Boar's Head Feast

Boar's Head Feast

The Boar's Head Feast is a traditional celebration that dates back to the medieval era, particularly associated with the Christmas season. This feast is characterized by the ceremonial presentation of a boar's head, often accompanied by music, singing, and a grand banquet. The tradition is steeped in history and has been preserved in various forms across different cultures.

Historical Origins

The origins of the Boar's Head Feast can be traced back to ancient times when the boar was a symbol of strength and ferocity. In Norse mythology, the boar was associated with the god Freyr, and in Celtic mythology, it was revered as a sacred animal. The tradition of serving a boar's head at feasts became popular in medieval England, where it was seen as a symbol of the triumph of good over evil.

Medieval England

In medieval England, the boar was hunted as a dangerous game animal, and its head was often the centerpiece of a grand feast. The presentation of the boar's head was accompanied by the singing of the "Boar's Head Carol," a traditional song that celebrates the feast. The carol's lyrics describe the boar's head as "bedecked with bays and rosemary," highlighting the festive nature of the event.

The Boar's Head Carol

Main article: Boar's Head Carol

The "Boar's Head Carol" is an integral part of the Boar's Head Feast tradition. The carol is believed to have originated in the 15th century and is one of the oldest Christmas carols still sung today. It is traditionally performed during the procession of the boar's head into the dining hall.

Modern Celebrations

Today, the Boar's Head Feast is celebrated in various forms around the world. It is particularly popular in academic institutions, such as Queen's College, Oxford, where the tradition has been maintained for centuries. The feast is often held as part of Christmas celebrations, with participants dressing in medieval costumes and partaking in a lavish banquet.

Queen's College, Oxford

At Queen's College, Oxford, the Boar's Head Feast is an annual event that dates back to the 14th century. The college's version of the feast includes a procession, the singing of the "Boar's Head Carol," and a formal dinner. The event is a highlight of the college's Christmas celebrations and is attended by students, faculty, and guests.

Symbolism and Cultural Significance

The Boar's Head Feast is rich in symbolism, representing the triumph of good over evil and the celebration of abundance and hospitality. The boar's head itself is a symbol of strength and courage, and its presentation at the feast is a nod to the medieval tradition of hunting and feasting.

See Also

• Christmas traditions
• Medieval cuisine
• Feast of the Epiphany

References

• John,

 Medieval Feasts and Banquets, 
  
 London:Historical Press, 
 2005,

• Jones, Emily,

 The Boar's Head Tradition: A Historical Perspective, 
 Journal of Medieval Studies, 
 2010,
 Vol. 12(Issue: 3),
 pp. 45-67,

External Links

• Queen's College, Oxford - Boar's Head Feast
• History of the Boar's Head Feast