In 1913 the folklorist Thurstan Peter wrote about it; influenced by the ideas of the anthropologist James Frazer, Peter argued that the 'Obby 'Oss custom might have once been a pre-Christian religious ritual designed to secure fertility. The idea that the custom had pre-Christian roots helped to convert it into a tourist attraction.
In 1913, folklorist Thurstan Peter discussed the 'Obby 'Oss custom; influenced by anthropologist James Frazer's ideas, he suggested that this tradition might have been a pre-Christian religious ritual intended to ensure fertility. The notion of its ancient origins helped make it a popular tourist attraction.