Monarchists
would wear oak leaves on May 29 for Oak Apple Day, also known as
Pinch-Bum Day. It is called 'Oak Apple Day' in memory of the time
when the king hid in an oak tree following the Battle of Worcester.
"Parliament had ordered the 29 of May, the King’s birthday, to be
for ever kept as a day of thanksgiving for our redemption from
tyranny and the King’s return to his Government, he entering London
that day." The official holiday was abolished in 1859, but continues
to be fondly celebrated in many parts of the commonwealth.
In parts of England where oak-apples are known as shick-shacks, the
day is also known as Shick-Shack Day.
It is traditional for monarchists to decorate the house with oak
branches or wear a sprig of oak on 29th May. The oak is the national
tree of England. It is also traditional to drink beer, dance, and
eat plum pudding. (An oak apple is also known as an oak gall. It is
caused by the larvae of a cynipid wasp. The gall look like an
apple.)
Those who do not participate can have their bum pinched. Since few
recognize or celebrate this holiday, have some fun by finding your
favorite person and pinch their bum today - men and women can
participate.
Incidentally, Everest, the world's tallest mountain was conquered
at 11:30 a.m. on 29 May 1953. Edmund Hillary of New Zealand
and Tenzing Norgay, a Sherpa of Nepal, become the first explorers
to reach the summit of Mount Everest, which at 29,028 feet above
sea level is the highest point on earth.