Despite its appearance, the Jack in the Green festival is a relatively recent addition to the folk calendar of England. The tradition emerged in the late 18th century, with the earliest written reference appearing in 1775, evolving from London May Day celebrations involving milkmaids, chimney sweeps and other working trades. By the 19th century it had become strongly associated with chimney sweeps, who paraded elaborate leaf-covered âJacksâ through the streets during May festivities while collecting money during the quieter summer months.
The celebrations declined during the Victorian era and were further undermined following the 1875 Chimney Sweepers Act, with authorities increasingly condemning the festivals for their rowdy and disorderly behaviour â much like many other traditional folk customs of the period. By the early 20th century the tradition had almost entirely died out.
The custom was revived during the folk revival of the 1970s and 1980s, most famously in Hastings in 1983 by Mad Jackâs Morris (later Hastings RX Morris). Since then it has evolved into the more overtly folkloric and Green Manâinfused celebration recognised today.