The making of corn dollies goes back many thousands of years. It was a Pagan custom and evolved from the beliefs of the corn growing people who believed in the Corn Spirit.
Corn dollies were made at Harvest time from the last sheaf of corn cut.
The Corn Spirit was supposed to live or be reborn in the plaited straw ornament or corn doll and was kept until the following spring to ensure a good harvest. The corn dolly often had a place of honour at the harvest banquet table.
The craft was brought to a halt by the advent of mechanization in the 1800s, but is now being revived as a fascinating hobby.
In the past .....
Church bells could be heard on each day of the harvest.
The horse, bringing the last cart load, was decorated with garlands of flowers and colourful ribbons.
A magnificent Harvest feast was held at the farmer's house and games played to celebrate the end of the harvest.