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Post by kath on Jul 31, 2006 10:13:12 GMT
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Post by lakshmi on Jul 31, 2006 20:55:28 GMT
Some friends of mine are also interested in this. So, what will the gathering be doing, will we all meet up there or travel together? *~Lakshmi~*
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Post by nunquamus on Aug 2, 2006 14:37:48 GMT
The Horn Dance always falls on the Monday after the first Sunday after 4th September, which this year is the 11th. This is Wakes Monday in Abbots Bromley, and the dance has been performed since at least the thirteenth century, and quite possibly a great deal longer. The horns themselves have been carbon dated to around AD 1060, and are from a species of deer that is no longer native to this country. It is theorised that they were brought here by the Danes. The right to perform the dance is still vested in one particular family.
The dance starts early in the morning when the horns are blessed in the church, which is where they are stored for the rest of the year. But the origin of the dance is quite obviously pre-Christian, and is probably intended to ensure a plentiful catch during the hunt. It also involves a battle between the forces of light and darkness, which is appropriate as the dance was originally performed at the winter solstice. The dancers then move round to outlying settlements and farms, and also Bagot Hall, before returning to the village in the late afternoon where they slowly progress up the main road, stopping off in each of the five pubs. During the evening the dancers, having returned the horns to the church, are often to be found in the Crown, the central pub in the village overlooking the green. Here many other festivities take place, such as morris dancers and live music.
The Horn Dance has been popular with Pagans for many years, some of whom camp over behind the pub. It has become traditional for the Pagans to wear fancy dress to this event, though this is not compulsary!
Tony
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Post by baz on Aug 4, 2006 20:52:51 GMT
And if you get up in time, nice full English breakfast too! Come to think about it. With the tea and cakes at the WI, cider in the pubs, BBQ type thing on the evening, who needs moldy old horns ! lol
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Post by silentbob on Aug 22, 2006 15:42:52 GMT
From what I've read it sounds like an excuse for drinking, so a good thing then! Do they welcome pagans going or are they a bit 'sniffy' about it? How, 'out' are the pagan events there?
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Post by kath on Aug 23, 2006 4:10:32 GMT
The whole event is very welcoming to the pagan with stalls with pagan books, cards and gifts being sold. Having said that, it is a 'real' village as well so just behave as you would normally. I think dressing up a little bit is ok tho Love Kath
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