The Guardian recently ran a photo gallery on Great Britain’s oldest “folk” dance. The lead off reads:
“The Abbots Bromley horn dance is an English folk dance whose origins date back to the middle ages and is performed annually on Wakes Monday – which is the first Monday after 4 September. The tradition, which takes place in the Staffordshire village, is believed to be the oldest folk dance in Britain and some of the antlers have been carbon dated to be more than 1,000 years old”
Of course the question NOT addressed is – the purpose of said performance; such activities don’t survive a millenium without there being some end to the efforts expended in preparation and execution – at least early on in the tradition’s history.
According to the town’s website:
“The Abbots Bromley Horn Dance, performed at the Barthelmy Fair in August 1226, is one of the few ritual rural customs to survive the passage of time. Today the Horn Dance, which takes place annually on Wakes Monday, offers a fascinating day out attracting visitors from all over the world.
“After collecting the horns from the church at eight o’clock in the morning, the Horn Dancers comprising six Deer-men, a Fool, Hobby Horse, Bowman and Maid Marian, perform their dance to music provided by a melodian player at locations throughout the village and its surrounding farms and pubs. A walk of about 10 miles (or 16 kilometres).
“At the end of a long and exhausting day, the horns are returned to the church in the evening.
“Attractions during the day include exhibitions, craft stalls and, of course, the local pubs.”
http://www.abbotsbromley.com/horn_dance
The BBC report notes briefly that organizers say it’s purpose, traditionally, is to “ensure good hunting.”
Hmm. Folks dance around holding deer horns – that are kept in the town church – to ensure good hunting. Hmm.
Well, you can see the pix here:
