RUSHBEARING Meaning and
Definition
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Rushbearing is a traditional English custom and folk festival that originated in the medieval period. The term refers to the practice of replacing the floor covering in churches, particularly rush mats, annually on or around the Saint's day to which the church is dedicated. Rushes were the common floor covering in medieval times, and their replacement was considered important in maintaining cleanliness and hygiene within the church.
The rushbearing festival typically involves a procession wherein participants carry large bundles of freshly cut rushes to the church. These bundles are then laid on the church floor, replacing the old ones. The procession is often accompanied by music, singing, and dancing, and local communities come together to celebrate this event.
In addition to the festive aspect, rushbearing also holds significant religious and cultural importance. The festival is sometimes associated with the commemoration of saints and the renewal of faith. It serves as a way for the community to come together, express gratitude, and show devotion to their local church and its patron saint.
Today, while the practice of rushbearing is not as common as it once was, some communities continue to uphold this tradition, especially in parts of the North of England. These festivals often serve as a means of preserving historical customs and promoting community spirit.
Common Misspellings for RUSHBEARING
- eushbearing
- dushbearing
- fushbearing
- tushbearing
- 5ushbearing
- 4ushbearing
- ryshbearing
- rhshbearing
- rjshbearing
- rishbearing
- r8shbearing
- r7shbearing
- ruahbearing
- ruzhbearing
- ruxhbearing
- rudhbearing
- ruehbearing
- ruwhbearing
- rusgbearing
- rusbbearing
Etymology of RUSHBEARING
The word "Rushbearing" has its origins in Old English. It is derived from the combination of the words "rush" and "bearing".
The term "rush" refers to the plant material used in the tradition of strewing the floors of churches with rushes. Rushes are long, slender grass-like plants, and in medieval times, they were commonly used to cover the dirt floors of buildings for insulation and cleanliness.
The word "bearing" in this context refers to the act of carrying or bringing something. Therefore, "Rushbearing" essentially means the practice of bringing or carrying rushes.
The tradition of Rushbearing dates back to medieval times in England. It involved gathering and cutting fresh rushes, often from rivers or wetlands, and then distributing and strewing them on the floors of churches. This practice was usually associated with a festival or procession, which may have included music, dancing, and other celebratory activities.
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