The Cornish Traditional Year

Just as the language of Cornwall is crucial to the continued survival of the Cornish people, so it is equally crucial to practice and understand our distinctive Cornish calendar. This book presents to all the people of Cornwall the full exposition of the yearly cycle that forms such an important part of our culture. Celebrating together leads to strong communities and positive sense of identity, by adopting, reviving or preserving this heritage we take giant steps towards ensuring the future of the Cornish culture into the 21st Century and beyond.

Available in the following editions:

Paperback Edition: gloss laminate cover.

Standard Hardback Edition: presented as a Sapphire Blue case binding with gold foil blocking to the front and spine, Dove Grey endpapers, and black and yellow head and tail bands.

Size: Paperback – Demy 138 x 216mm, hardback edition Royal 156 x 234mm

Pagination: 141 pages, plus 12 pages of photographic plates (18 photographs by Jane Cox and Phil Green). 16 line drawings and figures, 12 by Gemma Gary, 4 by other artists.

Introduction

Golowan, Midsummer fires and the feasts of Peter and John
Tansys Golowan – The Cornish Midsummer Carol
Late Survivals and Revivals
The Old Cornwall Bonfire Ceremony

Lammas – Goel Est

Guldize – The Cornish Harvest Festival

Allantide – The Cornish festival of Magic and Apples The Parish Feast

Nadelik – The Cornish Christmas
The Mock or Cornish Yule Log
Guise, or Geese Dancing
Christmas Food
Padstow Mummers’ Days
The Cornish Carol or “Curl”
The Cornish Christmas Bush or Bunch
Robin’s Alight
The Candle Dance
Montol
Wassailing
Childermas
Lanterns
Tom Bawcock’s Eve – The Mousehole Feast
New Year
Twelfth Night

Candlemas, Nickanan Night, and Shrovetide

St Piran’s Day and other Miners’ Holidays

The Cornish May Traditions
Padstow ‘Obby ‘Oss
Polperro May Day
Fowey
The Furry Dance – Helston
May Horns, Pee Weeps and other May Customs
St Germans May Tree Fair

Quarter Days, Minor Holidays and other Feast Days

Mock Mayors and Sham leaders

The Wobbly Wheel of the Cornish Year