The Ancient Custom Of The Hare Pie Scramble And Bottle Kicking Takes Place In Hallaton

HALLATON, ENGLAND - APRIL 17: The Warrener, John Morrison, holds his his Bronze hare-topped staff before a church service at St Michael's Church on April 17, 2017 in Hallaton, England. Hallaton hosts the Hare Pie Scramble and Bottle Kicking event today. The Bottle Kicking follows the Hare Pie Scramble, two events that are combined to form an ancient custom that dates back to the early eighteenth century, and one of the oldest in British History. The first part consists of a blessing of a Hare Pie by a local vicar, before it is cut up and thrown to the crowd, who 'scramble' to get a piece, believing it will bring good luck. The second part, the Bottle kicking sees two rival villages, Hallaton, and neighboring Medbourne attempt to carry a 'bottle' which is actually a keg of beer, from the Hare Pie Bank, and get it across a boundary stream for their own village. The best of three contest can last several hours. (Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)