Oak Apple Day, also known as Royal Oak Day or Restoration Day, is a former public holiday and a traditional English observance held annually on May 29th. It commemorates the restoration of the English monarchy in 1660, specifically the return of King Charles II to the throne after the Interregnum.
Historical Context
The holiday's origins are deeply rooted in the English Civil War and its aftermath. Following his defeat at the Battle of Worcester in 1651, Charles II famously evaded capture by hiding in an oak tree (later known as the Royal Oak) in Boscobel Wood, Shropshire, while Parliamentary soldiers searched nearby. This event became a powerful symbol of his survival and eventual return to power.
Nine years later, on May 29, 1660, Charles II made his triumphant entry into London, marking the end of the Commonwealth period and the restoration of the Stuart monarchy. Parliament subsequently passed an act establishing May 29th as a perpetual day of thanksgiving, often referred to as "Oak Apple Day" or "Royal Oak Day" in popular parlance.
Traditions and Customs
The most prominent tradition associated with Oak Apple Day was the wearing of oak leaves or oak apples (oak galls), often pinned to clothing or used to decorate homes and public spaces. This custom directly referenced Charles II's escape in the oak tree. Those who refused to wear oak might be playfully, or sometimes roughly, admonished, a practice known in some areas as "Shick-Shack Day."
Other customs included:
- Parades and Processions: Often featuring effigies or representations of Charles II.
- Feasting and Festivities: Celebrations varied by region but often involved communal meals and merriment.
- Church Services: Special services were held to give thanks for the Restoration.
- "Maypole Dancing": Though primarily a May Day tradition, some regions integrated elements of Maypole dancing into Oak Apple Day festivities.
Decline and Legacy
Oak Apple Day remained a significant public holiday for over two centuries, with its observance varying in intensity across different regions of England. However, by the mid-19th century, its popularity began to wane. In 1859, the "Act for the Abolition of Certain Days" officially removed Oak Apple Day, along with other politically motivated holidays, from the list of public holidays.
Despite its official abolition, some local traditions and commemorations persisted in various parts of England, particularly in towns and villages with strong historical ties to the Royalist cause or specific connections to Charles II's journey. Today, while no longer a public holiday, Oak Apple Day is still observed in a few locations, such as Great Wishford in Wiltshire (where it is linked to a unique custom of commoners claiming wood rights in Grovely Wood) and some historical reenactment groups or monarchist societies.