St. Distaff’s Day: The Forgotten Post-Christmas Tradition of Spinning and Mischief
January 7 once marked a quirky but meaningful tradition in parts of England and the Anglosphere. Known as St. Distaff’s Day, it signalled the end of Christmas festivities and the return to spinning—a key winter task for women in pre-industrial households. Though no longer widely observed, the day still holds charm in niche fiber arts communities today.
St. Distaff’s Day, sometimes called Roc Day or Rock Day, fell the day after Epiphany. It was an unofficial but well-known custom in Catholic-influenced regions, particularly in England and the British Isles. The name itself comes from the distaff, a tool used to hold flax or wool during spinning.
On this day, women would resume their spinning work, distaffs in hand. Men, in turn, would playfully disrupt them—snatching flax, tangling threads, or even pretending to set fire to spinning wheels. The women often retaliated with water, turning the scene into a lighthearted skirmish. These antics helped ease the transition back to daily routines after the holiday lull. The day also paired with Plough Monday, which marked the return to agricultural labour. Together, they framed January as a month of symbolic restart, balancing domestic and field work. While St. Distaff’s Day faded as an everyday tradition, it never fully disappeared. Today, spinning and weaving groups—especially in Britain and North America—revive it through informal gatherings like 'spin-ins' or collaborative projects. These modern celebrations keep the spirit alive, though on a much smaller scale. No longer a widespread custom, it now thrives as a playful nod to history among fiber artists.
St. Distaff’s Day remains a niche but enduring link to England’s Old Christmas traditions. It highlights the historical importance of women’s artisan labour while offering a moment of levity. For those who still observe it, the day blends mischief, craft, and a quiet connection to the past.
