Grenoside in South Yorkshire has a long standing tradition of sword dancing. The highlight of the dance is the 'decapitation' of the leader (they knock off his rabbit skin hat), after which he comes back to life. J.G Frazer would have a field day. The dance still happens, by the way, on Boxing Day each year.
Perhaps I should have let you know that in December. At least you're prewarned for this year.
I know the Grenoside sword dancers and have seen them dance in person. There is something very starnge and ancient about the ritual beheading that I haven't seen in other dances that makes it stand out.
ReplyDeleteStephen