Plough Monday

History of Plough Monday

The origins of Plough Monday go back to East Anglia and the East Midlands, where the celebrations were popular. Traditionally, Plough Monday was when workers returned to the farm after an unpaid Christmas holiday since agricultural work was scarce in winter. They walked around asking for ‘donations’ from better-off neighbors — someone like the village Squire. Farmworkers would shout “Penny for the plowboys!” while dragging a plow around. In attempts to disguise themselves, workers blackened their faces with soot. Villagers unwilling to donate faced the possibility of having their gardens plowed.

Entire villages would join in the fun. The plowboys often came with a colorful entourage too. One of the most popular characters was The Fool – a person dressed like an animal carrying a pig’s bladder on the end of a stick. Sometimes, Molly dancers would also accompany the workers to entertain for money. All the dancers blackened their faces with soot — preventing future employers from recognizing them. In the past, communities performed a series of plays on Plough Monday — similar to Christmas Mummers Plays. The performances were popular in the East Midlands, Lincolnshire, and Nottinghamshire. Story elements usually depicted the death and resurrection of the primary characters.

Plow Day takes place on the first Monday after Epiphany (January 6) or the Twelfth Night. Today, the observance is primarily associated with Molly dancing and plays. The best place to catch the festivities is at Maldon in Essex every year. Places like Exeter and Durham cathedrals also conduct a Blessing the Plough service on the Sunday before Plough Monday.

Plough Monday timeline

1400s

The Blessing of the Plows

Farmers resume work on Plough Monday after the church blesses their plows.

1800s

The Festival Almost Dies Out

Plough Monday customs decline in most U.K. towns.

1800s

The Whittlesey Straw Bear Festival

Straw Bears or men dressed in layers of straw are popular fixtures at Plough Monday.

1972

Old traditions, New Times

The town of Balsham revives Plough Monday as homage to its rural traditions.

Plough Monday FAQs

When is Plough Monday?

In 2027, Plough Monday will be observed on Monday, January 11, continuing the ancient British tradition. This date signals the return to work for farm laborers after the Christmas break.

What are the origins of Plough Monday?

The tradition of Plough Monday emerged as a way for agricultural laborers to solicit money from landowners and villagers before resuming work. The custom involved parading a plow through villages, often accompanied by music and dancing, with revelers sometimes blackening their faces.

How widely is Plough Monday celebrated today?

Though not a national observance, the spirit of Plough Monday is kept alive through dedicated folk groups and local heritage societies. These groups ensure the unique customs, music, and dances associated with the day continue to be passed down through generations.

Is Plough Monday a public holiday?

Despite its historical significance in agricultural communities, Plough Monday remains a working day for most people in the UK. Its celebration is driven by cultural enthusiasts and local groups dedicated to preserving heritage.

Plough Monday Activities

Attend Plough Monday festivities

Visit smaller towns like Maldon, Durham, and Exeter for glimpses of traditional celebrations. It’s a great chance to visit some of the more offbeat places in Britain.

Make a farmer happy

Drop by a farmers’ market and shop for some fresh produce. While you’re there, maybe buy your local farmers some coffee and muffins too.

Visit a farm

Take the family for a fun day or weekend trip to a farm. You’ll come back with a renewed appreciation for food, how it’s grown, and the people who grow them.

5 Intriguing Facts About Plough Monday

It had a Christian origin

Plows would be blessed and candles lit in churches as an invocation of blessings for farmers.

The farm workers wore disguises

Not only did they apply soot on their faces, but the younger ones would also put on women’s clothing and stuff themselves with straws in order to look like women.

Dancing was part of the festivities

The plow workers would engage in Molly dancing — which is a form of English folk dance — while wearing outlandish costumes.

It was disapproved

In the 19th Century, Plough Monday was looked upon as a ‘degrading custom’ that was promoting “criminal activity.”

It had two key caricatures

There was the ‘Bessy’ who was a man dressed to look ridiculous in women’s clothing and the ‘fool’ who wore animal skins; their task was to solicit money.

Why We Love Plough Monday

Keeping tradition alive

We love seeing old traditions survive. Too many have died out, and it feels like we’re losing parts of ourselves with them.

Gratitude for farmworkers

Fun antics aside, Plough Monday is a reminder to appreciate people who toil with the soil. Theirs is a difficult job — possibly one of the toughest there is.