Jacobite squeezing the orange

Subject: BS: Jacobite squeezing the orange
From: GUEST,Lorne's Wife
Date: 18 Aug 08 - 10:16 AM

Does anyone know any historical anecdotes about "squeezing the orange"? Songs, rhymes would also be appreciated! Also, is anyone still doing it??? Or is there another similar Jacobite ritual?

Subject: RE: BS: Jacobite squeezing the orange
From: curmudgeon
Date: 18 Aug 08 - 10:35 AM

There was a custom of placing a large punch bowl of water on the table at gatherings of lords, nobles, and chiefs. That way the assembled gentry could innocently drink a health to the King, over the water.

Note to JCs, this is folklore and belongs above the line - Tom

Subject: RE: BS: Jacobite squeezing the orange
From: Tootler
Date: 18 Aug 08 - 04:57 PM

The story I heard, probably folklore, was that they stopped providing finger bowls at official banquets sometime in the mid 18th century because those with Jacobite sympathies were passing their glasses over them during the loyal toast, thus drinking to the king over the water.

Subject: RE: BS: Jacobite squeezing the orange
From: GUEST,Lorne's wife
Date: 10 Sep 08 - 06:26 AM

Thanks! Any more info much appreciated....

Subject: RE: BS: Jacobite squeezing the orange
From: Jack Campin
Date: 10 Sep 08 - 07:08 AM

I've never heard of "squeezing the orange" as having any political connotation. What are you talking about?

Subject: RE: BS: Jacobite squeezing the orange
From: GUEST,Lorne's wife
Date: 24 Sep 08 - 10:33 AM

I understand the squeezing of the orange was a secret toast of Jacobites who would prefer to be squeezing the life out of William of Orange but apart from a text by Jonathan Swift I can't find any further reference to it. Any ideas?