Origins of May Day
 

Here's a mini history lesson::cheerful:

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! :wide-eyed

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.:princess:

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. :bell: 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.:leaf:

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.:ferret:

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. :knight:

WAKE UP! :zzz: I'm finished!:D

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