Sacrifice? Mysterious monthly banana ‘offerings’ baffle UK residents

Residents of Beeston, a town in Nottinghamshire, England, are intrigued by a peculiar mystery: for over a year, plates of peeled bananas have been appearing at the same road junction on the second day of each month.

The phenomenon occurs at the intersection of Abbey Road and Wensor Avenue, near a local church. The bananas, always neatly arranged on a plate, have sparked curiosity and speculation among locals, who are unsure of their purpose.

Clare Short, a Beeston resident, first noticed the recurring pattern. In an effort to address the situation, she placed a sign at the spot, stating:

"Please, respectfully, no more bananas! The uncollected plates and rotting bananas leave such a mess. Wishing a happy new year to you all."

However, her plea didn’t deter the mysterious contributor, as another plate of bananas was discovered on January 2nd.

Short shared her frustration with the BBC, saying, “I’ve asked around in the local community, but no one really knows anything or can provide an explanation.”

Theories abound among residents. Some suggest the bananas are a gesture for local wildlife, while others believe they could be a religious offering due to the proximity of the church.

Despite the mystery and mess, Short has chosen to approach the situation with understanding. “I’ve taken the signs down because I don’t want this to escalate or become contentious. I think it’s something special for someone, and I wish them well. But if they could come back and clean up a few days later, that would be lovely.”

For now, the monthly banana ritual remains unsolved, leaving Beeston residents both puzzled and amused.