Ottery St Mary Tar Barrels Ottery St Mary

Ottery St Mary Tar Barrels � Ottery St. Mary is an English town on the River Otter. It’s internationally known for its Tar Barrels, an old custom said to be originated in the 17 th century, and which is held on November 5 th every year. Each of Ottery's central public houses sponsors a single barrel. In the weeks prior to the day of the event, November 5 th, the barrels are soaked with tar.

History… � Opinions differ as to the origin of this festival of fire, but the most widely accepted version is that it began as a pagan ritual that cleanses the streets of evil spirits. It is an incredible night to remember - one of the biggest bonfires in the South West is ignited on the banks of the River Otter and behind it are the flashing neon's of the annual fun fair. The origins of the tradition are murky. Some claim it's a throwback to the days when smoking tar barrels were taken in and out of the pubs to get rid of disease.

Actions during the holiday � The barrels are lit outside each of the pubs in turn and once the flames begin to pour out, they are hoisted up onto local people's backs and shoulders. The streets and alleys around the pubs are packed with people, all eager to feel the lick of the barrels flame. Seventeen Barrels all in all are lit over the course of the evening. In the afternoon and early evening there are women's and boy's barrels, but as the evening progresses the barrels get larger and by midnight they weigh at least 30 kilos.

Participants! � About 150 people take part in the tar barrels every year, which equates to 50 families or so. In many cases, the event brings together several generations of a family, so there is a rich seam of memories to be shared.

People's feelings � A great sense of camaraderie exists between the 'Barrel Rollers', despite the fact that they tussle constantly for supremacy of the barrel. In most cases, generations of the same family carry the barrels and take great pride in doing so. It perpetuates Ottery St Mary's great sense of tradition, of time and of history.

Holiday? Yes, it has started! � � � From 4 pm there are smaller barrels for children and ladies. Then a huge bonfire is lit near the riverbank at 6. 30 and the men’s barrels start to appear in turn around 7. 30 pm. Each barrel is sponsored by a pub and lit outside it. The action takes place around The Square, Mill Street and Yonder Street area. As if this isn’t enough to brighten the darkest of November evenings, there is also a funfair and the firing of the Rock Cannons. The handheld miniature cannons are fired throughout the day on 5 th of November, as a prelude to the Ottery St Mary Flaming Tar Barrel carnival If you want to find them, just look out for groups of people striding purposefully around the town or listen to the bangs that follow the smoke. (1) (http: //www. youtube. com/watch? feature=player_embedded&v=Nwkfx 16 H 9 h 8)

Finish the Word Web WHEN WHAT WHERE Tar Barrels FEELINGS PEOPLE ENTERTAINMENTS SPONSORS

Fill in the gaps � � � � 1) Old custom said to have originated in the …th century. a) 18 b)16 c)17 2) Which is held on November …th each year. a) 11 b) 2 c) 5 3) The streets and alleys around the … are packed with people. a)pubs b)café c) restaurant 4) In many cases, the event brings together several … of a family. a) generations b)heritage c)groups 5) A great sense of … exists between the 'Barrel Rollers‘. a) hostility b) camaraderie c) pride 6) It began as a pagan ritual that cleanses the streets of … spirits. a)good b)different c)evil 7) It's a throwback to the days when smoking tar barrels were taken in and out of the pubs to … of disease. a) spread the disease b) get rid c) get

Answers! 1) с 2) с 3) a 4) a 5) b 6) c 7) b

References � � � � http: //en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Ottery_St_Mary http: //www. tarbarrels. co. uk/index. htm http: //calendarcustoms. com/articles/ottery-st-mary-tarbarrels/ http: //snaggletoothadventures. wordpress. com/2011/11/ 11/tar-barreling/ Pictures http: //www. tarbarrels. co. uk/ http: //www. google. ru

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