Thursday 16 September 2010

Ring Out Those Bells

Photos Copyright: Maggie May



I have posted about Morris Dancers before. That is because my son belongs to a Morris Dancing group and he often asks me to go with him on his various excursions. (Probably to babysit the girls or at least take them off his hands for a bit!)

I must say that I always manage to enjoy myself on these occasions and I find that Morris dancers are an extremely friendly bunch of people.


Some of these pictures were taken at the Sidmouth Festival while we were on holiday recently.
Others were taken when I went to various engagements with my son's group.


Some have outfits that make them stand out from the rest, following a definite colour. Others have rag outfits of many colours.
There is sometimes a horse or a clown type figure to bring a bit of humour into the dance.


Most groups have music of some sort to accompany the dancing.
Many carry sticks that are used in formation dancing.
But everyone have bells on their legs!


The tradition goes way back in time and each group seems to put a slightly different slant onto their dances and outfits.


If there are still any overseas readers who don't understand what Morris Dancing is about, they can go here.



Sometimes the sticks seem positively dangerous and it isn't that unusual to get a whack on the head from time to time.
But it seems to be a very good form of exercise.
Pity I'm a bit long in the tooth to take it up.






31 comments:

Jinksy said...

I don't know which make me drool most - the bells on the legs, or the raggeddy coats! I'd love to walk round Havant with either in place! LOL :)

Irene said...

I think I like the ragged coats the best. They must look very nice when they are dancing. I'm imagining the bells ringing. I'm sure that's a lot of fun too.

Hilary said...

I just looked up a couple of videos on Morris dancing and quite enjoyed them. Now I have a much better idea of what it's all about. I love the photos.. so colourful and whimsical.

Formerly known as Frau said...

So cool i would love to see them perform some day!

CorvusCorax12 said...

oh what fun, i'm glad you enjoy it

Jeni said...

Around here, where I live, I don't think anyone has ever heard or paid any attention to May Day (other than to think of it as a call for help, ya know) but it does look like it would be a fun way to celebrate nonetheless!

CiCi said...

Nice pictures and thanks for the info on Morris Dancers. Sure looks like it takes so much energy.

Akelamalu said...

I love watching Morris Dancers - so much fun!

Suldog said...

I've seen Morris Dancers, and always enjoyed them when I did, but they aren't too often seen here. Sahme, that.

Suldog said...

That is, SHAME, of course.

Catherine said...

It's just such a wacky and fun thing to do, but you really need a lovely day and a good pub to enjoy them. We had them in our village recently and that certainly got everyone out of their houses.

Brian Miller said...

that is way cool...the outfits are so colorfula nd eye catching...would love to see them some time...got a vid?

Jayne said...

Aw Sidmouth is lovely - I passed through there earlier this year and thought it looked like a great place. Glad you had a nice day out!

Oh there is an award for you on my blog as well. :)

Nessa said...

That looks like so much fun. Some of them look like they are wearing confetti and streamers.

Anonymous said...

some lovely photos Maggie - once, at school, my teacher told me that I would make a good morris dancer...or a bell ringer...and I did neither.

secret agent woman said...

It certainly looks festive.

Anonymous said...

This is really strange that I've come here and read this post today; the other day I watched an old Last of the Summer Wine which was based on morris dancing outfits and I thought of the blogger I know who often posts about morris dancing.

CJ xx

Working Mum said...

Brilliant!! I haven't seen any live Morris Dancing since I lived near Beverley. Do some do that thing with the swords where they link them together to make a star shape? I always think that's clever.

Suburbia said...

Great pics, I do love watching Morris Dancing and I haven't been anywhere to see it for ages.

I know it's Sydmouth but any of them Sam? :-)

Maggie May said...

Yes....... Suburbia, Sam is there!
Maggie X

Rose said...

These dances look like so much fun to watch, Maggie. I love the colorful raggedy coats.

Sam said...

Hey, I'm in some of those photos!

The Mighty Sam

Eddie Bluelights said...

Great to see the Morris Dancers, Maggie, although I did not recognise my own nephew!! LOL Must look again.
I am late because I have been dreadfully busy driving a bus LOL. No Peace for the wicked!!
I'm just off to read your previous post. Luv ~ Eddie

Hadriana's Treasures said...

I do love Morris Dancers and these are great pictures.

Thank you, Maggie, as ever for visiting mine.

I'm trying to get more organised - visiting people's blogs. I must sort out a system for doing it.

Hope you are well. Hugs Hadriana xx

merry weather said...

I've been catching up on your blog and I am so sad to read of your health news Maggie. I send you positive energy and happiness :-). You do sound as tough and cheerful as ever - inspiring woman.

I've often seen Morris dancing but I've never seen those multi-coloured rag suits before. What fun!

karen said...

I want to be a Morris dancer!...and wear the rag coat in multi colors...dance and be happy...what a wonderful group to be involved with.
Thanks for your visit to the garden. It's good to hear from you. Hope you're having a lovely day.

Sniffles and Smiles said...

I love these dancers!!! So colorful!! And charming!!! How delightful that your son is a part of such a group and that you have the joy of attending their performances...and the festival!! Fantastic photos, Maggie!!! You are such a pro!!! ~Janine XO

MARY G said...

I love Morris dancers but have only seen them a very few times - thanks for the lead to the web site.
I can see why you have fun.

And regarding the bears - if you knit, it is about an hour's work to make a 'chunky' pullover for a bear and the kids love them. My daughter at 43 still has a bear with a sweater in her high school colours. She never grew out of bear country.

SandyCarlson said...

Great shots. I have seen these dancers at Irish festivals, and they are wonderful to behold. Great stuff, Maggie.

Unspoken said...

Maggie, it looks like such fun :)!

Anonymous said...

Oh, I love the joy and musicality of Morris Men! Great shots.