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There is documentary evidence of morris dancing in England from the writings of the Puritan, Philip Stubbes (criticizing it in 1583). It probably originates from processions and perambulations or visitations from place to place in a parish at special times of the year. Linked chain dances (by sticks, swords handkerchiefs etc.) are of ancient origin as evidenced in rock carvings and ancient art and these seem to have developed into what we call "Ritual Dances" often performed exclusively by men and of a world wide distribution.
A variety of ritual dances have developed and as opposed to the "Social Dances" done purely for the enjoyment of the participants. They involved groups of trained dancers often collecting money or other rewards for their efforts.
Linked sword dances, hobby horses, rushcart processions as well as the familiar Morris Men are all part of a European wide culture. The Cotswold Morris (with the familiar white clothed dancers with bells, sticks and handkerchiefs) has its similar traditions in the Basque Country, Tunisia and Iran.
Other varieties exist such as the teams with blackened faces and tatter jackets of strips of cloth, performed in the Welsh Border counties of England. They are known as "Border Morris".
There are also North Western Processional Morris (such as the Britannia Coconut Dancers of Bacup) and Molly Dancers from East Anglia.
In the course of its development the Morris has absorbed many
elements from other dance forms, many of the figures of the social
Country Dance can be seen in its performance as well as some of the
high leaps and capers of certain Elizabethan dances.
Learn some of the different varieties of Dances, make
costumes, clash sticks, jingle those bells and wave handkerchiefs, who cares
what it all means when you're having fun!
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