English ball game: from the rules - only "Don't kill!"
English ball game: from the rules - only "Don't kill!"

Video: English ball game: from the rules - only "Don't kill!"

Video: English ball game: from the rules - only
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Ball game in Azerstone
Ball game in Azerstone

We have already written about how the Russian Maslenitsa is celebrated in Italy. The time has come to tell about the British, who also know a lot about mass festivities. Perhaps one of the most unusual is held annually in the small town of Azerstone as part of the celebration of Mardi Gras (an analogue of our Maslenitsa). This tradition has existed for more than 800 years, but it has not lost its popularity: the locals are happy to play ball along the whole street. The aim of the game is very simple: the cash prize is won by the one who, after two hours, manages to stay with the ball in his hands!

English ball game
English ball game
During the game, the ball is thrown out of the window of Barclays Bank
During the game, the ball is thrown out of the window of Barclays Bank

There is a belief that once, during the celebration of Maslenitsa, a ball made of pure gold was thrown into the street … Whether this is true or not, we cannot judge, but the British are happy to continue the tradition. Preparations for the game at Azerstone on Watling Street begin early in the morning, with shopkeepers bobbing up their windows and locals gathering in the street waiting for the action to begin.

Monument dedicated to the ball game
Monument dedicated to the ball game

Children are the first to come to the holiday, because they know that sweets and coins will be thrown from the balconies. A little later, the adults appear, eagerly watching the selected window of Barclays Bank, from which they must throw the ball. The competition itself lasts from 15.00 to 17.00, during which time the participants have time to knock and have fun from the heart! The only rule in this game is that you can't kill!

Ball game in Azerstone
Ball game in Azerstone
English ball game
English ball game

The ball itself is worth describing: it is made of hard leather and weighs over four kilograms to make it difficult for players to throw it too far or too high. There are four colored ribbons tied to the ball (red, blue, white and gold), which after the game can be exchanged for money by any lucky person who managed to tear off at least a piece (£ 10 per ribbon)! The winner of the game also receives a cash reward, although possession of the ball itself is a prestigious award!

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