Books Quote by Terry Pratchett
““AUTHOR’S NOTE The Morris dance . . . . . . is traditionally danced on May 1, to welcome in the summer. Its history is a bit confused, possibly because it’s often danced near pubs, but it is now the English folk dance. The dancers usually wear white, and have bells sewn on their clothes. It is danced by both men and women, and is certainly now danced in the United States too. I know this because I saw the Dark Morris danced in a bookshop in Chicago some years ago. I’d invented the Dark Morris for another book called Reaper Man (at least I think I invented it), and a Morris team (officially known as a side) turned up in all black, just for me. They danced it in silence and perfect time, without the music and bells of the “summer” dance. It was beautifully done. But it was also a bit creepy. So it might not be a good idea to try it at home. .””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Discworld series, Reaper Man, 1991
A dark version of a traditional English folk dance is described, highlighting its eerie atmosphere and cautioning against casual imitation.
In simple terms: A spooky twist on a folk dance, not for home use.
Key Takeaway
Enjoy tradition but respect its context.
Themes
folk tradition
creepy
cultural adaptation
artistic invention
Mood
cautious
reflective
Type
cultural
artistic
When to use this quote
- festivals
- theatre productions
- costume events
- cultural workshops
Key Concepts
dark humor
ritual symbolism
performance art
Questions to Reflect On
- How does altering tradition affect its meaning?
- When is it appropriate to reinvent cultural practices?
A Different Perspective
The dance loses its communal joy when stripped of music and bells.
