Today, the last day of March, is the traditional Snake-whacking Day in East Kent, and it is still commemorated by the villagers of
Kingsdown who, fortified by pints of beer from the King's Head, go out to find and whack as many snakes as possible before dusk. Presumably the tradition arose to use the cool early spring to be able to catch snakes before they get warm enough to move quickly, and - more importantly - before the beastly things can breed the next generation. Our own team could only find
slow worms at first, but at least we were able to practice, although those of us who had drunk too much too
quickly were not much good at aiming. At least two of the party were hit by their mates, and had to go off for treatment. I won't show pictures after the whacking, as it may offend animal rights people.
After a while, the real snakes were found (we had set traps called
refugia for them) and the appropriate treatment was meted on them.
They look really evil, with the red eye and vicious zigzags - and this one was nearly a foot long!
I understand that the tradition has been followed in parts of the US since the seventeenth century, although here the chosen day is May 10
th.
Today, the last day of March, is the traditional Snake-whacking Day in East Kent, and it is still commemorated by the villagers of Kingsdown who, fortified by pints of beer from the King's Head, go out to find and whack as many snakes as possible before dusk. Presumably the tradition arose to use the cool early spring to be able to catch snakes before they get warm enough to move quickly, and - more importantly - before the beastly things can breed the next generation. Our own team could only find slow worms at first, but at least we were able to practice, although those of us who had drunk too much too quickly were not much good at aiming. At least two of the party were hit by their mates, and had to go off for treatment. I won't show pictures after the whacking, as it may offend animal rights people. 
After a while, the real snakes were found (we had set traps called refugia for them) and the appropriate treatment was meted on them. 
They look really evil, with the red eye and vicious zigzags - and this one was nearly a foot long! 
I understand that the tradition has been followed in parts of the US since the seventeenth century, although here the chosen day is May 10th. 
8 comments:
I understand the importance of tradition - like keeping bull-fighting for Spain's economy - but I do love snakes, especially Adders. Boy am I glad I went to Stodmarsh today and not Kingsdown.
Didn't you post this a few hours early? I know Kingsdown is in the far east but I don't think you're in a different time zone from Hampshire! Or has Homer come to Kingsdown?
I thought I'd done well with a slow worm Steve, but you've out done me with that lot of snakes!
Please, please tell me that you didn't actually harm the snakes...
Ha ha ha - just noticed the date! You really got me there (it's been a long day...)
OK...I had to keep asking myself if you were serious....and decided not. Good photos, however.
Steve ,
Taken from the 4th.season/20th. episode no doubt .
I assume you took the part of Kent Brockman . Who did you find to play Barry White singing 'Can't get enough of your love,Babe'?
A load of inebriates , wandering around singing 'O whacking day', to the tune of 'O Tannenbaum' must have been a sight to behold .
I assume you were one of those who were struck and needed treatment .
I think this episode was worthy of a Genesis Award , like the original .
Glad to see that the refugia are working well .
boo, I hope someone whacks you to death with a stick one day.
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