Sunday 24 April 2011

Easter Egg-Throwing

The Rationale

The tradition of Easter Egg-Throwing over the Moot House is an ancient Beaker tradition that goes back to at least 2005. It has taken place every year since, with the exception of the year it snowed and the year we couldn't be bothered and last year when we unexpectedly transported across to Thomas Hardy's Wessex in a parallel universe.
It may echo my memories of rolling oranges down Dunstable Downs, unexpectedly transformed into eggs flying through the sky.

The Dubious Spiritual Connection


We throw the eggs from East to West over the Moot House, thus representing the sun in its daily journey across the heavens. At this time when the sun is strengthening, we try to throw the eggs as high as possible, emulating (but not encouraging - that would be sympathetic magic, and wrong) the sun.

The Rules

Only fresh, free-range eggs are to be used. We're not barbarians.
Throwers must stand on the throwing grid.
Eggs must go cleanly over the Moot House, passing between the North and South Stations.
Anyone catching an egg without it breaking can keep it.
A bit of advice - try to catch one-handed to the side of your body. If you try two-handed in front of your face  - well, try not to inhale.
Don't run in front of other people to make a "catch". It is within the rules, once they have wiped themselves down a bit, for them to chase you with a pointy stick in this situation.
Anyone catching the Snitch is in the wrong place entirely.

Conclusion

Hnaef gets a hose and cleans everything down. The rest of us feel a bit guilty about the waste of food and we write a cheque to Christian Aid to make ourselves feel better.

Happy Easter!

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