Cheese Rolling

Details

Country

United Kingdom

Origin Story

The Cooper's Hill Cheese-Rolling and Wake is an annual event held on the Spring Bank Holiday at Cooper's Hill, near Gloucester, England. Participants race down the 200-yard-long hill chasing a wheel of Double Gloucester cheese. The tradition's origins are uncertain, with the first written evidence dating back to 1826, though it is believed to be much older. Possible origins include maintaining grazing rights on the common or pagan rituals involving rolling objects down the hill to represent the birth of the New Year after winter.

Folklore Type

Festival

Event Date

Last Monday in May

Ritual Significance

The event may have evolved from ancient fertility rites or hopes of a successful harvest. It is thought that bundles of burning brushwood were rolled down the hill to represent the birth of the New Year after winter. The scattering of buns, biscuits, and sweets at the top of the hill by the Master of Ceremonies is said to encourage the fruits of harvest.

Fun Fact

The cheese can reach speeds of up to 110 kilometers per hour, making it nearly impossible to catch. The first person to cross the finish line at the bottom of the hill wins the cheese.

Duration

One day

Symbol

Double Gloucester cheese wheel