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Whit Sunday Custom
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Whit Sunday Custom
The Whit Sunday custom of strawing the floor of the Nave of the church with rushes, dating back to 1493. St. Mary Radcliffe Church, Bristol, England. Date: 1930s
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Media ID 7206469
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10181471
1493 Bristol Custom Dating Floor Nave Radcliffe Rushes Sunday Whit
EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative photograph captures the traditional Whit Sunday custom of strawing the floor of St. Mary Radcliffe Church in Bristol, England, which dates back to 1493. The custom, also known as "rushing the church," involves covering the nave's floor with fresh rushes to symbolize the coming of summer and the renewal of the church. The practice is deeply rooted in the city's history and is believed to have originated during the medieval period. In this image, taken in the 1930s, a group of women can be seen meticulously laying down the rushes, creating a lush, green carpet that would have once covered the entire floor of the church. The women work in unison, their faces focused and determined, their hands calloused from the laborious task. The men, meanwhile, bring in more rushes from the carts outside, stacking them neatly to one side. The atmosphere is one of community and cooperation, as the people of Bristol come together to honor this ancient tradition. The rushes not only serve a symbolic purpose but also provide a practical one. They help to keep the church cool during the summer months and absorb any moisture, making the floor more comfortable for those who attend services. The custom of strawing the church floor on Whit Sunday is a testament to the enduring power of tradition and the importance of preserving the past for future generations. This photograph offers a glimpse into a bygone era, a time when such customs were an integral part of daily life in Bristol and beyond.
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