Solstice

Rather like bonfire night, Morris dancers are a British cultural artifact that are somewhat difficult to sell outside the UK.  But really, what could be more normal than dressing up in ribbons, tying bells to your feet, and hitting your fellow dancers with sticks and/or an inflated pig's bladder?

We were naturally very curious to hear of an appearance of Morris men on the West Coast, specifically at the Muir Woods Winter Solstice celebration.  An evening of extreme paganism was promised, with solstice crown and wreath making, story telling, folk music, and walking under the trees by candlelight.

They certainly delivered.  A huge crowd joined the rangers singing re-appropriated songs such as "I'm Dreaming of a Green Solstice" and "Joy to the World, the Solstice Comes".  There's an interesting symmetry in Christians stealing the solstice for Christmas and the National Parks stealing it back.

The only disappointment was the dancing.  A ranger prancing around shaking sleigh bells does not a Morris dancer make, and my national and Somerset pride almost forced me to jump on stage and take matters into my own hands.  Almost.  I think park rangers around here are allowed to carry guns.

The revelers gather.

Hannah takes making her solstice crown seriously.

My effort.  A little unbalanced.

Rachel.  A little unbalanced.

What's a neo-pagan gathering without some folk music?  I'm pleased to see a recorder on display.

Following the lights into the dark woods.

Nuts roasting on an open fire.

Hannah, like a woodland goddess, in the firelight.

So-called Morris dancers, suspiciously dressed as park rangers.  Want the real thing?  See here (filmed where Hannah grew up, no less).