Twelfth Eve 1851
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Twelfth Eve 1851
Shooting the apple tree on Twelfth Eve in Devon. Date: 1851
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 14271131
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
EDITORS COMMENTS
Twelfth Eve 1851: A Traditional Devonshire Custom Captured in an Antique Photograph This evocative image, titled "Shooting the apple tree on Twelfth Eve in Devon. Date: 1851," offers a glimpse into the rich cultural traditions of rural England during the Victorian era. Twelfth Eve, also known as Old Twelfth Night, marks the end of the Christmas season and the beginning of the new year in the English calendar. In this photograph, we see a group of men gathered around an apple tree, their faces illuminated by the flickering light of lanterns. The men, dressed in traditional Devonshire attire, appear focused and determined as they prepare to take part in the ancient Twelfth Eve custom of 'shooting the apple.' The rules of the game were simple: a lit lantern was hung in the tree, and the men would take turns trying to shoot an apple suspended from a branch with a bow and arrow. The man who successfully hit the apple would be crowned the 'Lord of Misrule' for the night, a title that came with various privileges and responsibilities. This photograph captures the excitement and camaraderie of the moment, as well as the unique blend of tradition and community that defined rural life in Devon during the Victorian era. The image also serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving cultural heritage and the rich history that lies within our communities.
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