In a quiet part of the English countryside, there's a special event called the Hare Pie Scramble and Bottle Kicking. It's a bit different from what you might usually see. It's been happening for a very long time, and it takes place on Easter Monday in two villages called Hallaton and Medbourne in Leicestershire.
The day begins with a parade where a special pie called the Hare Pie is carried through the streets. This pie is a bit like a meat pie covered in pastry, and it has a long history. People believe it was first made to celebrate the end of winter and the start of spring many years ago.
After the parade, the pie is blessed by the local church and put on a high platform for everyone to see. Then, the fun part begins. A horn sounds, and people jump onto the platform to grab a piece of the pie with their hands. They want to taste this special pie or some years, the Vicar throws smaller pieces into the crowd for them to eat or keep as a souvenir while they push each other out of the way. It's a bit like a big, cheerful fight to get some pie.
When this pie scramble ends, everyone goes to another village nearby, Hallaton. There, they have another interesting competition called Bottle Kicking. But it's not about empty bottles or drinking; it's about moving wooden casks, which are called bottles, to a specific spot for each village. The catch is, there aren't many rules, or the rules seem to change each time they play. People push and kick the bottles like crazy, and it can get very messy.
They play two rounds, and if there's a tie, they add a third round. Each round can last for 3-4 hours! And no matter who wins, the tradition is for the winning team to climb up a pyramid-shaped structure called the Butter Cross and drink some beer from the winning bottle. Then, they share the beer with everyone.
What's really special about this event is that it's a bit unusual even for people from Britain, and that's what makes it so great. It's a celebration of England's quirky traditions, and it's not just about winning. It's about being part of something unique and having fun. People of all ages, from kids to parents and grandparents, take part and pass down stories and skills. It's a way for the whole community to come together and celebrate their shared history.
So, if you ever find yourself in the English countryside on Easter Monday, don't miss the chance to see or join in on this fun celebration. There are very few things in the world as charmingly strange as a hare pie, a scramble, and a good old bottle-kicking match in the heart of England.
Check your understanding
Where does the Hare Pie Scramble and Bottle Kicking event take place, and when does it happen?
What's the significance of the Hare Pie in the event, and why is it carried through the streets in a parade?
Describe the excitement and chaos during the Hare Pie Scramble. How do people try to get a piece of the pie?
What is the Bottle Kicking competition about, and why is it different from traditional bottle-kicking or drinking contests?
What do the winners of the bottle-kicking competition do as part of the tradition, and why is this event considered a celebration of England's quirky traditions?
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Vocabulary
Hare Pie: A type of pie typically containing meat, covered in pastry. In this context, it's a special pie made for the event.
Parade: A procession or organised march moving through public streets for celebration or display.
Vicar: A Christian clergyman who serves a church and its community, often in the Anglican Church.
Wooden Cask: A container made of wood, often used for storing liquids like beer.
An example of what happens on the day can be found here
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