An odd title you may think but it is in fact an ancient Cornish harvest festival ceremony still practised today and it is when the last shock of corn is cut and the end of the harvest is proclaimed. I popped over to a field above Zennor yesterday afternoon to enjoy one of these events.
First we were welcomed by a member of The Old Cornwall Society and then all sang Trelawney which for those of you who might not know is the unofficial Cornish anthem. Worth listening to on YouTube if you have the time! This was followed by us all singing ‘We Plough the fields and scatter’
The master of ceremonies then walked to the last patch of corn in the field and cut it with a traditional scythe which is a long handled sharp hook. It was then gathered into sheaves.
Once the sheaves were all gathered in he took a sheaf in his hand, held it in the air and shouted “I ‘ave ‘un! I’ave ‘un! I ‘ave ”un!” Those present then shouted “What ‘ave ‘ee? What ‘ave ‘ee? What ‘ave ‘ee? ” and he replied “A neck! A neck! A neck!” and then everyone joins in with “Hurrah! Hurrah for the neck! Hurrah!”
This was followed by another hymn and a few words from the St Ives mayor and ended as quietly as it had begun!
Then off to Zennor for a walk on the cliffs with Maisie, a visit to the churchyard and a hello to two family relatives there, followed by a latte and a delicious orange and pecan cake in the Moomaid cafe, a purchase in the lovely shop and a drive along the coast road home. A most pleasant afternoon!
