Origins of May Day

[Miss Muffet]

Here's a mini history lesson:

May Day is an ancient Celtic celebration of Beltane (from Celtic sun god Belenus). Beltane is just 1 of many pre-Christian fire festivals. This one was a 3-day event which ended on May 1st, the focus being to ensure the coming years' fertility. This was 'achieved' by dancing round a maypole, crowning a May King and Queen, Morris dancing and jumping over bonfires!

The crowning of the May Queen is a well-known tradition, but originally there would have been a May King too, it is not known when this custom was dropped. There is a 'loose' association with Robin Hood and Maid Marion.

The various dances and descriptions are:

Morris Dancing - possibly the most well-known static dance. The name derives from the latin 'mores', which means tradition or custom. It is danced by (usually) all male dancers, who dress in ribbons, bells and handkerchiefs. It is one of Englands oldest customs and was described as 'ancient' back in the 16th century by Shakespeare himself!

Maypole Dancing - another static dance where the obvious phalic symbol, is danced around by usually children, who interweave coloured ribbons into intricate patterns.:ballet:

Garland Dancing - again static, usually danced by women & girls or boys & girls. Less robust than Morris Dancing and prettier as garlands of flowers are swung between the hands of the dancers.

Clog Dancing - similar to Morris Dancing, but clogs are worn in place of boots. This is a processional dance, mainly performed in the North of England.

Stick Dancing - another static form of Morris Dancing where the hankies are replaced by sticks and the dancers bash these together to drive away evil spirits.:medusa:

English Sword Dancing - yes, another static dance where blunt swords are interwoven during the dance and held up at the end by 1 dancer to show a woven star.

WAKE UP! :zzz: I'm finished!

I hope some of you can use some of this information and maybe even perform 1 or 2 of the customs with your charges!