Oak Apple Day

Oak Apple Day History

Oak Apple Day, also known as Royal Oak Day, is a traditional British observance that commemorates the restoration of the monarchy in England, specifically honouring King Charles II. This event holds significance as it marked the end of the repressive Puritan era, the defeat of which led to a resurgence in arts and culture in the nation. The name "Oak Apple" refers to the Royal Oak, the tree in which King Charles II hid to escape the pursuing Roundhead soldiers after the Battle of Worcester in 1651.

The history of Oak Apple Day dates back to 1660 when it was first celebrated in England. Charles II returned to London on May 29th, 1660, his 30th birthday, and was restored to the throne. Parliament declared it a public holiday, and thus Oak Apple Day was born. The significance of this day directly relates to the people in the United Kingdom as it celebrates the re-establishment of the British monarchy and pays homage to the resilience of King Charles II.

Today, Oak Apple Day is observed in various forms across the United Kingdom. In some communities, it is customary to wear a sprig of oak leaves or an "oak apple" (a gall formed by the oak tree) as a symbol of national pride and loyalty. Other forms of regional celebrations include parades, re-enactments, and performances. Though it is no longer a public holiday, Oak Apple Day still holds a special significance and is typically commemorated on May 29th, in remembrance of the day when King Charles II's monarchy was restored in England.

Oak Apple Day Facts & Quotes

• The entrance gate to Worcester's Guildhall in England is typically decorated with oak branches and leaves on Oak Apple Day.
• The sprig of oak is an ornament worn to show a person’s loyalty to the restored king. An old tradition was for children to challenge or pinch the bottom of those who refused to wear an oak-sprig.
• Parliament had ordered the 29th of May, the King's birthday, to be for ever kept as a day of thanksgiving for our redemption from tyranny and the King's return to his Government, he returning to London that day - Samuel Pepys' Diary, 1660
• Oak Apple Day was tradtionally celebrated by wearing a sprig of oak leaves, an oak apple (a round gall caused by a wasp larva that grows on oak trees), or other oak decorations to show allegiance to the king.
• In Worcestershire, residents participate in Nail the Bough, in which a large oak branch is attached to a local pub or other building. In some areas, people beat the bounds by walking the perimeter of their parish to make sure boundary markers are in the correct place.
• The oak tree plays a significant role in Oak Apple Day because King Charles II escaped his enemies by hiding in an oak tree after the Battle of Worcester.

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Oak Apple Day Top Events and Things to Do

• Wear an oak apple or oak sprig adornment. It's popular to wear the pin as a commemoration for King Charles II.
• Visit the All Saints' Church in Northampton and see the statue of Charles II. A garland of oak leaves is placed atop the statue at noon every Oak Apple Day. A celebration of the Holy Communion is usually held after.
• Visit one of London's Royal Oak pubs and have a pint.
• People traditionally wear a sprig of oak leaves or an oak apple (a kind of gall formed by wasp larvae) in their lapels. Anyone found not wearing an oak sprig could be subjected to jokes or mild ridicule.
• Visit one of the many pubs named 'Royal Oak' across the UK, which are named in reference to the Restoration event.