Wesley Bobs ?

[Ric.ror]

My Mother has always called Christmas tree decorations Wesley Bobs - Why?

[Octavius]

Many of the old traditions which abounded at Christmas time in Yorkshire are steeped in the mists of time, and are no longer found anywhere else. Today, many are forgotten, but there are a few still in living memory, such as the Pretty Box, Vessel Maids and Wassail Bob.

During Advent, two girls called 'Vessel Maids' would carry round a box, or a double hoop of evergreens with three figures inside: the whole would be covered with a special white cloth which only came out for this purpose - a sacred cloth. The figures now represent the Holy Family. The box was commonly called a Wesley Bob, a Wassail Bob, a Vessel Cup, a Pretty Box or a Milly Box. People would work very hard at making the decoration around the figures as attractive as possible, with fruits especially oranges, among the greenery. The girls, sometimes with an entourage, would carry it from house to house, singing a carol, and asking a penny to see inside during Advent, the four weeks leading up to Christmas. It was considered most unlucky if the Vessel Maids did not call.

I suspect the traditions were followed mainly by Methodists, the founder of which was John Wesley who was born in Lincolnshire, although the connection could be tenuous.

[Ric.ror]

You really are brilliant... just how would anyone know that. Where did you find it out?

[Octavius]

Some people just know these things.

Others plagiarise!

[Drusilla]

What a great question and a wonderful answer. Unfortunately my daughters' saw it and guess who's expected to revive an old tradition???

[Octavius]

Well good luck to you Drusilla!

If you need to delve further - for the sake of tradition of course - see The Brontes' Christmas by Maria Hubert
Published by Sutton Publishing 1997