Blackthorn Ritualistic Folk. Burning of the Herefordshire lantern, 2024.

Herefordshire Lantern (also referred to as the burning bush or globe)
In Herefordshire around the beginning of the new year there is a tradition of weaving a globe of hawthorn twigs which was then packed with mistletoe (and some hay for ignition). The lantern/bush/globe would be set alight, then carried around the fields and orchards where crops had yet to be planted or where seeds awaited the warmer weather Supposedly to symbolise the returning sun and lengthening days. This was done to ensure a good crop, It was thought that without this ceremony the harvest would fail. The custom was widespread on farms and in villages in Herefordshire during the nineteenth century but slowly died out until recently where a handful of people now keep the tradition going. Some say the lantern/bush/globe should be burnt on New Year’s morning before sunrise others say on Twelfth Night/Old Christmas Day (5th of January) I guess as long as the tradition continues then any time between these periods is fine.
We usually burn one on Twelfth Night but as we were all together last night for practice we decided to bring it forward. We also burn a much larger version as part of our wassail each year.
Music by Órla Fallon, track: Winter, Fire And Snow, we hope it’s ok to use 🙏🏻 it seems very fitting. You can hear more from Órla Fallon here, please support her: open.spotify.c...
Footage by various members.