Friday 13 April 2012

Happy Hocktide Hungerford!!


Today we dressed the window read for Tutti Day next week in Hungerford.
This is what Wikipedia says about it ....

Hungerford is the only place in the country to have continuously celebrated Hocktide or Tutti Day (the second Tuesday after Easter). Today it marks the end of the town council's financial and administrative year, but in the past it was a more general celebration associated with the town's great patron, John of Gaunt
The Town Crier summons the Commoners of the town to the Hocktide Court held at the town hall, while two florally decorated 'Tutti Men' and the 'Orange Man' visit every house with commoners' rights (almost a hundred properties), accompanied by around six Tutti Girls, drawn from the local school. Originally they collected 'head pennies' to ensure fishing and commoners grazing rights. Today, they largely collect kisses from each lady of the house.

There are certain objects which are associated with the day such as pennies, beer, oranges and flowers...so our window reflects some of those ...the oranges in the vintage planters look great and really bright from outside...and of course flowers are no problem for us!!!



Friday the Thirteenth, you may have thought, not such an auspicious day for a wedding but thirteen as always been a lucky number in our family and the sun shone on our bride to be today..creamy white callas for the brides maids....



 ...and gorgeous Majestic Red callas for the Bride.....delicious....talking of good enough to eat...

..the first Peonies of the year....the wonderfully blowsy Sarah Bernhardt........
it feels like farewell Spring ...hello Summer......

4 comments:

LeeAnn at Mrs Black's said...

Being an anglophile I love English history and especially appreciate the local traditions. This is fascinating! And I am delighted to see the Sarah Bernhardt peonies, so beautiful. Bet your window looks fab!

Nella Miller said...

Wonderful education for me here in Canada, thank you....love the flowers of couse, and the peonies are my favs! N.xo

Nella Miller said...

And your sweet little bundle of joy is adorable!! N.xo

flowers on my table said...

I do love these quirky English traditions! A lovely idea for your window display, and the Sarah Bernhardts I just adore!

Many thanks for your comments on my daughters room and Sparky. I don't think he very much likes going to the groomers either as he comes back a little nervous as though he has been naughty.
Have a good week, love Linda x

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