Day 363 of 365: Buckeyes or Conkers?

Matt brought these home from his trip to Evesham today. He was so excited to show me what he called Conkers, only my reaction was, "Buckeyes!" How funny that yet another thing in British culture is called something completely different in the US.

You see, in my birthplace of Columbus, Ohio, what you see in the photo comes from a Buckeye tree and is commonly seen on various necklaces strung with Scarlet and Grey beads...


...and around the neck of a screaming fan of a particular American College Football team known as The Ohio State University...Buckeyes, of course! Naturally, the team mascot is a Buckeye as well...meet Brutus Buckeye!


And although you can't eat a Buckeye from a tree, there is actually an edible version that you CAN consume (although I'll personally have to wait until little bunny is here...which is so unfair)...


Please take note of the chocolate and peanut buttery goodness! (Feel free to send these our way if you're in Ohio and the spirit so moves you) ::drools::

I digress.

Here in England, what you see in the initial photo is called a Conker and there is even a game that is played involving these horse-chestnuts. Basically, you drill a hole into the light brown centre and tie a string or shoelace through. The game is played by each of two people taking turns swinging their Conker to break the other person's Conker. Player one holds theirs by the string and lets it dangle as player two takes a vicious swing. Matt tells of people dipping their Conkers is certain solutions to harden them and make them 'The Mighty Unbeatable Conker.' Apparently you will be highly respected in the Conker-world with this status.

So...Buckeye or Conker...you decide.