Paul Pitcher Day

Paul Pitcher Day is a traditional Cornish holiday celebrated annually on January 24. The day serves as the eve of the Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul and is historically associated with the tin mining communities of Cornwall, England. It is famously marked by the deliberate smashing of pottery and the drinking of ale.

History of Paul Pitcher Day

The origins of Paul Pitcher Day are found in the 19th-century tin mines of Cornwall. Miners used the eve of Saint Paul’s conversion as a day of rebellion against strict workplace regulations that typically only allowed for the consumption of water. To signal the start of their festivities, the miners would set up empty earthenware water pitchers and smash them with stones. This act symbolized a temporary end to their “water-only” sobriety and the beginning of a period of revelry.

Once the old water pitchers were destroyed, the miners would replace them with new vessels filled with beer or Cornish ale. In towns like Bodmin, the custom evolved into a community-wide event where young people paraded through the streets with broken pieces of pottery. They would hurl sherds against the doors of houses while shouting the traditional rhyme, “Paul’s Eve, and here’s a heave!” This loud and rowdy tradition was believed to bring good luck for the upcoming mining and sailing season, linking the religious calendar to the practical needs of the local economy. ¹

Why is Paul Pitcher Day important?

This holiday is a significant part of Cornish folk heritage and preserves the unique identity of the region’s historical labor force. It highlights the cultural resistance of miners who sought a brief escape from the dangerous and grueling conditions of their daily work. By maintaining this tradition, modern observers honor the specific social structures and customs that defined life in Southwest England before the decline of the tin mining industry.

The day also serves as a bridge between religious observance and secular celebration. While the name refers to Saint Paul, the activities focus on community bonding and the symbolic transition from old to new. The breaking of the pitchers represents a clearing away of the past year’s hardships to make room for fresh opportunities. It remains a point of pride for those interested in local history and the preservation of rare British customs.

• It commemorates the eve of the Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul
• It honors the historical tin mining communities of Cornwall
• It represents a traditional rebellion against workplace sobriety
• It symbolizes the casting off of old burdens through breaking pottery
• It keeps ancient Cornish oral traditions and rhymes alive

How to Celebrate Paul Pitcher Day

To celebrate in the traditional style, participants gather old or cracked earthenware pitchers that are no longer in use. In a safe, outdoor environment, these vessels are smashed with stones or thrown against a hard surface. The ritual is accompanied by the shouting of the phrase “Paul’s Eve, and here’s a heave!” to signal the “pitching” of the vessel. Afterward, the shards are often collected for disposal, though historically they were sometimes used in processions.

The celebration continues by replacing the broken pitcher with a new one filled with a beverage of choice, traditionally a strong Cornish ale or cider. Many people host small gatherings where they share stories of Cornish folklore and enjoy regional food like pasties. In recent years, some people have adapted the holiday to focus on self-improvement by writing down negative habits or thoughts on the pottery before breaking it, symbolizing a fresh start for the winter season.

• Smash an old or useless pitcher in a safe outdoor space
• Chant the traditional rhyme while throwing the pottery
• Drink a glass of Cornish ale or cider with friends
• Research the history of the Cornish tin mining industry
• Prepare and eat a traditional Cornish pasty

Paul Pitcher Day Dates Table

1. https://paulpitcher.com/paul-pitcher-day-a-celebration-of-hard-work-community-and-togetherness/[↩]