Oranges And Lemons Day

Supriya Jain
Dec 22, 2023 By Supriya Jain
Originally Published on Mar 14, 2022
Oranges And Lemons Day is attended by many in St. Clement Danes Church of London.
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Age: 1-99
Read time: 3.8 Min

Where is Oranges And Lemons Day celebrated?

National Oranges And Lemons Day is celebrated in the UK.

Who is Oranges And Lemons Day celebrated by?

The St. Clement Danes Church of London celebrates National Oranges And Lemons Day. Children and adults join to offer services and celebrate the day. Other places across the UK also celebrate the day.

When did Oranges And Lemons Day first start?

The National Oranges And Lemons Day first started on the feast day of St. Clements, who is the patron saint of blacksmiths and bakers. The day began to be celebrated in 1920.

Who started Oranges And Lemons Day?

Oranges And Lemons Day is believed to have been started by Reverend William Pennington-Bickford.

Christopher Columbus is credited for bringing lemon and orange seeds on his journey to the west.

History And Timeline

Here is a sneak-peek into the history of this day, which is unique to England. Reverend William Pennington-Bickford arranged a special service on March 31, 1920, and distributed lemons and oranges to the children.

Oranges And Lemons Day

Oranges and Lemons Day began to be celebrated in 1920, in St. Clement Danes in Strand, London.

1920

Rhymes On Scene

In the years 1923-1924, rhymes gained popularity in the celebrations on this day in churches across England.

1923-24

Tradition Survives

St. Clement's Church witnessed a bomb explosion, and the church's bells were damaged. Yet, the traditions and practices continued after the setback.

1941

Health Benefits

Orange became popular for its various health benefits.

20th Century

Hundredth Anniversary

The church in 2020 celebrated the 100th anniversary of the day.

2020

Traditions And Customs

The Oranges And Lemons Day is always greeted with utmost joy. On the day, children from the primary school of St. Clement Danes Church are offered oranges and lemons after attending the church services.

The church bells are then rung, following which these fruity treats are distributed. Since the early 1900s, the church has also had a tradition of reciting the rhyme 'Oranges And Lemons.'

Ways To Celebrate Oranges And Lemons Day

Visit the Church of St. Clements in the Strand or St. Clement Eastcheap Church near London Bridge to witness the celebrations; well-dressed children assembled to receive offerings. You will love to watch the traditions in these churches on this day.

Like many out there, if you think that orange-lemon is not a good duo in cookies and cakes, then it's time to grab some baking powder and try new recipes. If used in the right proportion, the combo can do magic in cakes and cookies.

Adding orange and lemon zest cannot go wrong and will enhance the flavor of your recipes.

Get extra dozens of oranges and lemons on this day and treat yourself with orange juice, lemonades, salads, syrups, and soups. You can even plant orange and lemon saplings in your vegetable garden if the climate is conducive.

You can look for orange trees in your locality or even go orange picking at public orange farms. To commemorate the celebrations of Orange And Lemons Day, you can get cartons of oranges and lemons from the local farmers and distribute them among the children in neighborhoods.

There can probably be no better way to make this day the best!

Facts And Stats

  • National Oranges And Lemons Day is celebrated in the UK. St. Clement Danes Church commemorates National Oranges And Lemons Day.
  • It is so close to the people who celebrate it that this day's celebrations aren't even interrupted by Easter if they coincide in any year.
  • Other important days in March celebrated in the UK include St. Patrick's Day and more!
  • Oranges And Lemons Day is celebrated on the third Thursday of March and falls on a feast day, having a religious connotation.

Do oranges and lemons go together?

Oranges and lemons are two contrasting citruses and will go together in cakes and cookies if used in the right proportion.

When Is National Oranges And Lemons Day?

National Oranges And Lemons Day is celebrated on March 31 in the UK.

What are some essential things we need to keep in mind while celebrating Oranges and Lemons Day?

Besides being the source of numerous health benefits, citrus fruits can also be harmful to the body. Due to their high acid content, oranges and lemons can cause heartburn and regurgitation in people with gastroesophageal reflux disease.

In addition, excessive intake of vitamin C can cause heartburn, vomiting, insomnia, and heart issues, and overconsumption of fiber can lead to an upset stomach, cramping, diarrhea, bloating, and nausea.

How do families celebrate Oranges And Lemons Day?

Families celebrate this day by attending church services, preparing cookies, and baking cakes from these citrus fruits.

What are some events related to Oranges And Lemons Day?

Some events related to Oranges and Lemons Day are the church services at St. Clement Dane Church, reciting the rhyme 'Oranges And Lemons' in churches, and distributing fruits among children.

When Is This Day Celebrated

  • Thursday, March 19, 2020
  • Thursday, March 18, 2021
  • Thursday, March 17, 2022
  • Thursday, March 16, 2023
  • Thursday, March 21, 2024

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Written by Supriya Jain

Bachelor of Commerce, Master of Business Administration specializing in Marketing

Supriya Jain picture

Supriya JainBachelor of Commerce, Master of Business Administration specializing in Marketing

As a skilled member of the Kidadl team, Shruti brings extensive experience and expertise in professional content writing. With a Bachelor's degree in Commerce from Punjab University and an MBA in Business Administration from IMT Nagpur, Shruti has worked in diverse roles such as sales intern, content writer, executive trainee, and business development consultant. Her exceptional writing skills cover a wide range of areas, including SOP, SEO, B2B/B2C, and academic content.

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