest the more likely Rother hryder, which means cattle money. The ancient connection to cattle is also seen in the white bull fine and the milk drinking ceremony. There are also many important aspects to suggest that it was taking place long before it was first registered.

The actual stone used stands in the centre of a 30-foot square mound, long thought to be an ancient tumulus or burial mound. It could be a warriors grave but it has been said that it is actually the grave of the Danish giant warrior, Colbran who was decapitated in single combat by Guy of Warwick.

Remembrance Sunday

Nationwide - second Sunday in November

In memory of those who lost their lives during the wars in which our ancestors fought for their King and Country. Remembrance Day started after the World War One then known as the Great War. Those that lost their lives are remembered on the eleventh hour on the eleventh day of the eleventh month which marks the signing of the Armistice which signaled the end of the Great War. Services are held all over Britain and poppies are worn on lapels. At 11am on this day there is a minute's silence all over the country for people to think and remember.

World's Biggest Liar Competition

You wouldn't believe me if I told you....

Stir Up Sunday

Nationwide - last Sunday of the church year

Stir Up Sunday is a day we start preparing for Christmas, its origins date back to the opening words of the collect for the day in the book of Common Prayer (1549) which quotes:

Stir-up, we beseech thee, O Lord, the wills of thy faithful people; that they, plenteously bringing forth the fruit of good works, may of thee be plenteously rewarded; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Nowadays the tradition is for everyone to take a turn stirring the christmas pudding while making a wish. The pudding must be served from East to West in honour of the three wise men. It is also made with 13 ingredients to honour Jesus and his 12 disciples. Sometimes (less so nowadays) a coin was added to the mixture and whoever got the coin (usually an old silver sixpence or threepenny bit) when it was served up would receive wealth that year!

Blacksmiths procession

Mayfield, Sussex

St. Andrew's Day - Scotland

Scotland - 30th November

St Andrew was one of Jesus' disciples and the brother of Simon Peter (saint Peter) and he was a fisherman by trade. He was crucified on a diagonnally traversed cross hence why the flag of Scotland is a white diagonal cross on a blue background. The blue represents the sea. In Scotland it was traditional for girls to pray for a husband on St Andrews Day. The St Andrew cross dates back to the 12th century and is called the Saltire.