On Monday, May 1 the yearly ancient tradition of Jack in the Green in Hastings took place. If you missed it, look out for it next year and get to this extraordinary traditional ritual. This year it was on West Hill which is a large grassed area, crowded with people waiting for the procession which starts in Hastings town centre.
It was a wonderful atmosphere, full of expectation, and the area was surrounded by different stalls and on the stage a duo entertained the waiting audience as they enjoyed picnics, chatting and watching children dancing. Luckily friends had a colourful fish waving in the wind so they could be found in the crowd.
It is thought that the Jack in the Green custom originated around the 17th century from the milkmaids and chimney sweeps of London. As part of the May Day the milkmaids would carry milk pails decorated with flowers and silverware. Over time the milk pails were replaced by decorated headdresses. There seemed to be a competition between the two parties and the garlands became bigger and the framework covered with more greenery until an entire man was covered which became Jack in the Green. The two groups paraded in Hastings and St Leonards until about 1970. Many of the customs have been revived since, in Hastings 1983, Mad Jack’s Morris who gave Jack his own face has hosted the event ever since with added colourful characters accompanying him.
Around 2pm the assembled crowds became restless as they heard the drums coming up the hill, with the duo on the stage left, announcing that the procession was getting close. Many left their picnics to stand on the side of the path to see Jack in the Green, the giants, the milkmaids, chimney sweeps and many other wonderfully dressed up individuals file past. Luckily the weather held most of the day and it was a day of great fun.
Image Credits: Heidi Foster , Paul White .