Carshalton Straw Jack

Background

Across the world there are traditions of creating a figure from the last cuts of the grain harvest. Wolves, Bears and Men are the most common, sometimes they are beaten out of the village, sometimes thrown into water, and sometimes burnt.

Here in Carshalton we decided to make a Straw Man or 'Jack' and burn him at the end of his travels. He is accompanied by Musicians, Drummers, Characters and Sweepers.

There will be some specific 'characters' around, Including 'The Reaper Man', 'Corn Dollies', 'The Rat Catcher', 'The Squire', 'The Cider Man', 'The Scarecrow' & 'The Milk Maid' and maybe others. These are intended to be continuing characters

You may hear some traditional songs and music during the day. There is even a 'Carshalton' tune on the Music page.

There will be an opportunity to take a piece of him home at the end of the day. Please look at the 'Burning' page, especially if you are bringing children.

This year (2007), the event is organised by RumpleDrumskin  

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