Paul Pitcher Day

A very interesting day, Paul Pitcher Day is celebrated annually on January 24 and is marked in quite a unique way. This day originated in Cornwall, where locals celebrate a significant moment in Christian history — the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul. The festivities involve drinking ale and smashing empty pitchers. Once the pitchers are destroyed, they are replaced with new ones and filled with ale again. This celebration takes place on the evening before the Conversion of St. Paul, and the popular chant during the event is “Paul’s Eve, and here’s a heave!”

History of Paul Pitcher Day
Although it may seem unusual, Paul Pitcher Day commemorates a pivotal event in Christian history: the conversion of the apostle St. Paul. Different regions have their own ways of observing the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul, but the distinctive celebration in Cornwall has become widely recognized. St. Paul, who was originally called Saul, was a Pharisee responsible for the persecution of early Christians in Jerusalem. His transformative encounter with Jesus while traveling to Damascus led to his salvation, making him a vital figure in the Apostolic Age. The Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul is observed on January 25, and like other Christian celebrations, the days leading up to it hold equal significance. In Cornwall, a region once known for tin mining, the locals celebrate the advent of the mining and sailing season alongside the eve of St. Paul’s conversion by setting up pitchers in public areas and hurling stones at them until they shatter. A new pitcher is then acquired, filled with beer, and the community continues to drink from it throughout the day, repeating the festivities. This unconventional tradition began as a form of protest against the prohibition of drinking anything but water during work hours. Participants either line up pitchers to throw stones at or smash them against the walls or doors of neighbors’ homes, shouting “It’s Paul’s Eve, and here’s a heave!” According to old Cornish folklore, Jesus visited Cornwall with his uncle Joseph, laying the groundwork for Christianity in the region.

Paul Pitcher Day Timeline

• 1870 Pitch A House: John Brand notes the tradition of parading broken pitcher fragments and throwing them at houses.
• 1874 Further Documentation: Records of the Paul Pitcher celebrations emerge.
• 1886 The Folklore Journal: A folklore journal discusses pots being filled with debris followed by drinking after they are broken.
• 1908 The Conversion is Celebrated: The Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul is observed at the conclusion of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.

Who is Paul Pitcher?
Paul Pitcher isn’t a specific individual. Those who partake in the breaking or smashing of pitchers on Paul Pitcher Day are referred to as Paul Pitchers.

What does Paul Pitcher mean?
The term derives from the two main components of the celebration: the eve of the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul and the act of breaking pitchers.

Is Paul Pitcher Day a national holiday?
Primarily celebrated in England, especially in Cornwall, Paul Pitcher Day has seen a decline in observance over the years. However, efforts are underway to revive the festivities in style, as highlighted on https://findnomore.net.

Paul Pitcher Day Activities

• Break a pitcher: Embrace the spirit of Paul Pitcher Day by smashing a pitcher yourself. Whether it’s a beer pitcher or any other breakable vessel, line them up and throw stones at them or smash them against a wall.
• Drink some beer: Originally a rebellion against sobriety during work hours, this day is about enjoying beer from a pitcher, refilling it, and repeating the process. Raise a glass of fine English beer to celebrate like the Cornish!
• Learn about St. Paul: Understanding the significance of St. Paul’s conversion is crucial to the day’s celebration. Dive into the “Book of Acts” in the Bible, which chronicles the early life and teachings of the apostle, or explore the vast contributions of St. Paul through online research.

5 Interesting Facts About Saint Paul

1. He wasn’t much younger than Jesus Christ: Paul was likely just two to six years younger than Jesus.
2. You can see where he got converted: ‘Straight’ is a street in Damascus, believed to be the site of Paul’s calling by God.
3. He survived a poisonous snake bite: After being shipwrecked on Malta, Paul was bitten by a venomous snake.
4. He saw heaven: In the book of “Corinthians,” Paul describes his experience of heaven.
5. He was from two opposing tribes: Apostle Paul was both a Jew and a Roman.

Why We Love Paul Pitcher Day

• It’s a great excuse to break things: In a world filled with stress, having an outlet for aggression can be therapeutic. Paul Pitcher Day allows for a fun release by breaking things in a celebratory manner.
• It’s a fun day: A unique and entertaining celebration, activities throughout the day are designed to engage and excite. If you enjoy having a good time, you’ll surely love this day.
• It’s important to the people of Cornwall: For the locals, Paul Pitcher Day holds cultural and historical significance, especially within the Christian community. It’s a cherished part of their heritage that deserves to be preserved.

Paul Pitcher Day Dates

• 2025: January 24, Friday
• 2026: January 24, Saturday
• 2027: January 24, Sunday
• 2028: January 24, Monday
• 2029: January 24, Wednesday

What is the date of Paul Pitcher Day every year?

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