Plough Sunday celebrated
An ancient ceremony – thought to have its origins in pagan fertility rites designed to ensure plentiful crops – was re-enacted in churches across Britain yesterday.
The blessing of the plough on the first Sunday after Epiphany traditionally marked the start of the farming year and is known to have been performed since medieval times.
The Claro Sword Morris Dancers and members of the Hornbeam Molly were among the groups taking part at St John’s Church, in Knaresborough.
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Hide AdLed by a mock horse, the traditional event sees the Harrogate-based dancers visit the church to perform a sword dance, before pulling a plough in procession to the market place.
A plough and a tractor were towed up to Ripon Cathedral ahead of yesterday’s annual service at the historic building. PICTURE: JAMES HARDISTY