Esther M. Zimmer Lederberg
Sketches by Boz
Jack-in-the-Green: Hone

Jack_in_the_Green Hone

May First celebrates Spring, but this pagan celebration using May-poles (from a religion that focuses upon trees) and happy dancing in costumes, no longer existed in Dickens' England except in an attenuated form. Chimney-sweeps still celebrated Spring! A Chimney-sweep dressed as a "Jack-in-the-Green" or "Jack o' the Green": covered with green leaves and branches: a veritable tree-spirit! A Chimney-sweep dressed as a "Man of Green" went in a procession through London streets, accompanied by others who danced and were dressed in costumes.

Back

© Copyright 2006 - 2018    The Esther M. Zimmer Lederberg Trust     Website Terms of Use