- Categories:
- Fun
- Tags:
- AppreciationFruitHealthy Food
- Where:
- United Kingdom
- Date change rule:
- 3rd Thursday of March
- Holiday emoji:
- 🍊🍋
Oranges And Lemons Day lights up London every third Thursday in March, honoring the famous nursery rhyme and its church bells. Indulge in fresh citrus, explore the rhyme’s history, and share the zest with friends and family.
Want to sponsor Oranges And Lemons Day? Learn how
History of Oranges And Lemons Day
On March 31, 1920, the bells of St. Clement Danes church were blessed and garlanded with oranges and lemons. A special service was held and children were given an orange and a lemon. The handing out of oranges and lemons is actually an ancient custom. Years ago, oranges and lemons were transported to Clare Market after arriving in London by a barge on the Thames. Porters and attendants would hand out oranges and lemons to residents.
Since 1919, children and churchmen have played the song on handbells too. In 1921, more than 600 children attended the event. Three years later, 800 children took part! This service was broadcast to the nation and Oranges And Lemons Day became a national celebration. In 1941, the St. Clement Danes church was bombed as part of Germany’s Blitz. The church’s ten bells fell. Just after wartime, these bells were stored and remade.
Despite the destruction, Oranges and Lemons Day continued. In 1944, oranges were handed out to children but there were no lemons on account of war rationing! Only 30 children received the fruit since the war had made the situation so precarious. The church was rebuilt in 1957 and reconsecrated in 1958. Oranges and Lemons Day was back to being celebrated indoors in 1959. For many years the day was held on March 31, but now it is held on the third Thursday in March. Oranges And Lemons Day has a long, dramatic history that continues to flourish today despite everything.
Oranges And Lemons Day timeline
Citrus fruit emerges for the first time.
Mandarins are introduced to Europe.
Spanish orange groves are exported to the U.S.
Refrigeration allows citrus fruits to be traded over long distances.
Oranges And Lemons Day FAQs
When is Oranges And Lemons Day?
In 2027, Oranges And Lemons Day will be observed on Thursday, March 18, inviting people to enjoy citrus fruits and explore the rhyme’s cultural significance.
How many oranges and lemons are consumed globally each year?
The consumption of citrus fruits remains consistently high, with lemons and limes alone accounting for over 20 million metric tons of production. These figures highlight the widespread enjoyment of these versatile fruits.
What is the history behind the 'Oranges and Lemons' nursery rhyme?
This beloved English folk song and rhyme is thought to have evolved from a traditional children’s game. Its enduring popularity stems from its catchy tune and its charming connection to the historical soundscape of London’s churches.
Which churches are mentioned in the 'Oranges and Lemons' song?
While the exact list can vary slightly in different versions, the core churches like St. Clement Danes and St. Martin’s are consistently featured. The rhyme serves as a delightful auditory map of historic central London.
Oranges And Lemons Day Activities
Eat oranges and lemons
Celebrate Oranges and Lemons Day by feasting on these fruits. Try new recipes using these fruits. Incorporate them into your meals. Get your daily dose of vitamin C by having your favorite citrus fruits today.
Get the children involved
The traditions of Oranges and Lemons Day demand that lemons and oranges be distributed to children today. Why not celebrate the day by handing out these fruits to children around you and introducing them to this wonderful holiday?
Sing the song
Oranges and Lemons Day has its root in the song by the same name. A fun way to celebrate Oranges and Lemons Day is by singing the song and discovering the various versions of it.
5 Interesting Facts About Citrus Fruits
Christopher Columbus traded them
He introduced the New World to citrus fruits in 1493.
Lemons have beauty benefits
It is used to heal chapped lips, remove blackheads, whiten teeth, and more.
Lemons slow down aging
That’s due to high quantities of antioxidants.
Green lemons aren’t always unripe
Lemons turn yellow from green based on temperature, not ripeness.
Citrus peel has a technical name
It’s called pericarp.
Why We Love Oranges And Lemons Day
It has a long tradition
Oranges and Lemons Day goes back more than a hundred years. Every year the day was celebrated, even during the horrors of the Second World War. We continue to celebrate Orange and Lemons Day in honor of this age-old tradition.
A day for children
The focus of Oranges and Lemons Day celebrations is children. They look forward to this day and wait for it all year long. It’s a joyous celebration where children are handed out oranges and lemons.
It is fun
The best thing about Oranges and Lemons Day is how fun it is! Celebrate the day by doing something as simple as eating the fruits and singing the song. This is a celebration for everyone.
