Oak Apple Day is a British holiday observed annually on May 29. The Oak Apple Day holiday is observed annually to commemorate His Royal Highness King Charles II’s restoration to the throne in the 1660s. The celebration honours the intelligence of King Charles II, who evaded his pursuers by hiding in an oak tree. The British Monarch was reinstated to the monarchy, putting an end to the 1649 establishment of the Puritan Commonwealth. The holiday also commemorates King Charles II’s establishment of the Royal Hospital in Chelsea.
HISTORY OF OAK APPLE DAY
Oak Apple Day is also known in the United Kingdom as Restoration Day. This event commemorates the restoration of Charles II to the monarchy in 1660 and the end of the Puritan Commonwealth. Following his defeat by the Roundheads, King Charles II sought sanctuary in an oak tree on the grounds of Boscobel House in Staffordshire to avoid soldier attacks. He was unable to communicate, move, or compromise his position in any way.
This historic occurrence occurred in September of 1651. King Charles II was reinstated to the monarchy to the delight of his subjects in 1660. In 1682, after regaining the realm, King Charles II established the Royal Hospital in Chelsea. This was a refuge for soldiers who were unable to make a livelihood.
During his tenure, King Charles performed numerous noteworthy deeds and was admired by his subjects. Parliament enacted Oak Apple Day on May 29, 1660, as an expression of perpetual gratitude for the restoration of His Majesty King Charles II. The wearing of an oak sprig on one’s clothing during the anniversary of Charles’ coronation indicated loyalty to the restored monarch.
The Anniversary Days Observance Act, however, abolished the public holiday in 1859. Regardless, British citizens continue to attribute significance to the day.
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5 FACTS OF OAK APPLE DAY
It represents England.
The Oak Tree is a well-known emblem of England, appearing on coins, ships, and buildings.
On the day of John F. Kennedy’s birthday
Oak Apple Day coincides with the birthday of the 35th president of the United States, John Fitzgerald Kennedy.
The highest mountain in the world was scaled.
The tallest mountain in the globe, Mount Everest, was conquered on May 29, 1953.
Punishments consisting of stings
On Oak Apple Day, those who failed to transport oak leaves or branches were punished with pinches.
It has four alternative names
Royal Oak Day, Oak and Nettle Day, Shick Shack Day, and Yak Bob Day are alternative names for Oak Apple Day.
OAK APPLE DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | May 29 | Monday |
| 2024 | May 29 | Wednesday |
| 2025 | May 29 | Thursday |
| 2026 | May 29 | Friday |
| 2027 | May 29 | Saturday |
