Rochester chimney sweep festival
Description:
In ancient times, the craft of chimney sweep shrouded a certain mystery. There were legends about wealthy gentlemen who lost their children and after years of inconsolable grief found them among the chimney sweeps. Stories surrounded the chimney sweeps with a halo of mystery. No one (except their masters) dared to mistreat chimney sweeps: after all, who is he, and what if he were the son of some peer or noble lord? Many of those who believe in miracles have come to believe that cleaning chimneys is a kind of hard ordeal, after which, sooner or later, chimney sweeps of noble origin will regain their titles and titles; therefore, the craft of chimney sweeps has been treated with respect. With the development of technology, the need for chimney sweeps has decreased.
There are now about 600 chimney sweeps in England. Although modern heating systems do without people of this profession, in old houses with fireplaces and stoves there are still enough pipes that need cleaning. In addition, according to popular beliefs, meeting with a chimney sweep brings happiness, and they are willingly invited to weddings.
On the first of May there is a dance procession. Leading the procession, my lord. He is followed by a procession with "Jack-in-Green" - a boy decorated with green leaves and branches, in front of him tumble and do various things teenagers dressed as clowns, followed by lords and ladies. The procession is closed by the “miledi”, who collects the “treasury”. Jack-in-Green personifies the spirit of spring and forest, revered during these traditional rites of spring.
In Rochester, there is a law prohibiting children from crossing the street on a tightrope.