Posts Tagged ‘lily of the valley’

Cornwall Holidays - Padstow Harbour

Two of the countries oldest surviving customs are celebrated in Cornwall early in May.

In Padstow the local residents celebrate on the 1st of May with the “Obby Oss” coming out of his stable and processing through the town accompanied by his own special music, and of course, the May Song.

The town is bedecked with bluebells, forget-me-knots, and all the first wild flowers and greenery of Spring.

The followers of the “Obby Oss” go before him in the procession wearing red, blue, or white sashes.

Next weekend (traditionally on May the 8th) Helston will celebrate The Furry Dance, or Flora Dance.

As in Padstow, the town is bedecked with flowers and greenery. As the Dance processes along its route, the men are resplendant in morning dress, top hats and tails, and the ladies are very fetching in all their finery.

The Lily of the Valley is Helston’s symbolic flower and it is traditionally worn by all those taking part in the procession.