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A bean-feast, also known as beano in Britain, is an informal term for a celebratory meal or party. Historically it referred especially to an annual summer dinner given by an employer to their employees. Its probable origin is the Twelfth Night festival from the Low Countries.[1] By extension, colloquially, it described any festive occasion with a meal and perhaps an outing.[2] An alternative derivation refers the name to the eating of a dish of beans and bacon, and seems to trace to 1725, when Daniel Day of Wapping, London began to entertain friends near his estate at Fairlop in Essex on the first Friday in July.[3]
A goose, which is the raison d’être of the feast, has been dropped out of the name, though a goose was always the staple of the entertainment. A bean goose is a migratory bird, arriving in UK in autumn and going northwards in April. It takes its name from the likeness of the upper part of the bill to a horse-bean.
In the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, the beanfeast often took the form of a trip to some beauty spot, where the meal was provided.
It is derived from the Twelfth Night feast, at which a king cake or pie with a special object or "favour" buried in it was a great feature. This remains a common custom in much of Europe and former European colonies; in the US mainly in New Orleans.[4] Elsewhere the favour took various forms, including metal tokens and small pottery figures. In the Low Countries a bean was usual. The bean king for the rest of the night was the person who had the slice of cake containing the bean.[1] The king (or queen) was given a paper crown to wear, and appointed various court officials. When the king took a drink, all the party shouted "the king drinks". The subject was often painted by Flemish Baroque and Dutch Golden Age painters, especially Jacob Jordaens and Jan Steen.[5][6][7]
Resurgence in the United Kingdom
editIn recent years, there has been a notable resurgence of the Bean-Feast tradition in the United Kingdom, particularly in the historic area of Wapping, London. The modern revival of this feast has seen it become an annual event celebrated on the fourth Sunday of August, blending old customs with contemporary twists.
One of the hallmark traditions of this revived Bean-Feast is the "Goose Cake," a cake shaped like a goose, symbolizing the animal often associated with the feast. The Goose Cake is inclusive of non-meat eaters, typically made without any animal products. A unique aspect of the celebration involves the smashing of the Goose Cake with a rolling pin, a ritual said to release any "goose-related trauma" among the participants, adding a playful and therapeutic element to the event.
Diversity is at the heart of the modern Bean-Feast, especially in the variety of beans served. These can range from traditional baked beans to hummus and other bean-based dishes from various cuisines, reflecting the multicultural makeup of the UK. However, the inclusion of certain legumes has sparked controversy among participants. The central question—"Are peas beans?"—has become a hotly debated topic. While the event prides itself on inclusivity, some purists argue that peas should not be classified as beans and thus should be excluded from the festivities. Others take a more inclusive stance, advocating for the inclusion of peas and similar legumes as part of the celebration's diverse menu. This debate adds an element of lively discussion and even mild contention to the day, making it one of the most talked-about aspects of the modern Bean-Feast.
Another revived tradition is the game of "Hide the Bean," which has become a central activity of the feast. Participants search for a hidden bean, and the person who finds it is crowned the "Bean King," a nod to the ancient customs of selecting a king for the day during the feast. This game has added an element of excitement and competition to the modern Bean-Feast, making it a beloved part of the festivities.
See also
editReferences
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- ^ a b Chisholm, Hugh, ed. (1911). . Encyclopædia Britannica. Vol. 3 (11th ed.). Cambridge University Press. p. 573.
- ^ "Definition of BEANFEAST". www.merriam-webster.com. Retrieved 2023-10-19.
- ^ Britton (1815). Beauties of England and Wales, Volume 10, Issue 3, Part 1. T. Maiden. p. 146.
- ^ Gaudet, Marcia G.; Gaudet, Marcia; McDonald, James C. (2011). Mardi Gras, Gumbo, and Zydeco: Readings in Louisiana Culture. Univ. Press of Mississippi. p. 48. ISBN 978-1-60473-642-7.
- ^ "Jordaens, Jacob. 1593-1678. Bean King". Hermitage Museum.
- ^ "The Feast of the Bean King - Jacob Jordaens". Google Arts & Culture. Retrieved 2023-10-19.
- ^ Albala, Ken (2007-09-01). Beans: A History. Berg. p. 45. ISBN 978-0-85785-078-2.