Shick-Shack Day (redirected from Oak Apple Day)

Shick-Shack Day (Shik-Shak Day, Shicsack Day, Shig-Shag Day)

May 29

The Oxford English Dictionary suggests that this day takes its name from a corruption of shitsack, a derogatory term for the Nonconformists, Protestants who did not follow the doctrines and practices of the established Church of England. It was later applied to those who did not wear the traditional sprig of oak on May 29, or Royal Oak Day —the birthday of Charles II and the day in 1660 on which he made his triumphal entry into London as king after a 12-year interregnum.
The association of Charles II (1630-1685) and the oak tree dates back to 1651 when, after being defeated by Oliver Cromwell in battle, legend has it he took refuge from his pursuers in an oak tree behind a house known as Boscobel. Shick-shack has since become synonymous with the oak-apple or sprig of oak itself, and May 29 is celebrated—particularly in rural areas of England—in memory of the restoration of King Charles and his preservation in the Royal Oak. Also called Oak Apple Day, Oak Ball Day, Bobby Ack Day, Yack Bob Day, Restoration Day, or Nettle Day .

SOURCES:
AnnivHol-2000, p. 90
BkDays-1864, vol. I, p. 696
DictDays-1988, pp. 14, 81, 83, 96, 98, 110, 134
FolkWrldHol-1999, p. 364
OxYear-1999, p. 225
(c)

Celebration day: May 29