All images courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
From the Guildhall Yard the Pearlies process to the cockney church of St Mary-le-Bow in Cheapside. A true Cockney is one who has been born within the sound of Bow Bells, the twelve bells of St Mary-le-Bow.
The Pearly Kings and Queens date from the 19th century in London and their main objective is to raise money for various charities. You can learn more about them here and here. Sewing myriads of mother-of-pearl buttons onto their clothes has made them very noticeable, always a good idea when attracting the attention of people who might drop a coin or two into a collection tin or bucket. The kings and queens pass their heritage on through the generations.The Pearlies wear the names of their boroughs on the backs of their jackets, and the rest of their attire is embroidered in shimmering symbols created with buttons, each symbol being of specific import. For example, a wheel represents the circle of life and a heart stands for charity. Donkeys on a suit are a reminder of the times when donkeys pulled carts to market and playing cards indicate that life is a gamble. Doves are a symbol of peace and horseshoes signify good luck.
The Pearly King on the extreme right is wearing a 'smother suit'Traditionally, each Pearly makes their own suit. When a Pearly king or queen dies, the suit is stripped of the buttons which are then shared with the rest of the family. In that way, the dead Pearly is remembered and memorialised. Some heavily embellished suits may weigh as much as 30 kg (66lbs or 4.7 stone) These are called ‘smother suits’. The lighter suits are known as ‘skeleton suits’.
Wow! Those suits are amazing! I bet the mother-of-pearl button factory is kept busy.
ReplyDeleteCan you imagine sewing on all those buttons?
DeleteHaving always known about them, very interesting to find more facts, thank you, I'm off to follow your links. Growing up in rural Somerset, we always looked forward to the Morris men.
ReplyDeleteI love watching the Morris men.
ReplyDeleteI only learnt about them from a former Australian blogger who lived in London in the 1980s to 2010. Aren't they just terrific and thanks for the reminder of them.
ReplyDeleteThere's some fear that the tradition is dying out. I hope it doesn't.
DeleteI saw the Morris dancers for the first time in Eastbourne, there was a similar fest there also concerning harvest. Interesting post, that's why I read no books anymore !
ReplyDeleteMorris dancing is still very popular.
DeleteYou note that this Harvest Festival marks the changing of the seasons and celebrates the Pearly Kings and Queens who come from every borough of London (and other dignitaries in their ceremonial robes). It is colourful and full of entertainment!
ReplyDeleteAre people who live in the rest of Britain familiar with this London festival and do they visit? I would, just to see the fabulous hats
I hope they are but fear they aren't. We're a very parochial nation.
DeleteWow, all those buttons, interesting to learn what all that pearly stuff is about.
ReplyDeleteAlison in Wales x
Can you imagine wearing a 'smother' suit - the weight of it?
DeleteThose are so cool! I can't even imagine how much time it took to make each suit!
ReplyDeleteNot a five-minute job, that's for sure!
ReplyDelete