Traditional pursuits in September – part 2

 

 Traditional pursuits in September – part 2

All images courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Parading to St Mary-le-Bow

The Pearly Kings and Queens Harvest Festival will be held this year on Sunday 24^th September in the Guildhall Yard in the City of London. It starts at 1:30 and attendance is free. There is lots of entertainment – Morris dancers and maypole dancing have featured in the past. This event marks the changing of the seasons and celebrates the tradition of the Pearly Kings and Queens, who come from every borough of London and are joined by mayors and other dignitaries in their ceremonial robes. It is also the Pearlies’ opportunity to thank Londoners and tourists and all who support their charitable endeavours.

Dancing round the Maypole with dignitaries from the different London boroughs

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 19^th 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’.