With references dating back to the late 15th century, Plough Monday was generally the first Monday to fall after Epiphany on the 6th January. Following the close of the Twelve Days of Christmas, it was typically the day normality would return and people would begin work. It marked the traditional start of the English agricultural year.
The day was preceded by Plough Sunday, when it was common for the village plough, workers and land to be blessed by the church. The plough would be cleaned, decorated and taken to the church to be blessed and prayers for a good harvest would be said. There are also records of a Plough Light being lit on this day – a ceremonial candle which was kept alight throughout the year to encourage a prosperous farming season.
Historically on Plough Monday, the decorated plough would be taken through the village to collect money to help maintain the Plough Light. Whilst specifics of each celebration differ, it is believed the collection in later years was used to pay for community festivities with Molly dancing, sword dancing and mummers’ plays referenced by various sources.
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