sword dance

(thing) by jessicapierce Sun Feb 13 2000 at 18:53:26
The sword dance was one of the three chief English dances of medieval times. It was a ritualistic and ceremonial drama performed by men wearing functional (sharp, not for show) swords and elaborate costumes while parading through the streets. The dance represented and depicted the death of the old year, of Winter, and of scarcity. It brought in the new year festively, with hope of spring and plenty. To symbolize the death of winter, a dnacer must always "die" and be brought to life again as a portrayal of death and resurrection.

del.icio.us Furl Facebook Digg StumbleUpon Reddit   (I like it!)
(thing) by Wintersweet Sun Feb 13 2000 at 18:55:28
Also an art form practiced by the Chinese. There is a famous poem by Dufu about a female sword-dancer.
del.icio.us Furl Facebook Digg StumbleUpon Reddit   (I like it!)
(thing) by Tlachtga Sun Jun 10 2001 at 3:01:10

The Dance of the Sword (Ha Korol ar C'Hleze)
Cornish

Blood, wine, and glee,
Sun, to thee--
Blood, wine, and glee!

Chorus:
Fire! Fire! Steel, oh! Steel!
Fire, fire! Steel and fire!
Oak! Oak, earth, and waves!
Waves, oak, earth and oak!

Glee of dance and song,
And battle-throng--
Battle, dance, and song!

Let the sword blades swing
In a ring--
Let the sword blades swing!

Song of the blue steel,
Death to feel--
Song of the blue steel!

Fight, whereof the sword
Is the Lord--
Fight of the fell sword!

Sword, thou art mighty king
Of battle's ring--
Sword thou might king!

With the rainbow's light
Be though bright--
With the rainbow's light!

Fire! Fire! Steel, oh! Steel!
Fire, fire! Steel and fire!
Oak! Oak, earth and waves!
Waves, oak, earth, and oak!

del.icio.us Furl Facebook Digg StumbleUpon Reddit   (I like it!)
Y'know, if you log in, you can write something here, or contact authors directly on the site. Create a New User if you don't already have an account.