Since at least 1448, from the Midlands to Wales, up to the Borders, down to the Channel, the Morris Dancers have danced the summer in on May Day and throughout the year. Boxing Day and the beginning of January also feature in the calendar.
Last Christmas, I had the opportunity to see the Leicester Morris Men, complete with the Mummers’ Play at the end. A good number of people came out, children as well as grandparents. All engaged in this traditional form of English expression.
The Leicester Morris MenI love the look on his face, expressing joy in their expression.The Stick Dance – most traditions have one. Make me think of stomping to awaken the life in the earth or to frighten off bad spirits.He is caught in his music, caught in the tradition, caught expressing himself. One of my favourite shots of the day.
I have come to look forward to the Morris Dancers. They allow me to express a sort of raucous joy, a communal joy, shared with a village as it is meant to be.
I'm a Canadian who loves our planet and the people living on it. I also love to travel and take pictures. I'd like to think I've improved a little, but am pretty sure there's room to be better.
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