Folklore: Morris mystery

Subject: Morris mystery
From: dermod in salisbury
Date: 14 Apr 04 - 06:05 PM

Here is an odd one. Just watched on telly for the umpteenth time the National Lampoon Griswolds European Vacation with Chevy Chase etc. Always reminds my family of our own early continental holidays in a Citroen Dyane falling prey to every rip off with blissful optimism. (I disgress).   The Bavarian/Austrian dance scene is the point. Was this not Morris dancing in lederhosen? The steps, the slapping with or without sticks, the formation clog, the mysogeny (no ladies in a proper side), the beer culture. Could it be that Morris is Moritz, Germanic as pils, and nothing whatever to do with obscure Moorish origins as usually suggested? Not to knock Morris. Warm beer and cricket is keeps many of us going.

Subject: RE: Morris mystery
From: michaelr
Date: 14 Apr 04 - 06:48 PM

Interesting theory, Dermod! I think you may be on to something here. The similarities are certainly striking.

I'm sure someone will weigh in shortly with knowledge of the origins of Morris dancing. Meanwhile, I think this thread should have the "Folklore" heading.

Cheers,
Michael

Subject: RE: Morris mystery
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 15 Apr 04 - 01:24 AM

Yes, it's an interesting idea. Even if it's true that Morris dancing originated with the Moors, it seems unlikely that the British would be the only European people who learned Moorish dancing.

Are there any other kinds of male-only traditional dancing in Europe?

Subject: RE: Folklore: Morris mystery
From: GUEST,.gargoyle
Date: 15 Apr 04 - 01:38 AM

By George!!!! I think you ARE onto something here!!! Well Done!!!

However, the Germanic root-word I believe you are seeking is MORSCH

Sincerely,
Gargoyle

where is that little annoying gadfly of a Parlimentry petitioner? Gone, gone, gone, just when he might be a bit helpful.

Subject: RE: Folklore: Morris mystery
From: GUEST,ozmacca
Date: 15 Apr 04 - 06:29 AM

And then there's that Greek Zorba style dancing, where the women stand back and look on while the men all link arms and try to look sober and stately during an elaborate series of movements while balancing glasses of something highly combustible on their heads.....

Nah...Come to think of it, that's nothing at all like Morris.

Subject: RE: Folklore: Morris mystery
From: GUEST,KB
Date: 15 Apr 04 - 06:39 AM

Nice one Gargoyle!

Subject: RE: Folklore: Morris mystery
From: GUEST,Alexis (sans cookie - new job and computer)
Date: 15 Apr 04 - 07:58 AM

At the risk of being sucked into a frivolous thread, I recall an evening of Basque dance and music (french side) where costumes were very similar to Cotwold complete with bells, and some of the music wasvery similar or even the same as some northwest tunes.But, I am sure that this has been threaded time and time again.
alex

Subject: RE: Folklore: Morris mystery
From: mouldy
Date: 16 Apr 04 - 03:09 AM

While at an international dance festival in Germany many moons ago, I was fascinated by the Basque dancers - they danced with hoops, like many NW sides, even the men on some occasions. The men danced with plainer hoops in one dance, and in a square set. They then proceeded to do a fighting dance by clashing the hoops. I was reliably informed that at least one of the tunes was a bouree. (There is a dance done by NW sides called "Basque Garland").

And they did have long whites on. And bells. And ribbons.

Then, of course, there were the Dutch longsword dancers (wooden swords in this case)...


Andrea