Burying the Hatchet Post-Election in Delaware (with Special Bonus Ox Roast)

A University of Delaware page reports:

The State Law of 1791 moved the county seat in Sussex County from Lewes to a more centrally located area of the county, later naming the town Georgetown after one of the leading voices in relocating the county seat further inland. At that time, voters were required to go to the courthouse in Georgetown to cast their votes for local, state, and federal office. Two days later, voters returned to hear the results read out and certified. This was the birth of the unique Delaware tradition—Return Day.

Since 1812, Return Day has been celebrated in Georgetown. Both successful and unsuccessful candidates descend on the town to close out election season in Delaware in a show of unity. Members-elect and their opponents, Democrats and Republicans for both state and local office come together for the parade through town, former opponents riding together in carriages and floats (though the losers are traditionally seated backwards), before hearing the official Sussex County vote tally in front of the courthouse. After the votes are read, everyone buries the hatchet—literally. State party leaders bury a literal hatchet in sand from Lewes, Delaware, the original county seat, officially ending the campaign cycle in Delaware. Other activities of the day include an ox roast, free to all assembled, games, and opportunities to meet elected officials.

I like that. Thanks to Harry Baumgarten for the pointer.

Comments

[Jett's Pop]

I think the ox might disagree.

[John F. Carr]

I have been to two pig roasts. I can not recall anybody I know mentioning an ox roast.

[The Margrave of Azilia]

Have you oxed them about it?

[The Margrave of Azilia]

Then they go camping and roast marshmallows while singing "Kumbayah."

It's a nice concept, but I don't think it's going to find takers among the strong partisans. Give them hatchets, and it's not the ground the hatchets will end up buried in.

[Dan Schiavetta]

This used to be our tradition, among adults, until Trump showed up. Trump does not bury any hatchets. It’s all about grievance, grievance, grievance — not based on reality but upon his childish sense that he is the center of the universe.

[The Margrave of Azilia]

Let us not romanticize the past.

Jefferson and Adams terminated their friendship for years because of politics, so that their ultimate reconciliation is celebrated as a near-miracle.

Hamilton and Burr quarreled over election-related stuff, and they didn’t even have a reconciliation in this life.

After John C. Breckenridge lost the Presidential election in 1860, he ended up going to war with the U. S. under the Presidency of the guy he lost to.

If mutual affection and hatchet-burying were the rule after elections, Woodrow Wilson (or Edith) would have pardoned Debs after defeating him in 1920, but Debs stayed in prison until Harding’s administration.

These are just a few examples which come to mind.

[The Margrave of Azilia]

I mean, Wilson didn't defeat Debs in 1920, but Wilson had a guy (Cox) who ran against Debs and they both lost to Harding. Wilson could have pardoned his fellow-loser, Debs.

[Doug Huffman]

What a nice and interesting idea! I fear the divide is for now too deep. Maybe someday, Next Year in Jerusalem. Thanks EV.

Here it is a tradition to acknowledge oncoming drivers with a wave of some sort, originally greeting someone else toughing out the winter on our Island. Yesterday I waved to the president of a liberal church council but she was stony faced and did not return the salute.