Well dressing is thought to have originated from Pagan times, a ritual performed to give thanks for the supply of fresh water. Another school of thought claims that the Romans introduced the custom into Britain, the philosopher Seneca "where springs or rivers flow we should build altars or make sacrifices." Another suggestion connects the celebration with various outbreaks of plague, certainly the wells at Eyam were used as a means of outside contact during the 1600’s.
Whatever the true origin, the ceremony of well dressing is peculiar to the County of Derbyshire and the fringe areas. Tissington, recorded as dressing a well in 1349, is the oldest authenticated instance of well dressing in Derbyshire. The well dressing programme starts in early April and runs through until mid September.
A mosaic picture, built up from natural materials—flower petals, seeds, grasses, leaves, tree bark, berries and moss – is pressed into a 1 inch base of puddled clay, which is held within a wooden frame. The shape of the frames is almost as varied as the choice of theme. Some frames are sectional or recessed and have additions made over the years, the size is roughly 4 to 5 feet wide and 5 to 6 feet high, pinnacles and embellishments can add to this height.
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