Old Tup facts for kids
Old Tup is a fun and old tradition from the East Midlands area of England. It's also known as the Derby Tup or the Derby Ram. This special custom involves a person dressed up as a ram or goat. They use a hobby horse with a goat's head on a pole. The person carrying it is hidden under a sackcloth. Old Tup is a type of "hooded animal" tradition. You can find similar customs in other parts of the British Isles.
What is Old Tup?
Old Tup is a type of folk custom. A folk custom is a traditional practice that has been passed down through generations. For Old Tup, a person wears a special costume. This costume includes a hobby horse that looks like a goat or ram. The person holds the hobby horse on a pole. They are covered by a large cloth. This makes them look like a strange, moving animal.
Where is Old Tup Found?
This unique tradition comes from a specific part of England. It is mainly found in the areas where Derbyshire and Yorkshire meet. It also stretches into parts of Nottinghamshire. This means it's a very local and special custom for these regions.
How is Old Tup Performed?
Old Tup is usually performed around Christmas time. Groups of men form teams. They take Old Tup around their local area. The team visits houses in the neighborhood. They perform for the people living there. In return, they expect to receive some payment. This is a bit like modern-day carol singing or trick-or-treating.
The History of Old Tup
The first time Old Tup was written about was around 1845. More records of the custom appeared in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Unlike some other old traditions, Old Tup did not disappear. It has continued to be practiced in its local area for many years. There is another similar custom called the Old Horse. In that tradition, the hobby horse looks like a horse instead of a ram.
