At 11am and 2pm the Old Oss otherwise known as the Red Oss emerges from its stable, or to be more precise the front door of the Golden Lion pub!
The musicians play and the supporters sing the Day song.
Unite and unite and let us all unite,
For summer is acome unto day,
And whither we are going we will all unite,
In the merry morning of May.
Jamie McOwen is teasing the Old Oss.
As the 1st of May this year falls on a Sunday, the Padstow Obby Oss's make their appearance on the 2nd of May.
The 1st of May is the first day of Summer - this is also known as the Festival of Beltane.
The "Original oss" or "Old oss" or "Red Oss" is stabled at the Golden Lion public house.
As the supporters sing the chorus of the May song or Day song
O! where is St. George,
O!, where is he O,
He is out in his long boat on the salt sea O.
Up flies the kite and down tails the lark O.
Aunt Ursula Birdhood she had an old ewe
And she died in her own Park O.
The Oss and teaser crouch down on the floor, the teaser's padded stick is placed under the skirt of the Oss
As Easter is late this year there are plenty of tourists about.
The drums sound, the supporters cry Oss Oss and the Oss rises to dance once more
The narrow streets are packed with supporters.
After dancing outside the Golden Lion, the Old Oss, teaser, musicians and supporters make their way along Church Street towards Prideaux Place.
The Red Oss, or Old Oss, is the original. The Blue Oss was introduced in the 19th century and has links with the The Temperance Movement and the Great War, after which it became known as the Peace Oss.
Cala’me Bys Vyken! – May Day for ever!
All images © Ian Foster / fozimage
