The History Of Morris Dance

The original custom of Morris Dance was that it was to be performed on special occasions, which might only be once or two times a year. The particular time of year that the dance would be performed varied from county to county, for example in Oxfordshire and Gloucestershire Morris Dancing would take place during Whitsuntide, whereas other counties choose Christmas time. Normally the Morris Dancers would dance in their own villages and would then move onto neighbouring villages and towns. About 60 years ago, Oxfordshire Morris Dancers  would go to London 4 weeks before hay making, dancing in towns and villages that they stayed at on their way to London. Once in London they would dance in various areas, Paddington being one of the most popular.

Morris Dancers costumes have varied from county to county but they all had similarities such as bells, the use of sticks and hankerchiefs. The use of bells is the most important part of Morris Dancers costume, and a pad of bells is worn between the knee and ankle on both legs. Sticks were often used in dances and when they were used they were either held one in each hand or just one in the right hand. If sticks were not used then hankerchiefs would take their place, but the hankerchiefs were always white, coloured one's would never be seen.

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