HELSTON
HISTORY
FLORA
DAY HISTORY
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The `Dance` or more strictly speaking, `Dances` take place annually on May 8th, unless that date is a Sunday (day of worship) or a Monday (Market Day), and Furry Day (Flora Day) is observed as a holiday in Helston. The individual festivities begin at the following times. Each dance starts from the Corn Exchange and processes through the streets, houses, shops and gardens of the town. 6-30 A.M. `Ringing in of the day` by St. Michael`s Church Bells 7 A.M. An Adult party of dancers. 8 A.M. The `Hal-an-Tow` pageant 9-45 A.M. A party of approximately 1000 Children. 12 NOON An Adult party - gentlemen in morning dress, ladies in traditional full length dresses. 5 P.M. An Adult party of dancers.
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It should be noted
that "FLORAL DANCE" IS NOT the correct title!
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Although there are several theories no one really knows where the celebrations all began!
THE LEGEND
A "Fiery Dragon" (possibly a large meteorite) is reputed to have appeared over Helston many centuries ago and dropped a large stone on what is now known as the "Angel Yard". More than a century ago, this great stone was split up to be used for building; a portion was built into the outside wall of the Angel Hotel in Coinagehall Street. The inhabitants of Helston, after fully expecting the town to be destroyed, celebrated their deliverance by dancing through each others houses.
A MORE MODERN THEORY
The late Mr. Henry Jenner, an antiquary of national reput, contributed the following to the Western Morning News, May 11th 1931 - "It is quite probable that the Helston `Furry` observances are a survival of a pre-Christian Celtic custom transferred, or fixed on, to the patronal feast".
St. Michael, to whom the parish church is dedicated, is Helston`s patron saint and May 8th (Furry Day) appears in the Church Calender as the anniversary of the Apparition of St. Michael. It is therefore, quite feasible taht the pre-Christian "Furry" was acquired by the early Celtic church and celebrated annually on May 8th.
It is significant that the Furry Day at Helston is heralded by an early morning ringing of the parish church bells. In several Continental and Eastern Mediterranean counties "labyrinthian" dances are celebrated. The "in and out of the houses" feature of Helston`s Furry Dance is claimed by some authorities to be of this type of dance.
Beyond doubt, the "Furry" has been danced at Helston for centuries by all. Although it is an occasion of great joy and fun, it is ever decorous, refined and elegant.
Copyright 
Graham G Matthews 2002
