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Cock-throwing on Shove Tuesday
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Cock-throwing on Shove Tuesday
Cock throwing on Shove Tuesday, also known as cock-shying or throwing at cocks, was a blood sport widely practised in England, where a rooster was tied to a post, and people took turns throwing cokstele at the bird till it died. Date: 17th century
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Media ID 20158809
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Blood Cock Cocks Cruelty Died Rooster Throwing Tradition Tuesday Shove Shying
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Cock-Throwing on Shove Tuesday: A Bloody Tradition of the 17th Century This evocative image captures the brutal scene of a popular English pastime from the 17th century known as cock-throwing or cock-shying. The tradition involved tying a rooster to a post and allowing people to take turns throwing heavy coksteles, or metal balls, at the bird until it died. The term 'Shove Tuesday' referred to the day before Ash Wednesday, the start of the Christian Lent season, when this blood sport was commonly practiced. The image portrays a tense moment in the game, with onlookers gathered around the post, their expressions revealing a mix of excitement, anticipation, and cruelty. The rooster, tied with ropes, stands defiantly, its eyes filled with fear and determination. The cokstele, lying next to the bird, is a stark reminder of the imminent danger. Cock-throwing was a form of entertainment that reflected the prevailing attitudes towards animals during this era. The belief was that the sport tested the skill and agility of the participants, and the death of the rooster was considered an unfortunate but necessary consequence. However, the practice was widely criticized by animal welfare advocates and those opposed to blood sports. This photograph is a poignant reminder of the historical context of cock-throwing and the complex relationship between humans and animals during the 17th century. It also serves as a reminder of the evolving societal attitudes towards animal cruelty and the role of tradition in shaping our cultural practices.
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