Andy English
We certainly had to wear oak apples at primary shool in the 1960s in West Norfolk. Not to do so would certainly lead to being pinched.

Giles Phibbs
There's actually quite a lot more to it than that. The men of the village must go to Grovely very early, and collect their own bough (with oak 'apple') which will be carried in procession later in the day. Meanwhile, the women of the village are decorating their cottages with flags and bunting. A coach takes a party of villagers to Salisbury, where small group of women dancers, in traditional costume, perform a dance in the precincts, symbolizing women who protested when the lord of the manor threatened to take away their right to gather wood. The 'refrain' is then shouted at full volume in the cathedral. Later there is a dinner and a fair, the whole thing organised by the Oak Apple committee. Only lately has it been invaded by tourists and television (and web sites!)

John Fox
Oak Apples aren't acorns... they're a growth caused by a parasite on stately oak trees. Any comments about whether that's a good description of the monarchy should be directed elsewhere lol.

Gay Richardson
Oak Apple day is a very important day in Northampton. It celebrates the escape from the Roundheads by Charles II when he hid in an oak tree. A wreath of oak leaves is put onto the bust of Charles in the main square and - when I was little at any rate if not today - we all had to wear an oak apple = acorn on this day or we would have been subjected to having mud thrown at us. Presumably this was also a sign of supporting the monarcy during the years of Cromwell et all!!