Somerset Gurgle
A Gurgle is an ancient non-pagan ritual to celebrate the first apples of the new season. Usually held in late August or early September in the cider producing counties of the West of England (primarily Devon, Somerset, Dorset, Gloucestershire and Herefordshire).
The practice has largely died out but a few celebrations remain – primarily around the periphery of the Somerset Levels.
Origin
Its origins are unknown but thought to date back to the 17th century and to pre-date wassailing.
The Dutch engineers in the 17th Century who came to England to help drain the levels are thought to have used the expression as a slang name for the celebration of the first apples of the new season.
There is a suggestion that the Gurgling jugs made by the Dartmouth Pottery may have originated within the gurgle tradition. The similarity of the name and the fact that the jugs are used for pouring does imply a connection but there is no further evidence for this, however the argument is compelling. Gurgling Jugs or Glug Glug Jugs were used as promotional items by many breweries and Plymouth Gin made extensive use of them so the connection may be more than just lingusitic.[1]
Practices
Gurgles are usually celebrated on a village green or similar public space and will incorporate local produce, such as scrumpy, cider, cheese, pickles or any other local speciality. A common practice is for a "professor" of each subject to be appointed who will explain/discuss/celebrate their particular speciality throughout the day.
Activities often associated with Gurgles include Morris Dancing, Worm charming, Tug of War and apple bobbing.