Morris Dance

The rather curious "English Morris dance," with its ringing leg bells, high jumps, and clalshing sticks is also thought to have originated as an ancient fertility ritual, but one that acquired an entirely new identity following the Crusades. The stamping and leaping refer back to ageless religious rites invoking divine intervention to encourage rich harvests; the crops were thought to grow to the height that the dancers jump, and the jingling bells served to ward off evil spirits. However, the name 'morris' is a corruption of 'Moorish,' and the clashing of sticks represent the Christian armies' attempt to beat down the Muslim enemy and free the Holy Land from their rule. Morris dances are still performed throughout England today, although audiences rarely appreciate their symbolism.