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Get ready to celebrate a unique and lesser-known holiday on May 29 – Oak Apple Day! This day commemorates the restoration of King Charles II to the throne in 1660, after years of exile during the English Civil War. According to legend, as he was hiding in an oak tree to escape capture, an apple fell on his head – hence the name "Oak Apple Day". Today, this holiday is celebrated with parades, maypole dancing, and wearing sprigs of oak leaves or oak apples as a symbol of loyalty to the monarchy. So put on your best greenery and join in on the festivities!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1660</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Restoration of King Charles II</div><div class='timeline-text'>King Charles II returned to the English throne after years of exile, marking the end of the English Civil War.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1660</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Origins of Oak Apple Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>The holiday was first commemorated by wearing sprigs of oak leaves on clothes, signifying loyalty to the restored King.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1859</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>End of Official Observance</div><div class='timeline-text'>Parliament ceased official observance of Oak Apple Day, but local communities continued celebrating it.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2001</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Revival in Worcestershire</div><div class='timeline-text'>Oak Apple Day was revived in Great Witley, Worcestershire with a procession and traditional festivities.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2020</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Modern Celebrations</div><div class='timeline-text'>Despite COVID-19 restrictions, many communities in England found ways to celebrate Oak Apple Day, showcasing its continued cultural significance.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a local parade or festival</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Many communities hold parades or festivals to celebrate Oak Apple Day. Check your local events calendar and join in on the fun!</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Wear an oak leaf or oak apple pin</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Show your spirit by wearing a pin adorned with an oak leaf or oak apple. These symbols represent the day and its historical significance.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host an outdoor picnic</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Since Oak Apple Day falls in late May, it's the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors with a picnic. Pack some traditional British foods, like pork pies and cider, and enjoy a relaxing day in nature.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Visit an oak tree or forest</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take a trip to a local oak tree or forest to appreciate the beauty and significance of these trees on Oak Apple Day. You can also learn more about their role in British history.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Create oak apple crafts</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Get creative and make some crafts using oak apples, such as wreaths, garlands, or even ink from their juice. This is a fun and unique way to celebrate the day.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It's a day to celebrate nature and tradition</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Oak Apple Day has been celebrated for centuries as a way to commemorate the restoration of the monarchy in England. It also brings attention to the beauty and importance of oak trees, which are symbols of strength and endurance in many cultures.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Fun activities for all ages</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>On Oak Apple Day, communities often come together to participate in traditional games and festivities like Maypole dancing and Morris dancing. It's a great opportunity for people of all ages to enjoy some outdoor fun and learn about cultural traditions.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Delicious food and drink</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>No celebration is complete without good food and drink, and Oak Apple Day is no exception. Traditional dishes like bangers and mash or pie with peas are often served alongside local ciders or beers. It's a great chance to try out new flavors and support local businesses.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Oak Apples are not actually Apples</h3><p class='facts-content'>Known as oak galls, these "apples" are a type of plant growth caused by wasps. They were regarded as lucky charms in the 17th century.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>'Shick Shack' and 'Noodle Do Day' are Alternative Names</h3><p class='facts-content'>In certain regions of England, Oak Apple Day is also known as Shick Shack Day or Nettle Day, reflecting local traditions and customs.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Failing to Wear an Oak Sprig Could Lead to a Penalty'</h3><p class='facts-content'>In the past, anyone seen not wearing an oak sprig on Oak Apple Day could be pelted with bird eggs or nettles!</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>International Influence of Oak Apple Day'</h3><p class='facts-content'>The Royal Oak Foundation in the United States commemorates Oak Apple Day. The organisation strives to preserve England's heritage.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Rutland Continues a 350+ Years Tradition.'</h3><p class='facts-content'>In Rutland, the smallest historic county in England, the community has diligently observed Oak Apple Day for over three centuries, emphasising its cultural importance.</p></div></div>
Oak Apple Day is celebrated on May 29th every year. In 2024, Oak Apple Day will fall on a Wednesday.
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May 29
Monday
2024
May 29
Wednesday
2025
May 29
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2026
May 29
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2027
May 29
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