Sticks and Bells
Sticks and Bells
Morris dancing was traditionally associated with Whit week. Nowadays it is seen at other times of the year, the Summer months especially. “What’s it all mean?” is the most frequently asked question.
Enough has been said of ritual origins... pagan fertility cults... scaring evil spirits with bells and hankies... fights between good and evil... weather control! At best these are only supposition. Whether they were ritual dances or not has to remain a mystery – we just don’t know. The earliest documentary evidence of the morris dance stems largely from Churchwarden’s Accounts from the 15th century or early reactions to traditions – not always favourable.
These days there are many varieties of mn styles of dancing and costume. Handkerchief dancing is probably the most common but there are dances with sticks, with garlands and with swords of wood or metal. Each village may have its own repertoire and style of performance. Perhaps there is a local team near you. Contact them and find out more about it.
There is a Beginners' Guide to English Folk Dance which explains more about morris dancing.
