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What is Morris dancing and how is it applied in other contexts such as Latin America?

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What is Morris dancing and how is it applied in other contexts such as Latin America?

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Morris dancing is a traditional folk dance from rural England, characterized by groups of men performing ritualistic dances often associated with pagan celebrations. Dancers typically wear white clothes, with bells attached to their legs or bodies, and perform with sticks, swords, or handkerchiefs. The dance is believed to have ancient Indo-European origins and is associated with bringing luck or having magical powers.

In Latin America, similar ritual dances exist, such as the moriscas (or moriscos), santiagos, and matachinas, which share some elements with Morris dancing. These dances are part of a broader tradition of ritualistic and ceremonial dances found in various cultures worldwide, including parts of Central and South America. However, there is no specific evidence of a direct adaptation or representation of Morris dancing by Latin Americans. Instead, the region has developed its own rich repertoire of traditional dances influenced by various cultural and historical factors.

Reference : Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopaedia (2024). Morris dance. Encyclopedia Britannica.

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juliana cardona

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International Youth Day Social Media Template (poster)

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Hello Juliana I agree with you, Language and society are inextricably linked also Language reflects our social and cultural realities while influencing the way we perceive and interact with the world. By understanding this relationship, we can more deeply appreciate the power of language and its role in shaping our lives or those of other members of a community or groups with genders, ethnicities, and traditions preserved throughout the growth and expansion of human beings.

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Veronica Lopez

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We can understand human cognition through linguistic signs, where we can see that language is a result of knowing a culture, which is representative of a certain place.

Also, language connects with social and cultural context, which influences people's view.

When they interact with the environment, narrative becomes more efficcient to describe this event, by the cognition-culture-language interaction.

We may identify that the narrative was rhetorical, as it is focused on explaining the importance of knowing the most genuin cultural features, and how some elements are described there, as gastronomy, language, and so on.

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According to Philip Riley (2007), his analysis emphasizes how language not only reflects a culture but also plays a fundamental role in the formation of identities and social structures. The author points out that knowing about language involves more than learning vocabulary and grammar; it requires an awareness of the cultural and social context in which it is applied. In this sense, as you mentioned, narrative (sequence of facts or events with elements of grammar) becomes a tool that manifests and communicates the most genuine cultural traits, such as gastronomy or social practices, which are important for understanding the deepest levels of human cognition and identity.

Best regards.

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What is your opinion? Any similarity with the cultural dances of Colombia?

Reference : Morris Dance UK. (2024). JMO Day of Dance 2024: Vibrant Morris Dancing in Newark-on-Trent!

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JMO Day of Dance 2024: Vibrant Morris Dancing in Newark-on-Trent!

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This traditional dance is celebrated around May, and it started to exist for about the age 1448, and it may have a Berber origin, which would be called as Moorish dance, and in Spanish "danza morisca". In addittion, its name would be from the word in Latin "Mores", which means customs.

Another important aspect, is that in this tradition, there are certain accessories, and one that was used in old times, were bells, with the goal of representing the Moors in the masquerades, as it was a well known in the Medieval age.

Before the British civil war, the working and rural classes, participated in these dances, which were part of high classes.

Also, there are some types of Morris dancing, such as: Costwold, North west, Border, Longsword dancing, Rapper, and Molly dancing.

One of the pruposes of this dancing, was to fight against the insects that come every spring.

In this particular dancing, there is a rhythmic stamping of the feet and dancers can use prompts such as wooden sticks.

References:

Danza Morris. (2024, 20 de septiembre). Wikipedia, La enciclopedia libre. Fecha de consulta: 06:05, septiembre 20, 2024 desde https://es.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Danza_Morris&oldid=162556587.

Danzas Morris, origen y metáforas. Librería Yorick. https://www.libreriayorick.com/danza/2373-danzas-morris-origen-y-metafora.html#:~:text=Los%20Morris%20men%20o%20bailarines,para%20presentar%20una%20nueva%20batalla.

Morris en sus inicios-sociedad de danza y canciones folclóricas inglesas. English folk dance and song society. https://translate.google.com/translate?u=https://www.efdss.org/learning/resources/beginners-guides/34-english-folk-costume/110-early-morris&hl=es&sl=en&tl=es&client=rq&prev=search#:~:text=It%20is%20likely%20that%20medieval%20morris%20dancers%20wore%20bells%20because,bells%20all%20over%20their%20body.

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Notable examples are the Perchten dancer-masqueraders of Austria, the ritual dances such as the moriscas (or moriscos), santiagos, and matachinas of the Mediterranean and Latin America, and the călușari of Romania. The wide distribution of such dances suggests an ancient Indo-European origin. A common feature of many of them is that of a group of dancing men attendant on a pagan god who celebrates his revival after death. Often the dancers wear white clothes and dance with bells fastened to the legs or body. A feeling that the dances have magic power or bring luck persists wherever they are traditionally performed.Among specific Morris dances are Bean Setting, Leap Frog, and Laudnum Bunches. The few solo Morris dances are called Morris jigs; an example is the Shepherds’ Hey. The name Morris dance is sometimes loosely applied to sword dances in which a group of men weave their swords into intricate patterns.

https://www.britannica.com/art/Morris-dance

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Morris dance, ritual folk dance performed in rural England by groups of specially chosen and trained men; less specifically, a variety of related customs, such as mumming, as well as some popular entertainments derived from them. Similar customs are widespread throughout Europe and extend to the Middle East, India, and parts of Central and South America. Notable examples are the Perchten dancer-masqueraders of Austria, the ritual dances such as the moriscas (or moriscos), santiagos, and matachinas of the Mediterranean and Latin America, and the călușari of Romania. The wide distribution of such dances suggests an ancient Indo-European origin. A common feature of many of them is that of a group of dancing men attendant on a pagan god who celebrates his revival after death. Often the dancers wear white clothes and dance with bells fastened to the legs or body. A feeling that the dances have magic power or bring luck persists wherever they are traditionally performed.

The central figure of the dances, usually an animal-man, varies considerably in importance. In some cases, he may dominate the rite; in others-as in many English Morris dances-the young men in the corps d'élite may dominate, with the animal-man and other dramatic characters either relegated to the subsidiary role of comics or omitted. The name Morris is also associated with the horn dance held each year at Abbots Bromley, Staffordshire, Eng. This dance procession includes six animal-men bearing deer antlers, three white and three black sets; a man-woman, or Maid Marian, and a fool, both carrying phallic symbols; a hobby horse; and a youth with a crossbow who shoots at the leading "stags" whenever possible.

A comparable surviving animal custom is the May Day procession of a man-horse, notably at Padstow, Cornwall. There, the central figure, "Oss Oss," is a witch doctor disguised as a horse and wearing a medicine mask. The dancers are attendants who sing the May Day song, beat drums, and in turn act the horse or dance in attendance. The name Morris is also associated with groups of mummers who act, rather than dance, the death-and-survival rite at the turn of the year.

Throughout history, the Morris seems to have been common. It was imported from village festivities into popular entertainment after the invention of the court masque by Henry VIII. The word Morris apparently derived from "morisco," meaning "Moorish." Cecil Sharp, whose collecting of Morris dances preserved many from extinction, suggested that it might have arisen from the dancers' blacking their faces as part of the necessary ritual disguise.

Among specific Morris dances are Bean Setting, Leap Frog, and Laudnum Bunches. The few solo Morris dances are called Morris jigs; an example is the Shepherds' Hey. The name Morris dance is sometimes loosely applied to sword dances in which a group of men weave their swords into intricate patterns. Compare sword dance.

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Morris dance | English Folk Dance, Rituals & Music

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Morris dance, ritual folk dance performed in rural England by groups of specially chosen and trained men; less specifically, a variety of related customs, such as mumming, as well as some popular entertainments derived from them. Similar customs are widespread throughout Europe and extend to the

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How does Morris dancing influence other countries?

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How does Morris dancing influence other countries?

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1. Morris Dance has inspired similar dances in Europe, such as the sword dance in Scotland and the baton dance in Wales.

2. In North America, this has influenced dances such as Square Dance and Contra Dance.

3. In Autralia the morris dance began to be mixed with local dances.

4. In Canada we can find the square dance.

In this way we can realize how different cultures travel and evolve among diversity and from these we can find new traditions.

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Hi guys, we can still add more to the script, don't give up... better yet with the discussion about the cultural contributions of Morris dance in English-speaking contexts.

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Hi Alejandra, I agree with you when you say that language is key for the constructed cultural identities to reflect differences and affirm belonging in communities, in this way we can say that language shapes society, and although there are different cultures and different languages, we are all together, with our different customs.

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Based on your post, I think that is very important to identify how this dancing is relevant in many different places, such as in other regions of UK, and how it inspired other cultures to create new dancings, which is a good that you shared this data, to talk about, how some cultures influence others, in folklore for example, and it has a history about how that happened, to understand in more detail this topic so, that is a great explanation.

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In each season, the customs can change, as for example on Whitsun is a contraction of white Sunday, and it consists on wearing white clothes, depending on the situation.

This tradition started in 1600s.

Also, this dancing is known as a fertility ritual, which in those years, it was something very relevant with the social goals.

English Folk, dance and song society. https://www.efdss.org/learning/resources/beginners-guides/34-english-folk-costume/2462-efdss-section-3-cotswold-morris#:~:text=Why%20White%3F,colour%20white%20since%20the%201600s.

Morris-Dancing. TradFolk. https://tradfolk.co/morris-dancing/#:~:text=It%20has%20been%20suggested%20that,this%20claim%20up%20is%20scarce.

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Morris Dancing and its Impact on American Culture 

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Morris Dancing and its Impact on American Culture 

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Characters: Juliana, Verónica, Alejandra, Gustavo

Juliana: Hey guys, I just watched a video of a Morris dance group at a festival in New York! Who would have thought that such an ancient English tradition could be so popular here?

Gustavo: It's fascinating, isn't it? Morris dancing has deep roots in English culture, but it's amazing how it has managed to cross borders and adapt to different contexts.

Alejandra: Yeah! Its origins date back to the Middle Ages, and it's believed to have had ritual and magical connotations. Imagine dancing to ward off evil spirits!

Veronica: Woow that is very interesting! From a dance perspective, Morris’s dancing seems like a fascinating mix of rigid and spontaneous movements, with a strong connection to the community.

Juliana: So, from a cultural perspective, it's a perfect example of how traditions can evolve and transform without losing their essence. In the United States, Morris dancing has been adopted by different groups and has acquired new meanings.

Gustavo: I agree with you! I've seen Morris dance groups with influences from other cultures, like Irish or African. It's like a melting pot of traditions!

Alejandra: I think one of the reasons why Morris dancing has been so successful in the United States is because it fits with the idea of celebrating one's roots and traditions. Plus, the music and costumes are very eye-catching.

Veronica: People, Don´t forget the nostalgia factor. Many people are drawn to ancient traditions, and Morris's dancing offers them a connection to the past.

Juliana: on the other hand, dance is a very powerful way to express identity and belonging to a group. By dancing Morris, people feel part of something bigger than themselves.

Gustavo: all right, from a performance standpoint, Morris dancing is very visual and striking. It's perfect for festivals and public events!

Alejandra: That's right! And thanks to social media, Morris’s dancing has reached a much wider audience. There are more and more videos and documentaries showing the diversity and vitality of this tradition.

Veronica: I believe Morris’s dancing is an example of how cultures can enrich each other through exchange and adaptation.

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Juliana: Definitely! And it’s proof that traditions don't have to be static. They can evolve and adapt to changing times without losing their essence.

Gustavo: I agree! Morris dancing is a source of inspiration for all those who seek to connect with their roots and celebrate cultural diversity. However, I would like to know if any of you know if this dance has influenced some cultural traditions of our country?

Alejandra: oh yeah, I hear that the Morris Dance has inspired similar dances in Europe, such as the sword dance in Scotland and the baton dance in Wales also in North America, this has influenced dances such as Square Dance and Contra Dance.

Juliana : I’m with you Alejandra, also I found that in Australia and Canada, the Morris dance, began to be mixed with the local dances , Now with this information we can realize how different cultures travel and evolve among diversity and from these we can find new traditions, and the cultures start to be mixed with other, and this results in new customs, new cultures

Gustavo: According to the records of Morris dance dating back to 1448, here we can see how a simple custom can last so long in a community and spread

Veronica: Ok, what I know is that this dance was performed in the villages of Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Northamptonshire and Warwickshire, its origins come from these places I mentioned.

What about some accessories they add to the dancing, such as hankies, sticks, and costumes of white ribbons, baldrics and waistcoats, and nice hats that have been decorated. I wish I could go to this event, but I must set up an appointment with the tour guide agency, to find out about hotels and transport. Do you know if I must have a VISA to travel from Colombia to the UK?

Alejandra: No, I do not, you just need to travel with your passport, which means that would be so easy.  And about the agency, they sometimes miss out on these kinds of cultural events, where you can find the most traditional activities so maybe they do not know a lot about the Morris dancing. You should check out a good blog where you can find out more about this dancing and immerse yourself in more UK culture.

Gustavo: Ok, what I consider, is that you need to share more information about this blog, I will definitely check it out, because I am interested in UK culture, and I want to expand more my view about it, and go for the most relevant info about them, instead of looking for what everyone visits there. I consider this dance to be very historical, which gives it an antique vibe, to be more connected not with the contemporary world, but also to being more aware of their past.

Alejandra: Yes, my friend Gustavo, thanks to all this, how many traditions have been coming for many years or decades, and they are still the same. Influencing each community, influencing their language, it is wonderful to be able to discover activities that many of our ancestors celebrated

Juliana: Well, I know this blog is from a Padlet, and it has even videos to listen to more details about this unique dancing, and you can know how Morris dancing is just what a tourist person dreams to see, in order to avoid the same places that are offered for tourists, while they are not getting the experience to explore about this performance, which I can recommend you to take your time, to get informed about these specific dancing, to enjoy it, when you plan to travel or to look up for some UK traditions, just for curiosity.

I hope that was helpful for you, bye.

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In conclusion, through the creation of the Padlet, we have been able to express different traditions and values of different communities. The inclusion of “Morris Dancing” has allowed us to appreciate how dances are not only forms of entertainment, but also diverse identities, cultures, and social connections, as well as having a respect for cultural diversity, which is fundamental in an increasingly globalized world.

Although it is necessary for a theoretical deepening of the origins of the cultural expression previously discussed in the script, the experience is very significant since in my reflection I can affirm that the barriers of the communicative competencies in another language do not impede understanding the cultural message of an artistic expression of any part of the world, even I see contributions of the Morris dance in the costumes used in the personification of myths and legends of some regions of my country.

The dialogue highlights the adaptation and evolution of “Morris Dancing” as a reflection of cultural exchange and is an ancient dance that has found a place in various communities where it has acquired different mixes and meanings with other traditions. It is also a great example of how traditions can be transformed without losing their essence.

Moreover, the Morris dancing is very unique, and it has its own history, which is something very remarkable about a place, and it gives us a message with body communication.

The main idea is to participate in these kind of event, where you can immerse in the culture, and as a tourist person, you avoid going to the same well known places, where many traditions are missed out and people just know about general aspects of that place, which means they do not have enough contact with a new place, when they do not want to go out from their comfort zone. Therefore, it is better to looking for new experiences, and exploring in more detail about it, which is possible when you connect with past traditions that continue being relevant nowadays.