At The Table: Midwinter Myths - Twelve Food Superstitions of Christmas

I love reading about folklore and superstitions, especially around Christmas. I like the way it connects with history, rituals slowly evolving with new customs. I researched and illustrated 'Twelve Food Superstitions of Christmas' which you can now read on the At The Table editorial section here.

Snowshill, Gloucestershire in January

Snowshill, Gloucestershire - close to Broadway Village.
From 'Broadway - A Village History' by Derek Parsons
Chapter 7 - Custom, Folklore and Superstition
p73
"Among the Broadway customs Morris recorded was the practice of spreading corn husk at the door of a wife beater, the public thus notified that 'thrashing' had taken place there, and the man hopefully being suitably shamed into mending his ways. Another expression of moral indignation was reserved for unfaithful wives, who could find themselves serenaded in their homes by a mock band of players on pots and pans."
p74
"Hedgehogs suffered from the superstition they stole milk from cows whilst they rested in the fields and carried windfall apples away on their backs."

Royal Wedding/Beltane

Social history and tradition are key themes I investigate in my practice, so naturally this weekend was a good one for me. These photos are from my friend's street party and also from the May Day celebrations in both Deptford/Greenwich (Sunday) and Hastings (Monday).