Rising from the annals of Norwich’s deep-seated history comes a curious tale about a peculiar mythological creature known as the Norwich Snap Dragon (also known as Snap the Dragon). A tradition that is associated with old festival customs of the city which have been carried forth since the mid-1400s. Associated with St. George’s Day (23rd April) and the Guild Day, this tale is said to be the Norwich’s spin on the all-too-familiar story of St. George and the dragon.
The dragon of Norwich, however, bears little resemblance with the ferocious, fire-breathing monsters of popular mythology. The Snap Dragon was described as a large, colourful costume paraded through the streets. The costume housed a person who would operate the moveable jaw of the dragon, snapping at the gawping crowds as it strutted by – thus granting the creature its moniker ‘Snap Dragon’.
There was, however, an element of fear woven into this tale. It was believed that the dragon could influence the city’s fortunes in the coming year. If the dragon was lively and energetic during the parade, it boded a prosperous year ahead. But, if the dragon was lethargic and its performance lacklustre, the people of Norwich could expect a year filled with hardships.
Sadly, with the passing of time, the Snap Dragon faded into the realm of folklore. The ritual stopped at the end of the 19th century, with the cessation of the old guild-based civic government. However, the creature ‘Snap’ is not entirely forgotten. It lives on through occasional appearances in modern-day carnivals and processions, serving as a reminiscence of Norwich’s rich, cultural past.