Plough Monday: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about Plough Monday (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. Plough Monday is observed on January 9th.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of Plough Monday, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as captivating facts you may want to know about Plough Monday.

📅 What day is Plough Monday 2024?

In 2024, Plough Monday is on Monday, January 9th. It is the 2nd Monday in January; in 2024, it is Tuesday. There are until the next observance. You also can explore all intriguing details and facts about January 9, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

Plough Monday, which falls on January 9 this year, is a traditional British event that marks the start of the agricultural season. It is celebrated on the first Monday after Twelfth Night, which is January 6. In the past, farm laborers would go from community to community, singing and dancing, to raise funds for their work. If you were not a supporter of the event, they would plow over your gardens as a prank. To avoid being recognized, people would darken their faces with soot. This unique celebration was almost lost in the 18th century but is still continued in places like East Anglia and the East Midlands.

📜 Plough Monday History

Communities would come together and join in the excitement of Plough Monday. The plowboys would often have a lively group of people accompanying them, including the Fool, who dressed up as an animal and carried a pig’s bladder on a stick. Molly dancers would also entertain the workers, blackening their faces with soot to remain anonymous to potential employers. Similar to Christmas Mummers Plays, towns would put on performances on Plough Monday, attracting large crowds in the East Midlands, Lincolnshire, and Nottinghamshire. These shows often featured story elements depicting the death and resurrection of the main characters. Plough Day is observed on the first Monday after Twelfth Night, and today it is closely associated with Molly dances and plays. The celebrations in Maldon, Essex are particularly noteworthy, and cathedrals like Exeter and Durham hold a Blessing of the Plough ceremony on the Sunday before Plough Monday.

✅ Plough Monday Facts

🔖 The farm workers wore disguises
In addition to smudging soot on their faces, the younger individuals would also put on women’s clothing and adorn themselves with straws to create a feminine appearance.

🔖 Dancing was part of the festivities
The plowmen would dress up in extravagant outfits and perform a traditional English dance called Molly dancing.

🔖 It had a Christian origin
Farmers would seek blessings for their plows and request favors by lighting candles in churches.

👍 Why Is Plough Monday Important

We enjoy seeing traditional customs thrive. Too many have died out, and it feels as though we’re losing pieces of ourselves along with them.

Aside from the amusement, plowing Monday serves as a reminder to honor those who toil in the land. Theirs is a challenging job, maybe one of the most arduous.

Plough Monday engages everyone, regardless of background. We enjoy oddball festivals that bring people together.

🙂 How To Observe Plough Monday

⚡ Visit a farm

⚡ Attend Plough Monday festivities
Smaller towns like Maldon, Durham, and Exeter showcase traditional festivities, providing a wonderful chance to explore some of Britain’s most unique places.

⚡ Make a farmer happy
Take the family to a farm for a pleasant day or weekend getaway. You’ll return with a new appreciation for food, how it’s grown, and the people who cultivate it.

📅 When is Plough Monday?

View all 🔗 January holidays, including 🔗 Cultural and other 🔗 Cultural holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and cool facts about Plough Monday. So be sure to check back soon.