Oak Apple Day

Between my history degree, my extensive reading of historical fiction, and my own research and writing of historical fiction, I consider myself pretty well-versed history, especially English history and American history.

So imagine my surprise when I dove into two different historical novels last week and found mention in both of an English holiday I’d never heard of! And here’s the kicker—one book was published in 2015, set in 1665, and written for the general YA market (The Blackthorn Key by Kevin Sands); the other book was published in 2018, set in 1808, and written for the Christian historical romance market (The Innkeeper’s Daughter by Michelle Griep).

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With such an amazing coincidence, I couldn’t let it pass. I had to find out more. And I thought I would share with all of you who love history and story.

Oak Apple Day was an English holiday instituted on King Charles II’s birthday—May 29—as a celebration of the restoration of the monarchy. For those not intimately familiar with English history, this was after the period of time in which those who believed parliament should rule, not a monarch, fought with those who supported a king. This was the English Civil War. The most famous face of the opposition to the monarchy was the Puritan Oliver Cromwell.

Once King Charles II regained the throne (the Restoration), a holiday was instituted to celebrate the monarchy and affirm its rule. Oak Apple Day was celebrated with dancing and feasting and general celebration within the community. Citizens wore an oak leaf (or an oak apple, a gall on an oak leaf that somewhat resembles a small apple) to display their loyalty to the king. Oaks were not only a symbol of the monarchy but also important for Charles II in that it was said he hid in one while escaping the Roundheads after a battle.

For people choosing not to wear the oak leaf, with or without an oak apple, on May 29, they could be pelted with rotten fruit or pinched on the bottom or struck with nettles, so of course it behooved you to find that oak leaf to attach to your person!

The holiday continued to be celebrated nationwide until 1859, though it is still celebrated in specific areas of England today.

One last interesting note: I often watch Midsomer Murders (a British murder mystery series set in the Cotswolds) during lunchtime, and as I was preparing this post, one of the episodes centered around Oak Apple Day! However, the explanation of the historical roots of the festival given in the show (by a character played by Sophie Thompson, no less!) was almost nothing like the history of the actual festival! I found that quite odd.

So there you have it. Oak Apple Day. I love when historical fiction sends me to research aspects of history I hadn’t known before.

Have you heard of Oak Apple Day? Where did you learn about it? Have you ever read something in a work of historical fiction that set you to researching the event or circumstance on your own? Do tell!