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Young morris dancers ring the changes in North

Jan 11 2009 by Robert Weatherall, Sunday Sun

World wise

Morris dancer Ron Straughan of Pity Me

THE origins of morris dancing are disputed. The first recorded dance in England was in the 15th century. Some say the term “morris ”may have been derived from the French word “morisque” meaning dance.

Others believe the dance first started in Morocco and came to England via Spain through “Moorish” influences.

Another explanation is that the dances relate to fertility rites dating back to pagan times. The costumes and dances are believed in some quarters to be a variant of old court jesters. It has also been claimed that the dances celebrated the renewal of spring while others say it was a dance dedicated to the ancients’ god “Maris.”

Despite its early origins, morris dancing is a reinvented tradition, part of the great British folk revival of the late 19th century.

It had died out in all but a few villages, but was revived by folk music researcher Cecil Sharp. Today, morris groups are also found in the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Hong Kong.

ATHLETIC morris dancers performing in the US

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