Overview

""See the blazing Yule before us"". This is just one of the many ancient British folk songs we all know and love. Other tunes and symbols that tug on our memories have similar historical roots, hearkening back to a shared Pagan past. At one time interwoven into the spiritual fabric of everyday life, the dances, songs, and theatrical plays in the English folk tradition are now little known to most of the modern Pagan community. Reviving these vital traditions can bring new life to Renaissance festivals, neopagan rituals, and community events.Introducing the lively music and homegrown entertainment of times long past, this descriptive how-to is designed for twenty-first-century joviality. The songs, dances, and plays of old are explained in their mythical, seasonal, and historical significance and outlined for easy reenactment. Simple-to-follow instructions detail six dances including the popular Abbots Bromley Horn dance, six full scripts for dramatic performances of Mummer's Plays (folk plays of death and rebirth), and over thirty songs with lyrics and music. Kick up your heels, hold high your skirts, and make merry the year through.

Full Product Details

9780738715001

Table of Contents

Reviews

In important resource for any Pagan looking to add an old world feeling to their modern practices. --Renaissance Magazine An ideal reference to liven up any Wiccan celebration, renaissance fair, or Pagan pride festival. --New Age Retailer Many readers interested in history, theater, music, and dance will find this book to be of interest...[A] great start to incorporating [folk traditions] into seasonal celebrations. --ForeWord Magazine

In important resource for any Pagan looking to add an old world feeling to their modern practices.--Renaissance Magazine An ideal reference to liven up any Wiccan celebration, renaissance fair, or Pagan pride festival.--New Age Retailer Many readers interested in history, theater, music, and dance will find this book to be of interest...[A] great start to incorporating [folk traditions] into seasonal celebrations.--ForeWord Magazine

"""In important resource for any Pagan looking to add an old world feeling to their modern practices.""--Renaissance Magazine ""An ideal reference to liven up any Wiccan celebration, renaissance fair, or Pagan pride festival.""--New Age Retailer ""Many readers interested in history, theater, music, and dance will find this book to be of interest...[A] great start to incorporating [folk traditions] into seasonal celebrations.""--ForeWord Magazine"

Author Information

Bronwen Forbes shares dances, songs, and plays in workshops at various Pagan and Wiccan festivals, Pride Days, and conferences across the country. For four years, Forbes was dance captain for the Washington Revels, an organization dedicated to preserving and sharing historical seasonal folk songs, dances, and stories from around the world.

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