Traditional celebration of May 1st by Rattlejag Morris
The origins of Morris dancing are uncertain but it does have a long recorded history of over 600 years. Some believe the dances go back to ancient times and celebrate the annual rebirth of Spring and the turn of the seasons.Rattlejag Morris support this notion by dancing at dawn on May 1st.
The audience, dancers and musicians gather at around 5.15 on mayday morning at the site of the Motte and Bailey castle in Laxton Nottinghamshire.
As the last of the night slips away songs are sung ‘to welcome in the Summer’ and as dawn breaks the dancing begins.
The dancers wear black and white outfits covered in ribbons and wear colourful face paint to complete the harlequin effect.
Music is provided by local bagpipes, fiddle, concertina, banjo and melodeon plus a variety of percussion instruments.
The dancing lasts for around 25 minutes culminating in an audience participation dance called Rattle Off danced to the tune of the Newark Quickstep.After the dancing there is a breakfast BBQ of sausages, bacon and black pudding washed down with a glass of real ale.
To witness daybreak is always special but to combine it with a picturesque historic location, music and dancing the experience becomes magical. This year the event is extra special as two members of our side namely Mark Etheridge and Cathy Jackson have chosen May 1 as their Wedding Day. They will be joining us for the traditional celebrations then going home to prepare for their wedding in Newark at 12.30pm.
When May 1 falls on a weekday around 100 people join us because this year it is a Saturday and a wedding day we are expecting up to twice that number.The event is free and we aim to provide a breakfast for everyone, donations towards the cost of this are always gratefully received and a collection box is discreetly placed next to the BBQ.
We can promise you a warm welcome, good food and drink and enjoyable dancing so please put the date in your diary now and come along to help us celebrate this extra special day.
For more information contact Jayne Rose on 01522 703510 or visit our website www.rattlejagmorris.org.uk