Carrying the tar barrels on Fireworks Night
If ever there was a tradition in Devon that could be described as "hot", then it must surely be carrying tar barrels in Ottery St Mary, Devon. On Guy Fawkes night (5th November), you can witness the ritual of carrying the blazing tar barrels, which dates back to 1688.
Men carry the flaming barrels on their shoulders until the weight or heat becomes too much for them and another person takes over. This carries on until the barrels start to break up and then they are allowed to burn out.
Ottery is a town steeped in history, tradition and folklore. It celebrates its history every year during Pixie Day (the Saturday nearest to the longest day) and is also famously the birthplace of poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge. However, the custom of the Tar Barrels literally brings a glow to the town.
The annual event involves people racing through the streets of the town, carrying flaming wooden barrels of burning tar on their backs. Hundreds of people converge on the town to witness the sight.
Barrel Rituals
Another fact that is not entirely known is the answer to the question "Why do it?" However, the opinion that has the most consensuses is that the tradition began as a pagan ritual that would cleanse the streets of evil spirits. Others say it all started as a result of smoldering barrels that were placed in shops for the purpose of fumigation.
Barrel Supremacy
Around 17 barrels are lit over the course of the evening, and it’s not just the men of the town who bear the heated load. In the afternoon and early evening, there are women's and boys' barrels, but as the evening progresses the barrels get larger. By the last rounds, they will often weigh at least 30kg.
A great sense of camaraderie exists between the barrel rollers, despite the fact that they tussle constantly for supremacy of the barrel. The tar barrels event was traditionally held after the annual carnival procession. However, more recently the two events have been held a few days apart.
Many say it is an incredible night to remember, especially if you manage to acquire the most highly-prized souvenir of the evening - one of the metal rings from a burnt-out barrel.
For more information about the tar barrels at Ottery St Mary visit: www.otterytarbarrels.co.uk
