Traditionally, Plough Sunday has been observed on the FirstSunday of Epiphany since the Victorian age, however, it has a much older associationwith the first working day after the twelve days of Christmas, hence the phrasePlough Monday used in some places.
In the past, ploughs were often kept in the parish churchand were blessed at this service. After long winters, during which farm workwas scarce, the observance of this agricultural festival looked ahead to thetime of sowing and the promise of harvest to come.
Although the nature of farming has changed over thecenturies, today Plough Sunday is still seen as a way of celebrating farmingand human labour more generally near the start of the calendar year. It is anopportunity to cherish the land and to remind us all of our dependence upon itand upon God.
A traditional plough will be blessed at Tibberton Churchduring their Plough Sunday service. The Revd David Morris said: As a group ofrural parishes, we believe it is important to celebrate the agricultural year.We start each year with a Plough Sunday service as we look to offer all ourwork for the coming year to God, for Gods blessing.
