Pearly king meaning

A pearly king is a person who acts as a symbol of charity and community service within the East End of London.


Pearly king definitions

Word backwards ylraep gnik
Part of speech Noun
Syllabic division pear-ly king
Plural The plural of the word pearly king is pearly kings.
Total letters 10
Vogais (3) e,a,i
Consonants (7) p,r,l,y,k,n,g

What is a Pearly King?

A Pearly King is a traditional figure in London's East End known for their intricate and ornate outfits adorned with hundreds of shimmering mother-of-pearl buttons. The tradition of the Pearly Kings dates back to the 19th century when street traders would sew pearl buttons onto their clothing to attract customers.

The History of Pearly Kings

The Pearly King tradition originated with a man named Henry Croft, who worked as a street sweeper in the late 1800s. Croft started sewing pearl buttons onto his clothes to raise money for charity and soon inspired others in the community to do the same. The Pearly Kings and Queens became known for their philanthropic work, raising funds for various causes and charities.

The Pearly King Outfit

A typical Pearly King outfit consists of a dark suit covered in hundreds of shiny pearl buttons. Each Pearly King would have a specific pattern or design made from the buttons, often incorporating symbols or initials that hold personal significance. The outfits are meticulously crafted and are worn with pride during public appearances and events.

Pearly Kings Today

While the tradition of the Pearly King may have originated in the past, there are still Pearly Kings and Queens who carry on the tradition today. They continue to raise money for charity and promote community spirit through their elaborate outfits and public appearances. The Pearly Kings and Queens are a beloved and iconic part of London's cultural heritage.

In conclusion, the Pearly King tradition is a unique and historical aspect of London's East End culture. With their dazzling outfits and dedication to charitable causes, the Pearly Kings and Queens are a symbol of community spirit and tradition that continues to inspire people to this day.


Pearly king Examples

  1. The pearly king was dressed in his traditional attire for the festive parade.
  2. She admired the intricate designs on the pearly king's jacket.
  3. The pearly king's charitable acts were well-known in the community.
  4. His hat was adorned with pearly buttons, a symbol of his pearly king status.
  5. The pearly king greeted everyone with a warm smile at the event.
  6. People gathered around to watch the pearly king perform a traditional dance.
  7. The history of the pearly kings dates back to the 19th century in London.
  8. She learned about the customs and traditions of the pearly king during her visit.
  9. The pearly king's crown was adorned with shiny pearls and gemstones.
  10. He felt honored to be chosen as the next pearly king of the neighborhood.


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  • Updated 17/04/2024 - 12:07:43