What's on in Derbyshire

Derbyshire Well Dressing

May - Sep 2009 (annual)

Cost: Free

Dating back hundreds of years, well dressing is all about celebrating Derbyshire's many freshwater springs (including the popular Buxton water). The annual celebrations are a time for traditional fun and take place in towns throughout the county.

Every year, a large wooden frame is built around the local well. The space inside is filled with wet clay and then fresh flower petals are pressed into it along with seeds, berries, barks, leaves and moss to form a lovely mosaic. The clay keeps the organic matter fresh and beautiful and, each year, a different subject is represented. Many people contribute to the picture, which takes five days to create (a period known as "wells in the making"), culminating in a ceremony to bless the work.

There are a number of theories to explain this folk tradition. First, it dates back to Pagan times and was a ritual to give thanks for the supply of fresh water. Secondly, the Romans introduced the custom thanks to the injunction by the philosopher Seneca, "Where springs or rivers flow we should build altars or make sacrifices." Thirdly, it is thought the well dressing helped to prevent outbreaks of plague.

Either way, well dressing is peculiar to the Derbyshire and fringe areas. Tissington has a tradition going back to 1349 - at least that's the first recorded instance of it happening. Watch out for other events throughout Derbyshire - the programme starts in May (first off is usually Newborough) and runs through until the end of September (ending with Hartington).

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