Butler & Boars Head

Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library

Butler & Boars Head

The butler bears in the Boars Head Date: circa 1900

Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries

Media ID 14270451

© Mary Evans Picture Library

Bears Boar Boars Butler Tradition Traditions

EDITORS COMMENTS
This charming turn-of-the-century photograph captures the whimsical tradition of the Butler and Boar's Head, a festive custom that once graced many a grand English estate during the holiday season. The image features a butler, dressed in formal attire, proudly presenting the head of a roasted boar on a silver platter. The boar's head, an ancient symbol of abundance and good fortune, was a popular centerpiece at medieval feasts and later became a beloved Christmas tradition in many households. The Butler and Boar's Head custom dates back to the 16th century and was believed to have originated from a hunting lodge where the butler would present the roasted boar's head to the guests as a sign of respect and gratitude for their patronage. Over the centuries, this tradition evolved into a theatrical spectacle, with the butler often wearing a mask or costume and the boar's head adorned with holly, ivy, and other seasonal decorations. This photograph, taken circa 1900, offers a glimpse into the grandeur and pageantry of a bygone era. The ornate dining room, with its intricately carved woodwork and gilded accents, sets the stage for this festive occasion. The butler's solemn expression and impeccable posture convey a sense of dignity and tradition, while the roasted boar's head, with its glistening eyes and toothy grin, adds an element of playfulness and merriment to the scene. As we admire this image, we are transported back in time, allowing us to savor the rich history and traditions of the holiday season.

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