Well Dressed

We're getting towards that time of year when people begin to celebrate the return of the light and warmer days. The clocks have gone forward, we've passed the Vernal Equinox and the days are getting longer. Soon, people will be rehearsing for pageants and festivals, and raising the maypoles. Morris sides will be dusting off their bells, cheeses will soon be hurled down precipitous slopes, bogs will be snorkled and Obby Osses teased. 

Come the beginning of May there will be so many things to report on that this blog will become very crowded. So I thought I'd mention a few events and traditions a couple of months early. 

One such is the rather more staid, but no less fascinating, tradition of Well Dressing which usually takes place between May and September in Derbyshire and the Peak District.

Over 80 towns and villages proudly display their floral masterpieces next to wells and water features throughout the Spring and Summer. It's a whole village affair with children and adults alike gathering the moss, beans, seeds, cones, twigs, berries and, most importantly, flower petals which give the pictures their colour and detail. Every new piece begins with a board which is soaked in a local river This is then covered in soft clay in a process called 'puddling'. Then, slowly and methodically, the gathered natural objects are pressed into the clay by experienced 'petallers' using toothpicks and dental tools.

   

The exact origins of Well Dressing have been lost over time, but it’s thought that the custom may have found its start in a pagan ritual of leaving gifts thanking the local water gods for the continued supply of fresh water. Certainly, the Romans or the Celts venerated water and often left voting offerings in wells and springs. Some also claim that it's an ancient custom that was revived in the 17th century when the plague came to the Peak District - many of you will know the story of the heroes of Eyam who isolated and sacrificed themselves to prevent the spread of the disease (there's a nice article on the event here)- but the various holy wells provided safe drinking water. Therefore, they were thanked with a service of blessing thereafter. 

Well Dressings originally featured Biblical scenes but these days can commemorate individuals, historical events or important dates and anniversaries. During the Victorian era the displays became much more extravagent and complex. 

Once in place by the spring or well, the Dressings, typically quite large so that they can be enjoyed from a distance, are blessed by a church official. This marks the start of village celebrations, with parades, maypole dancing and the crowning of a carnival queen and her attendants. It’s a chance for communities to come together and a fun day out for visitors. 

If you're planning a trip to the area, do check first which village is Well Dressing closest to your date of travel. These wonderful works of art are ephemeral and, even after just a week, the petals will start to dull and the clay will crack (I have no idea how they coped in last year's heatwave). Therefore, the many towns and villages stagger their displays throughout the Summer.

There's a useful list of dates here.