September has always been the traditional time for feasts and fairs, with folk taking advantage of the last warm dry days before the onset of autumn and celebrating the earth's bounty with suppers and food fayres.
In Abbots Bromley in Staffordshire however, a very different type of public event is carried out every September called the Abbots Bromley Horn Dance, thought to date back at least 1000 years. Here six men carry reindeer antlers on their shoulders and dance around the whole village visiting all the outlying houses and local inns, having of course a sample of ale at each. The dance takes all day and they are accompanied by a motley crew of a male Maid Marion, a fool, a hobby horse and a boy with a bow and arrow.
Its origins are shrouded in mystery but suggestions include that it was once performed to ensure good hunting; that it was a dance to honour the sacrificial Corn God, or simply a harvest celebration which is said to bestow good luck upon all those who watch it.
It is normally held on the first Monday after the first Sunday after the 4th September but do check the web site to make sure as the date has been known to change on occasions.
If you miss the dancers going out in the morning however it's a long wait until they reappear late in the afternoon! There are stalls and a festive atmosphere in the village however and on a nice day it's worth a visit.
Read more in Mrs Darley's Pagan Whispers by Carole Carlton
In Abbots Bromley in Staffordshire however, a very different type of public event is carried out every September called the Abbots Bromley Horn Dance, thought to date back at least 1000 years. Here six men carry reindeer antlers on their shoulders and dance around the whole village visiting all the outlying houses and local inns, having of course a sample of ale at each. The dance takes all day and they are accompanied by a motley crew of a male Maid Marion, a fool, a hobby horse and a boy with a bow and arrow.
Its origins are shrouded in mystery but suggestions include that it was once performed to ensure good hunting; that it was a dance to honour the sacrificial Corn God, or simply a harvest celebration which is said to bestow good luck upon all those who watch it.
It is normally held on the first Monday after the first Sunday after the 4th September but do check the web site to make sure as the date has been known to change on occasions.
If you miss the dancers going out in the morning however it's a long wait until they reappear late in the afternoon! There are stalls and a festive atmosphere in the village however and on a nice day it's worth a visit.
Read more in Mrs Darley's Pagan Whispers by Carole Carlton
No comments:
Post a Comment