Picrous Day facts for kids
Picrous Day was a special celebration for tin miners in Cornwall, England. It happened on the first Thursday before Christmas. This day was believed to celebrate the discovery of tin by a man named Picrous. Miners in eastern Cornwall saw Picrous as the founder of their mining industry. This was different from other areas that honored St Piran.
Contents
What is Picrous Day?
Picrous Day was a festival for tin miners. It took place every year in December. It was a time for miners to gather and celebrate their hard work. The day was mostly about having a big supper and enjoying themselves.
The Story of Picrous
The festival is named after a man called Picrous. Miners believed he was the first person to discover tin. This made him a very important figure in their history. He was seen as the person who started the whole tin mining business.
How it was Celebrated
Picrous Day was a time for fun and feasting. The owner of the tin mine would often give money for the celebration. Each miner would get a small amount, like a shilling, to help pay for the party. The main event was a big supper. People would eat and be merry together.
Robert Hunt, a writer who studied Cornish traditions, wrote about Picrous Day. He said it was a day for a supper and lots of fun. He also noted that the miners believed the day honored Picrous, the discoverer of tin. Some people thought the name came from "pie," but the miners said no.
Picrous Day vs. St Piran's Day
In some parts of Cornwall, miners celebrated St Piran. He is often called the patron saint of tin miners. However, in the area called Blackmore, Picrous Day was more popular. St Piran's Day is on March 5th. Picrous Day was celebrated closer to Christmas. This shows how different areas had their own special traditions.
Where Picrous Day was Popular
Picrous Day was especially well-known in a place called Luxulyan. In Luxulyan, celebrations often took place at a local pub called the Rising Sun Inn. This was a central spot for the community to come together.
See also
- Chewidden Thursday
- Tom Bawcock's Eve
- Nickanan Night
- St Piran's Day
