Is it ancient? Is it pagan?
Well, yes and no. But it is from England ...but was it? Did it come across from Europe in the Middle East during the Crusades or did it creep from the ancient religions of Briton? Is Morris a corruption of Moorish or Morris Men a corruption of Mary's Men. Was it only danced by men or did the woman do it too?
These questions and more.

Shakespeare referred to the Morris as ancient.
The first known written record of Morris dates back to 1458.

Throughout it's known history it's been backed by the royal courts, the guilds and the churches.

The puritans banned it! But it couldn't be repressed.

It was danced in the cities and danced in the country. The Morris was danced in the Midsummer Watch processions in London and at the May Games. Later, it was danced in the country villages, each village having it's own style or tradition.

But where did it come from? We don't really know, the origins have been lost in the 'Mysts of Time"...

Now it's danced in many countries around the world by both men and women, boys and girls ...mostly wherever the English Empire had taken root.

It's fun to watch and fun to do. The tradition lives on.

Email the Squire and she'll be forced to tell you more.
Stephanie Swanson: euphonious.revelry@gmail.com